Well, also ask yourself this: do you know what Steve Miller looks like? No, you don't. Nobody does. He could be standing right next to you on the subway platform, playing "Jungle Love" on a custom Stratocaster with his name inlaid on the fretboard in mother-of-pearl, and you still wouldn't know who he is. Because as far as you or anybody else knows, Steve Miller is a big blue space-horse with a mane made out of orange space-flames. But everybody loves him.
In the quote, the author playfully points out that despite being a well-known musician, most people wouldn’t recognize Steve Miller if they saw him in person. The imagery of him as a "big blue space-horse" with unique features underscores how celebrity culture often creates a disconnect between artists and their audience. This whimsical characterization emphasizes the enigmatic nature of fame, suggesting that the persona of a public figure is often more significant than their actual identity.
The mention of his famous song "Jungle Love," played on a custom guitar, highlights the irony that despite his musical success, many might have no idea what he looks like. This speaks to a broader observation about how people consume music and celebrity: we appreciate their art without necessarily knowing them as individuals. Ultimately, it reflects on the idea that affection for an artist can exist independently of personal recognition.
