It depends, really. Some bands accomplish mainstream success because they refined their sound and lots of people recognise them for their talents (see Opeth, Meshuggah, Mastodon, Aphex Twin). Radiohead would have remained a one-hit-wonder if they didn't follow up their rather lame debut with some classic albums that have ensured them mainstream success in the long run.
Then you have other bands that accomplish mainstream success by watering down their sound, sanding down the rough edges and usually by deliberately pandering to a mainstream audience. For one of the most classic examples see Metallica, who have never been able to recover since making radio-friendly tunes in the 90s. The ironic part is that almost all of their fans prefer their earlier, more aggressive material.
I think most people are fine with a band they love becoming popular IF they remain true to their sound. One of my favourite musicians ever is Devin Townsend who has had some pretty big mainstream success in the last few years (as far as metal goes). Most of his fans see that as a good thing, even though he's made some self-aware pop albums. Why do they see it as a good thing? Because he's honest about it, he's not dumbing anything down, he's doing what he wants to do. If I recall correctly he deliberately decided not to release a song he worked on with Nickelback's producer just because it didn't sound authentic. People love that.
So yeah, I'd argue the problem most people have isn't with popularity, but rather the watering down of what they grew to love in the first place.
Then you have other bands that accomplish mainstream success by watering down their sound, sanding down the rough edges and usually by deliberately pandering to a mainstream audience. For one of the most classic examples see Metallica, who have never been able to recover since making radio-friendly tunes in the 90s. The ironic part is that almost all of their fans prefer their earlier, more aggressive material.
I think most people are fine with a band they love becoming popular IF they remain true to their sound. One of my favourite musicians ever is Devin Townsend who has had some pretty big mainstream success in the last few years (as far as metal goes). Most of his fans see that as a good thing, even though he's made some self-aware pop albums. Why do they see it as a good thing? Because he's honest about it, he's not dumbing anything down, he's doing what he wants to do. If I recall correctly he deliberately decided not to release a song he worked on with Nickelback's producer just because it didn't sound authentic. People love that.
So yeah, I'd argue the problem most people have isn't with popularity, but rather the watering down of what they grew to love in the first place.
