June 22, 2009 20:21

Jack White and Jimmy Page diss 'Guitar Hero' video game

The renowned guitarists say it's not an ideal way to be exposed to music

Photo Gallery: The White Stripes

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and The White Stripes' Jack White have hit out at the popular 'Guitar Hero' video game.

Speaking at a press conference in Los Angeles on Friday (June 19) for 'It Might Get Loud', the forthcoming documentary film that chronicles their musical careers, the two renowned guitarists said they don't believe video games are an ideal way for people to be exposed to music or learn to play instruments.

"It's depressing to have a label come and tell you that ['Guitar Hero'] is how kids are learning about music and experiencing music," White said. He added that although he doesn't try to dictate "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."

Page added that he can't imagine that people are really learning anything significant about playing instruments by playing video games.

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

Meanwhile, White's latest band, The Dead Weather, are gearing up to play a series of London gigs this week, as previously reported.
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--By our Los Angeles staff.
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