The gods are not happy: Jimmy Page and Jack White find learning music through Guitar Hero ‘sad’
Jimmy Page and Jack White are not singing praises for Guitar Hero. Their concurrence: video games shouldn’t be how people get exposed to music or playing instruments. In a press conference in LA, promoting the documentary “It Might Get Loud”, the two legendary guitarists (Page from Led Zeppelin, White from The White Stripes, in case you didn’t know) gave out their thoughts on music-simulation games.
Jimmy Page and Jack White are not singing praises for Guitar Hero. Their concurrence: video games shouldn’t be how people get exposed to music or playing instruments. In a press conference in LA, promoting the documentary “It Might Get Loud”, the two legendary guitarists (Page from Led Zeppelin, White from The White Stripes, in case you didn’t know) gave out their thoughts on music-simulation games.
Page: You think of the drum part that John Bonham did on Led Zeppelin’s first track on the first album, Good Times Bad TImes. How many drummers in the world can play that part, let alone on Christmas morning?
White: It’s depressing to have a label come and tell you that [Guitar Hero] ishow kids are learning about music and experiencing music. [Without limiting] which format people should get their music in… if you have to be in a video game to get in front of them, that’s a little sad.
If you don’t mind my sharing my opinion, I think the sad bit here is how musicians are being too negative with the proliferation of music video games. Yes, playing the real thing is always better — there’s no other alternative to it, honestly. But at the same time, you have to give credit where credit is due.
My belief is that these video games actually do help enrich the knowledge and the experience of those playing it, especially the kids, and so develop a wider appreciation for music. Not a wider understanding of the art per se, but at least recognition and appreciation.
It’s just another avenue for music to spread. Music is supposed to be fun. Music video games just upped the fun level to another notch. Frankly, if not for these music video games, I think kids of the younger generation will not have access to great bands like Led Zep and The White Stripes, probably out of intimidation or simply out of ignorance.
I understand why they would want to retain the art form “pure” in the strictest sense, but come on. Times are evolving. It’s better to adapt than get left behind gathering dust in a collector’s box up in the attic.
We rock, we roll.
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Via Music Radar