Do musicians have more of a responsibility to serve themselves or their fans?

Whenever a musician or band takes on a different “sound”, a lot of their core audience doesn’t receive it too warmly. Even though the new effort can gain a lot of critical reception, the core fanbase is oftentimes alienated from the group. Think Pretty. Odd. by Panic at the Disco or Adore by Smashing Pumpkins, both of which were praised critically, but poorly received by fans.

I personally think a musician’s sound is up to them, and that they should try to cater to their own wants and needs over those of their fans. That’s not to say I think that they should completely ignore their fans, but that they should not restrict themselves creatively to satisfy the needs of their listeners.

Steps down from soapbox. Now, what do you think?