MEDIA THEORY: RICHARD DYER'S POP STARS

Last week we learned about a theorist named Richard Dyer, whose ideas are somewhot similar to Theodore Adornono's idea of a mega culture industry, but attibuted to individuals rather than a whole market.

Dyer states that a "Pop Star" and "Pop performer" are in fact two different meanings. A pop star is characterised by a meteoric rise whether by a positive or negative means and is world known for short period of time but will ultiamtley be shleved and have no legacy. A pop performer is simply a performer of a popular art form that has a lasting impact on musical or artistic culture.

A pop star has become primarily about the image and is in all essences a brand. this can be attributed to their management and they will do almost anything to promote their "brand". For example we read about all kinds of sordid love affairs and negative behaviour in the sun and heat magazine, however it draws attention away from music to focus soley on the star. A good example of a pop star would be Miley Cyrus who has recieved considerable amounts of media attention latley. Making a drastic change from an innocent Disney child star to the next Lindsay Lohan, has gained her considerable attention which has been primarily negative especially in light of her sexual MTV performance. However this does work  in accordance with Dyers theory - that any publicity is good publicity and Cyrus has revieced A LOT of publicity making her successful in the eyes of her contractors.

Dyer did also propose that a true Pop performer will have a significant impact on the world and will do so even after they have left the limelight.
Freddie Mercury is a prime example. His flamboyant and outlandish behaviour became  an iconic part of his image while at the same time he is recognised as one of the greatest Rock singers of the 20th century. This has ensured that the music he recorded with Queen will be remembered for many years to come. This is already evident, e.g. the song Bohemian Rhapsody is still considered one of the great rock songs and many people still know the lyrics almost 40 years after its release. Freddie Mercury died an icon and in accordance with Dyers star theory this is how he will remain for years to come.




Bibliography

• Richard Dyer Stars (1980)