When a band gains recognition from a signature sound or style, it becomes what their original fans relate them to. If the band matures or tries something new and the sound changes enough to shock the original followers, they consider the Band to have "Sold Out" from it's roots to become "Mainstream". Even though the Band may sound awesome as it matures and increases it's fanbase 10 times over, the negative response is usually generated by the original fans who spread their opinion about the once known "Garage band" to now "Superstar" status they achieved by "selling out".

To build an Empire the Caliper of Metallica, the music has to be really good for it's majority fanbase, or they would crumble. Nevertheless, the minority will always voice their opinion even though most will never create anything close by comparisan through their lifetime.

The band U2 got blasted by many Christian fans after they released "Joshua Tree", claiming they had strayed from their roots to gain success and this will ultimately destroy them. The majority obviously didn't agree.