My wife is downstairs in the “man room” pounding a set of fake drums in a tutorial for playing a Metallica song on Rock Band. We just finished band practice with our neighbors, who are part of one of our bands in the game. She won’t stop playing until she’s too tired, most likely around 1:30 am or so.
Sometimes, she’ll hold the microphone AND play the drums as the same time. We don’t have a mic stand… you can figure out where she nestles the mic while she plays.
Rock Band is a phenomenon for me. In no other way could you convince me to sing, play imaginary instruments or act like a fool in front of my friends, except in my own basement. I have friends whom I would never expect to do the same come over and get going immediately. There’s no learning or break in. It’s just on, because that’s what music invites you to do… participate.
It’s challenging, fun and completely age-agnostic. It really is fun for the whole family. My nephews owned it before many people in this country did, and they rule it. When I play the drums to a Rush song, I get stoked because I’ve always played drums to Rush songs in my head… for years. And now they offer me the ultimate experience of playing along and learning how to play it. Amazing.
It’s said that the age barrier is disintegrating. Older people are doing the same things outside and inside, as younger people. Mountain biking, going to art shows, buying cell phones, PS3’s, nice jeans and limited edition Nike shoes.
Rock Band capitalizes on this and the fact that Rock is universal now. Who doesn’t want to be in a Rock Band at some point in their life? I play bass guitar mostly, but I can play drums and sing Black Sabbath or Rush songs. Meghan hates Rush. She loves the Beastie Boys though.
There are some extremely notable holes in the music selections in Rock Band including: Led Zeppelin, Guns n’ Roses and Van Halen, to name a few. It’s interesting to note the new lease on life that this game offers to some bands. I am sure my nephews and his friends have bought songs from Itunes because of the game, and maybe even CDs, but why would they?
Led Zeppelin would be a revelation in Rock Band. It would drive millions more people to try and play the game. Same with the Grateful Dead.
I would crap my pants to play “Mr Brownstone” from G n’ R. And “Jump” or “Panama” from Van Halen would be complete insanity. These songs were already part of my life, and I loved them. And with Rock Band, we all get to love them over and over, and act out those fantasies in the privacy of our own home.
In addition to all of this, Rock Band is completely social, relatively healthy (compared to static, seated video games) and playing online offers a rewarding experience. Theoretically, you could join band members from all over the world, go on tour together, improve your skills together, earn gigs, cash, fans and tour perks and make it big in the virtual world.
In Rock Band, there is no narrative, you make it up as you want to. The game provides the tools, you make the decisions. It’s the ultimate “Choose Your Own Adventure”, but there are millions of people playing right along with you.
I truly believe this integrated, social, talent-driven experience is the way gaming should be. It’s a much more positive experience than many other games and it ties together existing entertainment value of the music you love already.
Stop denying yourself some serious, completely harmless, socially networked fun.
TURN IT UP!!! AND RIP THE KNOB OFF!
25 responses ↓
1 J. O'Shea // Mar 10, 2008 at 11:03 am
Oh dang. Now I’m even more excited to visit you.
Unfortunately, this might mean less hot tub time with me.
You’re gonna be Neil Schon. I’ll be Steve Perry.
Did you ever play the video game of the band Journey? It was all time. Speaking of that, I need to set aside a good chunk of time to spend at Ground Kontrol. I’m going to introduce Sylvia to Tron.
2 gib // Mar 12, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Social??!! WTF. I haven’t seen you in months. A bunch of dudes played poker last night- I know you knew about it……I think your idea of social is a little off.
I avoid this game at all costs and I hate it when I’m at a friend’s house and they play.
I do agree this game is interactive and absolutely is more positive than most video games. I guess I’m a wuss and I should try it some more. At least I know where and what you are doing when you aren’t being “social”. You hermit.
(any of you who don’t know me probably think I’m an asshole. Really I just like giving Switchblade a hard time and his blog is a perfect place to do it since I never see him. I poke fun because I like him so much.)
NERDS!!!
3 Wifey // Mar 12, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Jess.
My guess is that you suck at Rock Band, and therefore just like to shit all over those that love it and kick your ass at.
I will also conclude this comment with a “get my man out to go fishing already”.
xoxo
4 gib // Mar 14, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Meeg I am not that cool on the Rock Band scene. I played once on the guitar and I wasn’t into it. I could see the drums being more fun. I think what would really make it more fun is seeing your microphone holding technique. Rock on Nerds!! : )
5 J. O'Shea // Apr 1, 2008 at 12:50 pm
i hope the reason you haven’t been posting is because you’re getting ready for our arrival.
please have all styx songs all cued up on rock band. i’m going to do a killer version of “lady” whilst stroking your beard. it will be ill.
if meghan holds the beasties in such high regard, you married a very smart woman. they’re in my all-time top five along with the clash, ac/dc, archers, and the dead kennedys. does rock band have any DKs music?
i’m going straight to ground kontrol when we arrive. i’ll call you from there.
6 LG // Apr 3, 2008 at 4:39 am
vin! after all but abandoning vinceland, I finally discover this site, and also find out that you too are a Rock Band addict. We recently made the switch from Guitar Hero to Rock Band. Super stoked!
I’ll be out your way in May, we’ll have to rock out!
7 J. O'Shea // Apr 24, 2008 at 11:06 am
trying to sing like Karen O. with you “strumming” right next to me was quite an experience.
thanks very much to you and your lovely wife for having that BBQ.
we loved seeing you.
J
8 J. O'Shea // May 16, 2008 at 5:57 am
oh. here we go again. 2+ months w/o a post.
please dedicate more time to entertaining the rest of us.
j
9 Switchblade // May 18, 2008 at 10:53 am
Will do.
VRL
10 J. O'Shea // Jun 16, 2008 at 8:48 am
This is ridiculous. I’m worrying myself sick. Happy Father’s Day. Go Celtics. Jake is courtside often. LA is the easiest city to hate. Texas is the easiest state to hate.
11 Bessie // Oct 27, 2008 at 5:32 am
Well written article.
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