I for one take great offense to the fact that somebody would assume I am not a "true" or "real" police fan because I do not have the money or the time to attend the HOF show.  Do I tell my son "Oh I am sorry honey, you are not getting any Xmas presents this year because Mommy has to show her true dedication to Sting and go to the HOF concert. "  That is ridiculous.  Just because I cannot afford to hop a plane and go to Italy doesn't mean I am not a true fan.  Being a fan of a group means its in your heart and that person has touched you in a way nobody else has.  Being an overzealous person who can throw money around does not make one  "true" or "real"  fan. 

In Websters Dictionary the word REAL is defined several different ways, one of them being: Essential: basic. 

My two cents on the subject..... 
Heather