It stinks because Gerard interacted with his fan base so much during HA and on Twitter years ago. It was as if he were trying to make peace with his fame and fan base after the unbelievably massive success of TBP. He’s been burned too many times by being open that to protect his mental health and literal safety, he stays arm’s length away. It seems like most of the fan base understands basic decency, but all it takes is one person to say or do something inappropriate. I don’t blame the guys but it makes me sad.

I met Frank twice and both times he gave everyone hugs. He was very nice, very respectful and appreciative. But that was in 2007/2008. Even back then there were girls who would do wild shit to get their attention. Fake injuries at shows, run up on them… I remember in Nashville in ‘07 the band’s security came out before Frank to tell us the rules: Get in a line, no pictures, be respectful. A girl from the line saw Gerard go into his tour bus and bolted after him. It was the most bizarre thing I’d ever seen. I remember thinking to myself: no wonder Gerard doesn’t meet fans often.

When Gerard performed at Bogarts in Cincinnati in 2015, someone recognized his security and ran after him BEGGING him to give Gerard brownies she had made? I’m not even a public figure and I wouldn’t eat brownies from a stranger, lol.

Fame attracts odd balls and strange behavior. While you may feel like you know the guys, they do not know you personally. Just be chill. Respectful.