Penny Lane meet Daisy Jones

I’m not sure about you but this month I was stuck to my TV every weekend streaming the weekly Daisy Jones and the Six episodes. I mean, to me, it is the perfect show. Set in the 70s, with amazing fashion, rock music, and obviously groupies. Not to mention the AMAZING album that Aurora is (More Fun to Miss 100% going to be in my Spotify wrapped this year). I am aware of the similarities between Daisy Jones and the history of Fleetwood Mac, don’t fret – I will address it. So due to the release of the show, I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about my new favorite show and my favorite movie.

 (I will also do my very best to avoid spoilers but if I know I will mention one I will warn)

Before Daisy Jones and the Six, there was Almost famous. Both are fantastic pieces of media in which groupies are one of the most important parts of the movie/show. Although they share some similarities in their portrayal of groupies, they also have major differences. In my unprofessional opinion of groupies, I believe Daisy Jones and the Six did a better portrayal of the life of groupies than Almost Famous.

Why do I think Daisy Jones has a better portrayal of groupies than Almost Famous? Mainly because I feel like Almost Famous romanticizes the lifestyle too much. Do not get me wrong, it is probably my favorite movie and one of the reasons I fell in love with groupies, but it is too rose-colored. Daisy Jones has a better portrayal of the abuse groupies went through, and still do. Though, the book did an even better job and I am so incredibly upset they cut down on Daisy’s groupie life in the show. I will note however that both Daisy Jones and Almost Famous makes a great portrayal of drug use in groupies. *spoiler ahead* For example, Penny Lane’s overdose in New York City. Groupies had a huge drug issue during the 70s and many times overdosed. Sometimes the drug issue was encouraged by artists. Some groupies hung around artists for free drugs. As I have said in the past, I will not sugarcoat the horrors that groupies went through. 

Another great portrayal that both of them have is the minor issue. Daisy and Penny Lane are both minors when they are groupies (Daisy started off at 14 and Penny Lane was 16 in the movie). However, Almost Famous just brushes over it and does not really mention it or make a big deal out of it. This is what I mean when I say they romanticized it because the groupies being minors is portrayed as ‘fun’ not tragic. Like, why did no one question why minors were doing this? Anyways, Daisy Jones does mention how Daisy being a minor was an issue. She did not have anyone and believes she was a baby who did not deserve to go through what she did. Groupies back then did not really care but it is still alarming that artists knew and willingly hooked up with minors and took them around with them on tour.

On a more positive note, comparison of Daisy Jones and Stevie Nicks (the groupie edition). So main differences between Daisy and Stevie. 

1. Daisy was a groupie pre-fame
2. Stevie had a long-term relationship with Lindsey Buckingham before Fleetwood Mac (Daisy did not)

They had some similarities with the drama that went on, though it is in no shape at all accurate with the original story. Fleetwood Mac was an inspiration or at best it was loosely based on it. I’m aware I did not cover much on the Stevie Nicks issue but, next column is all about Stevie I promise.

Overall, I think Daisy Jones and the Six was a great show and the soundtrack was amazing too. I was actually considering making this week’s column solely on the Aurora album. I am aware it is a fictional band but let me tell you that album is amazing and I wish they would tour in real life. Fun Fact! All the actors play the instruments their characters play! So if they were to go on tour they would play their instruments! Anyways even if you do not have time to watch the show for the 70s rock, give the album a listen – you will not regret it.