The image of the elegantly wasted star is an oft-repeated rock 'n' roll archetype. And this image has apparently become a pitfall for Pollard. At GBV concerts, fans egg on his drinking as if it carries some kind of inherent heroism, and Pollard seems eager to play the role to his followers' delight. But the thing is, it's kind of our shtick. Everybody wants to have something to associate the band with.
Different bands have different things.
Like, the Grateful Dead did the acid thing, and everybody thought it was good to see the Grateful Dead play on acid. But our shows are just a party. If that brings out more people to see the show, then fine. I mean, I'm not saying everybody should drink. But our music is more complex and it's not about alcohol.