Recent articles
A long while back you could count yourself to be quite the indie rock specialist if you spoke of Jack White and his band The White Stripes. But since 2003 and the song "Seven Nation Army" from the band's "Elephant" album, The White Stripes have become a favourite at dinner parties the world over. That's just the way it goes.
Jack White has moved on to tour with another band, The Dead Weather, but this summer The White Stripes will resurface in the rock-along videogame Guitar Hero 5. Last Friday Jack White seemed less than pleased with the new attention that's sure to come his way from teens strumming on fake guitars connected to games consoles.
During an LA press conference for the "It Might Get Loud" documentary, in which White features alongside Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page and U2's The Edge, the cheeky feller had the gall to get the blues about the youth of today.
NME journalists reporting from the event have White down as saying: "It's depressing to have a label come and tell you that [Guitar Hero] is how kids are learning about music and experiencing music." And, "If you have to be in a videogame to get in front of them, that's a little sad." We're sure he won't turn down the royalties though.
Jimmy Page also used the stage to continue his much publicised disapproval of Guitar Hero, Rock Band and their ilk. In summary, according the NME, Page believes that kids can't be learning anything worthwhile about musical instruments by playing videogames. He says: "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?" And then probably fell asleep with a Werther's Original in his gob, we don't know.
Guys, it's only a game! Or is it? No, it is. Isn't it?
Should we be tossing our plastic guitars and drums on the scrap heap for the sake of real rock 'n' roll? Do you think practicing for hours with a music videogame is a waste of time? Should Jack White have kept his mouth shut - will you boycott his songs in Guitar Hero 5? Is it past Jimmy Page's bedtime already?
Let us know your thoughts.
Comment on this article
Please sign in to add your comments.
User comments
i play the guitar and i must say it isnt easy to learn as everybody thinks. ya know just pick up a guitar and play! i think GHWT and Rock Band are a great way for @#$% to play the instrument that EVERYBODY dreams of playing! its a bit of fun, cmon Mr White. I completed both games on Expert, but its a game and all the it is, is FUN! Will (TCaB THBoots - XboxLive)
Posted by: kobrabfmv011 on Thu Jun 25 10:04PM | Report abuseI played Wii Tennis earlier. I thought I might enter Wimbledon next year...
Posted by: rigadon2000 on Thu Jun 25 10:04PM | Report abusePentatonic scales.....over and over...Yawn, Yawn!
Posted by: robmacdonald2003 on Thu Jun 25 10:04PM | Report abusethe two of them should retract ther statements becuse in the curent climate not many people have money or jobs so they cant pay over the odds to go see them live plus guitar hero brings people together you know what i mean your strumming along to songs from yesteryear and everyone plays ther part be it on drums or other instruments its fun as for the white stripes if he did not like the game why agree to be part of it simple anser is the money az if both him and page havent got enough of of it dam cheek critasizing guitar hero
Posted by: tons_callander on Thu Jun 25 10:05PM | Report abuseI play Guitar Hero with my wife and 11-year-old daughter. It's a laugh, but it's also giving my daughter an education about rock music. Not for her the godforsaken mass-produced radio-friendly world of so-called "R&B". She's getting into Metallica, Guns 'n' Roses, Blondie... She wants to learn to play guitar for real now as well. Tell me that's a bad thing! And Jack White - only one decent song??? Who the heck are you people??!? I bet you think the Chris Moyles show is at the cutting edge of music, don't you...
Posted by: rob_baker71 on Thu Jun 25 10:06PM | Report abuseIt may not teach them how to play the instrument but it certainly teaches them rhythm and how to stay in time, for when they do want to learn real instruments
Posted by: roberthanly on Thu Jun 25 10:06PM | Report abuseThese games are just part of the dumbing down of everything on the planet that the corporations can get their hands on. The irony is that instead of bringing people closer to music they make people like White and Page seem Godlike and that what they have achieved through hard work and dedication is beyond the reach of mere mortals . Yes it is just a game so what is anyone over the age of ten doing playing it ?
Posted by: boywithpipe on Thu Jun 25 10:06PM | Report abuseyeah i agree so let them be they aint doing no harm just let em be maybe they will become gods
Posted by: bertsmithxxx on Thu Jun 25 10:06PM | Report abuseguitar hero is for cunts
Posted by: fergusonap on Thu Jun 25 10:06PM | Report abuseITS NOT BAD, ITS INTRODUCING THE YOUNGER GENERATION TO A GENRE OF MUSIC THEY HAVE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD BEFORE, IT WILL GIVE THEM THE INCENTIVE TO TAKE UP THE REAL GUITAR AND FORM BANDS!
Posted by: abrown532 on Thu Jun 25 10:06PM | Report abuse