Bill Wyman, Nick Mason: Music Games Stop Kids From Learning Music - News
by VGChartz Staff , posted on 16 September 2009 / 2,238 Views
It's well known that music games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band split opinions even in the music world. Some artists have seen increased popularity after an appearence in either game, while others like Jimmy Page and Prince have been overly critical of the genre. To join that list now we have two very well known musicians, the former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman and the former Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.
According to an interview with the BBC, Wyman wasn't very pleased with the effect games like Rock Band have, saying
"It makes less and less people dedicated to really get down and learn an instrument. I think is a pity so I'm not really keen on that kind of stuff."
Such feelings were shared by Mason (though, in a more mild manner) in a similar interview, where he called the games "interesting new developments" but not without adding
"It irritates me having watched my kids do it - if they spent as much time practising the guitar as learning how to press the buttons they'd be damn good by now."
What's also interesting is that Mason said that a Guitar Hero/Rock Band game hadn't been ruled out, and that it's possible they may work into one in the future. We'll see if Mason's dismissive statement is repeated if a Pink Floyd: Rock Band is announced
Music games have a lot of times been reported with turning a lot of players into playing real instruments, so it's not sure whether Wyman and Mason are right. Maybe it's more the fact that it's something that it's totally new for them.
What do you think, do rhythm games encourage or discourage learning how to play real instruments?
Source: BBC
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That's like saying, 'Operation' stops people from being a Doctor. As if there aren't enough musicians out there who don't even have any recognition. People like your music. Be glad and let them enjoy it even if it is in a game. Personally I wouldn't mind learning 2 or 3 instruments but I don't really care to. If i'm playing music what do I need you for? 2 or 3 hits, maybe?
lol if kids would play an instrument as much as they play the games then wed have some musical geniuses, but if they studied as much as they play games wed have a cure for cancer, lol i play guitar on RB and in life and its funny to watch my bro beat me in guitar hero playing on expert but he dont know a damn chord.
A Pink Floyd Rock Band would be the most awesome thing ever!
i think its a double edge sword
Music games get non-musical people exciting about music. That has already been established. They're just resistant to change (and late to the show).
I think grumpy old men don't like new things.
My bro learned how to play the drums after playig rocknband. I think it depends on the case.
Amen Superchunk.
I'm sure music games both spark and kill peoples interest in real instruments.
I would probably agree with them, but there isn't any way to know from our own small personal experiences. I do think it's more fun when people gather together and play real instruments though.
I have noticed it's terribly difficult to play guitar hero after playing a real guitar for so long; the pitches don't correlate to the guitar neck like they do in real life.
No... massive education spending cuts cause schools to get rid of arts/music classes and cause kids to not learn music.
In other news, Guitar Hero has made me interested in picking up the guitar once more. I haven't played the guitar in over 5 years but I'm starting to play it more.
well, Nick's getting his example from home, I'm sure there are examples from both sides too.
