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Led Zeppelin less likely than ever in Guitar Hero or Rock Band
Music site NME.com splashes a little cold water on those of us hoping there's some behind-the-scenes deal in the works to bring Led Zeppelin to either Rock Band or Guitar Hero. During a press junket for the upcoming documentary It Might Get Loud, Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page said:
that he can't imagine that people are really learning anything significant about playing instruments by playing video games.
I would have hoped someone would have explained to the members of Led Zeppelin the value of Rock Band and Guitar Hero by now. I will grant Mr. Page that fake guitaring doesn't very well approximate real guitaring. But has he seen anyone drum on expert? And more to the point, doesn't he know that for some people, these games are an impetus to actually learn how to play real instruments?
Also, White Stripes guitarist Jack White characterized the games' popularity as "sad" and "depressing", but maybe he just knows there aren't nearly as many people pining to play along with White Stripes songs.
By Morbius at 10:14 AM ON 06/23/09
For a guy who used recreational drugs, he really doesn't seem to get the concept of fun.
By Joshua at 11:01 AM ON 06/23/09
I could be wrong (can't verify right now), but the White quote I saw was that he felt it was "sad" and "depressing" that this is now the way kids are being introduced to songs.
I own Rock Band, I dig it (it's worth noting the rock star dream is dead for me by now), but I can also see why an artist would not want their songs on it. To me, it seems perfectly reasonable, especially considering most/all of them spent literally thousands of hours in their youth mastering their instruments of choice - and were rewarded handsomely for their effort.
I really don't know why gamers get into such a tizzy every time an artist says anything unkind towards these games.
By Jarira at 11:35 AM ON 06/23/09
I don't get why musicians get into such a tizzy at these music/rhythm games. Insecurity problems much?
Do F1 drivers get into a hissy fit over racing games?
Mastering Rockband has nothing to do with my "real" guitar skills. I know it's not the same thign. I am as impressed at my ability to play on expert as I am at someones ability to p8wn at Street Fighter 4 ... what's the difference? It's gaming skillz. Chill out.
By J_Ore at 2:23 PM ON 06/23/09
I don't think musicians have any real reason for their disdain for games as a music delivery system. It's mostly a reaction towards a new platform built on past tradition and nostalgia. I love the radio too, but the idea that music is somehow more legitimate or respectable because it's coming out of a radio rather than a television or gaming console doesn't have legs. What about listening to the radio over the internet, I wonder?
By Smash Atoms at 2:35 PM ON 06/23/09
This just means that a big enough truck full of money has yet to be backed up to their mansions.
By boxybrown at 9:09 AM ON 06/24/09
Just for the record, I'd kill a man, in front of his own family.
To play Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground by the White Stripes, on Rockband.
Or Guitar Hero, or that terrible battle of the bands game with all the racial stereotypes on the cover for that matter.
By MikeJones at 1:54 PM ON 07/12/09
It makes a father really proud to see his 9yo son interested in the Rolling Stones or The Who songs that were released 20 yrs before he was born all because of playing rockband.
I 100% agree that the guitar is an inaccurate way to learn an instrument, but it does provide an interest and a gateway to learning instruments and awesome classic rock and roll. I just wish we could play some freakin Led Zeppelin.
MikeJones:
It makes a father really proud to see his 9yo son interested in the Rolling Stones or The Who songs that were relea...More »