Not only are video games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero III destroying an entire generation (and probably future generations) of would-be real musicians, these press-button evils are now responsible for helping revive the careers of hacks like Motley Crue. I'm sorry, folks, the kids are not alright.
Check out this gamer "shredding" (in front of a live audience!) and being rewarded for his pseudo skills. Yes, I know, I sound like a curmudgeon. But when people start paying to see someone play with a toy that mimics actual musicianship, it will be time for me to find a mountaintop far, far away … and never return.
This article appears in May 28 – Jun 3, 2008.
