Jimmy Page, Jack White slam Guitar Hero

White Stripes on upcoming game, though

Joe Bosso, Tue 23 Jun 2009, 12:30 pm UTC

White's got a song on Guitar Hero 5. Just don't expect him to be happy about it

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and The White Stripes' Jack White have slammed the popular Guitar Hero franchise.

During a press conference in Los Angeles last Friday (19 June) to promote MusicRadar's favorite new movie, the documentary It Might Get Loud, the two guitarists said that they don't feel video games are the ideal way to expose people to music or to teach them to play instruments.

"You think of the drum part that John Bonham did on Led Zeppelin's first track on the first album, Good Times Bad Times," Page said. "How many drummers in the world can play that part, let alone on Christmas morning?"

"It's depressing to have a label come and tell you that [Guitar Hero] is how kids are learning about music and experiencing music" Jack White

White went on to say that "It's depressing to have a label come and tell you that [Guitar Hero] is how kids are learning about music and experiencing music." While he added that he doesn't try to limit "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."

White last line takes on special significance: In the upcoming Guitar Hero 5, due out in September, The White Stripes' song Blue Orchid is featured alongside tracks by Santana, Vampire Weekend and The Rolling Stones, among others.

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User comments (5)

Bhoyo

32 weeks ago.

Have to say guys, it was playing GH made me take Guitar lessons. I realised the time I was investing in playing and practicing on GH would be better spent learning to play the real thing. Since I bought my guitar I haven't played GH, not even once.

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stringsthings

32 weeks ago.

video games are a source of entertainment for those that want to interact with a television screen ..... they may expose people to music, but that is not their primary purpose .... and they certainly will not inspire anyone to learn an instrument .... they will, however, inspire people to purchase more video games ....

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namunger

32 weeks ago.

As a music teacher, I've seen a lot of interest come from people who have Guitar Hero or Rock Band, and want to move on to the real thing. Some people are intimidated by musical instruments, but the games help them break down the wall and get the courage to try. Whatever it takes, I say.

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frek89

32 weeks ago.

geez its just a game, just a bit of light hearted fun. and a good party game when everyone is a bit too tipsy to really play guitar, i agree that its a bit sad that kids are only discovering bands because of a video game, but so what there still being exposed to it, its no less respectable than being exposed to the music on myspace or on a tv ad

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MrGawain

32 weeks ago.

I can't fly a fighter jet.
I can't play basketball in the because I'm a short arse and I'm rubbish.
I have never visited the Mushroom Kingdom and jumped up and down on Turtles whilst wearing a big gay moustache.
But I have in video games. It's a laugh to waste time on a wet Sunday afternoon.
I do however play the guitar. And I don't think I can judge a kid who wants to pretend to play the guitar have a bit of fun. And if there inspired to move onto a real one, then that's great.

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