They certainly had a rabid fan base. I once met a guy who told me he spent a few years in the 70s following them around, making money to support himself by selling small stone carvings outside their shows. He grew up a rock hound.
I sold grilled cheese, beer and soda, and various ‘other’ things to stay on tour. It often required leaving before the encore so I could get set up for the waves of folks leaving the show. I missed a few songs over the years but doing so made it so I could make it to the next show… and the next show… and the next show. I was at my poorest, but I was never without a smile.