[tigerthelion]

My summary of the Hip's success is if you've ever really gotten into the Hip, you're in for life. You rarely meet people who used to love them, but have since changed their minds. I find people that love the Hip (the most die-hard fans ever) and people that don't care for them. Rarely do I find the middle ground where people say "they're okay, I like a couple songs".

Unfortunately, I think this is definitely NOT true. Look at the dwindling sales for the last 4 or 5 albums. Depending on who you talk to, you'll get different answers on when the fans dropped off, but there's obviously a huge contingent of people who used to love the hip, but just don't anymore...

I have a friend who says they've been going downhill since FC, and probably hasn't bought an album since DFN.... My girlfriend says she completely lost interest when TATH came out, but that they've finally redeemed themselves with IBE... but that's after I've all but forced the album on her...

I agree. Pretty much everyone I talk to about the Hip says they like the old stuff like UTH, RA, and FC. I know maybe one person who is remotely interested in their last three or four albums.

So I guess I'm saying that I have no real Hip fans as friends. That's why it makes it difficult to see shows. I'd rather go to a show with someone but if I can't get anyone I'll probably go myself, which I have done before. The Hip are one of only a few bands I'd see myself though. Most other bands just aren't worth it to me. I'd go alone to The Hip, Pearl Jam, U2, Neil Young, and maybe a few more.