wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Rowdy fans of the horror-rap group Insane Clown Posse, or “Juggalos,” made headlines recently after pelting singer Tila Tequila and rapper Method Man with rocks and other objects at a live music festival in Illinois.

For years, indie rockers who loved jam bands lived in the shadows, sharing their love of guitar solos and 20-minute songs with only their most trusted friends. Now, musicians in the Pitchfork set are speaking out about how Phish, the Grateful Dead and others have influenced their work.

In his new memoir Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life, music writer Steve Almond looks at rock music from practically every angle: the fans, musicians, artists and "drooling fanatics."

As the surviving members of the Grateful Dead reunite for concerts in New York this weekend, Soundcheck’s occasional series on superfans continues with a look at Deadheads. Music critic Ben Ratliff of the New York Times; Peter Conners, author of the memoir "Growing Up Dead;" and sociologist Rebecca Adams of ...

Why are some music fans content to buy a CD and see a show or two of their favorite artists, while others follow their idols to the end of the earth, dressing the part and even trying to emulate those artists' lives? We put the question to David Wild, author ...

As Wagner's "Ring Cycle" arrives at the Metropolitan Opera this week critics contend that it's the ultimate in long, boring and bombastic music drama. But Wagner fans (or "Ringheads") argue that few composers pack in more thrilling songs, glorious orchestral passages, and big ideas -- and the rewards for the ...

A recent off-stage tumble in Sydney sent musician Jimmy Buffett to the hospital. It also sent shockwaves through the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” singer’s notoriously colorful fanbase. Today: our series on fan communities examines the cult of so-called “Parrot Heads” with Scott Nickerson, founder of Parrot Heads in Paradise, an international association of Parrot Head clubs. Margaritas may be served.