I've come to the conclusion that it's better to die while you're on top, rather than spend years embarassing yourself into obscurity.

There are so many examples...Phil Spector is now charged with murder, Michael Jackson should have died right after "Thriller," and of course, the best example, Elvis....

In general, I would say the former. The only exception I can think of off the top of my head is Johnny Cash.

Of course, if it were a loved one, I would say the latter. But we're talking about celebrities and not actual people, right?

Yep. Just celebrities. Good for you for thinking of Johnny Cash, though. There are of course the few and proud who avoid the fading away fate. Although Johnny could have easily gone either way.

the problem with burning out is you really dont know when you are at the top of your game or not.
certain artist keep surprising us with their revivals that it would be sad to think they just wouldve cut off there.
people like david bowie, evlis costello, van morrison and james taylor might not be at the top of their career now but they still produce a lot of music that their fans really do enjoy.

therefore id rather see LEGIT artist fade away. Ja Rule should burn in whatever flames we can find though.

edit: ditto for actors.

(Edited by Superflks at 1:45 pm on Nov. 20, 2003)

Seinfield,
Michael Jordan (Then he fucked up and returned.........twice) then faded away.
Sampras (sort of) he knew when to quit

Stockton and Malone shouldve retired a long time ago.


I guess it really depends on what kind of artist you are. If you are trying to satisfy pop culture, its probably better to burn out. If you are trying to satisfy physical fitness, definitly burn out. If your art appeals to a wider scope of people, and you are original and the art can continue to evolve, fade away.

(Edited by GrungeSlobTearPants at 2:18 pm on Nov. 20, 2003)

The Simpsons should have burned out about 3 years ago. It's still a pretty good show, though, when I can catch it.

By the way....Jonathan Brandis died.

what the fuck?

weird.

if someone's art is still evolving... I hardly consider them to be fading away... even if they lost some popularity

rubbish. stockton was still better than half of the point guards in the league half his age.

and Malone is averaging a double-double this year. That's pretty good when you've got Shaq and Kobe trying to do all the scoring.

Oh Yes, Stockton was amazing, but how long can you bear to watch men who are getting up there in age, get beat up on by young, cocky 18 year olds. At some point you just want them to throw in the towel so that they can have a little bit of self respect when its over. We all know Payton and Malone sold out and joined the lakers just so that they can have a ring before they retire....I'm not saying thats really wrong, but its kind of degrading to thier old teams, and what we knew them as before.

Malone has stated that the only reason he hasn't retired yet is because he wants to set the all-time scoring record. At this rate, he'll have to play until he's 45 to do that, and he says he plans on doing that. I can't even begin to imagine what old-man Malone will be like 5 years from now. He should definitely burn out within the next two seasons.