Earlier this week the music world lost one of the defining figures of rock’n’roll: Bo Diddley.
Beginning in the ‘50s and spanning a 50-year-career, this singer/guitarist introduced the world to his rhythmic beat and powerful vocals on classic tracks like “Who Do You Love,” “I’m a Man” and, of course, “Hey Bo Diddley.” His influence on rock is immeasurable, having inspired everyone from Buddy Holly to the Rolling Stones.
However, in the wake of Diddley’s passing, it’s tempting to wonder if any other guitarist has had the same influence? Also, is there a contemporary artist inspiring people to pick up the guitar the way he did?
I don’t think so.
In fact, it seems that more and more kids are passing up real guitars in favor of their videogame counterparts in games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero.
Is Guitar Hero ruining real music?
It’s probably too soon to tell. And while it is possible that playing this virtual guitar will inspire some gamers to pick up real instruments, it’s also possible that the result is merely going to be a new generation of uninspired cover bands dishing out lame renditions of songs they learned from the video game.
The game company has recently announced plans for editions of the game focused on specific bands such as Aerosmith and Metallica. Wonder if they’ll ever do a country version of the game?
What do you think?
Do games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero inspire people to start real bands?
Or do games make people to lazy to learn to play real instruments?
Leave a comment and tell us what you think!
Paintpop says...
06.7.08 3:53 am
In response to your ‘tempting’ question whether any other guitarist has had as much influence as Diddley, have you ever heard of a guitarist called Jimi Hendrix?
Whilst the blues players from which Jimi’s music derived, certainly popularised the instrument to contemporary music, influentially, Hendrix inspired a whole generation of guitarists to not only pick up the instrument but to challenge the boundaries of the instrument’s capability.
I’m not doubting that Diddley was influential but surely not in the league that leaves Hendrix’ name spoken in reverence from guitarists.