I wonder how people would treat them if they never changed musically, but were just as wealthy. Would people still say they're just in it for the money, call them fakes? Would they say Metallica was unable to evolve? Much like Slayer.. You know, knuckle-draggers, at least musically.
I take no issue with saying the goals/agenda of the band changed, as did their music. That type of evolution can be applied to EVERYONES life. As we achieve success, it would be pretty hypocritical to keep writing tunes about how you can't afford the soft toilet paper. Don't like the direction they went in? Understandable. Millions of fans would disagree though and making blanket statements like "they really should hang it up" or "I hope the money takes the sting out of selling out" is horseshit. You get into music for 4 reasons Creativity, $$$$, Sex and Drugs. That's it. I suppose, if you've achieved all that, you've sold-out. If you haven't, take pride in eating crackers for dinner and living out of your van.
If you've moved up, you too must have "sold-out" at some point in your life.
