# Faux Rockstar Games like Guitar Hero and Rockband are spawning a new era of pop culture. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Oct 17, 2008, updated Nov 17, 2009 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/retronovel-entertainment-the-refound-interest-in-music-through-guitar-hero ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 11 ## What is the Faux Rockstar trend? **Faux Rockstar:** The general interest in playing musical instruments plummeted dramatically after the 80s, leading to mockery of those who engaged in group play like orchestras ("band geeks"), or played independently, such as pianists. However, new video games have emerged that make instruments hipper than ever; and they’re also spurring related innovations. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 11 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 14, 2007 to Sep 28, 2008 - Published: Oct 17, 2008 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Faux Rockstar trend ### Video game instruments The popularity of games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band have led to the creation of new instrument peripherals that can be used in gaming or real life music production. ### Social gaming Games like Rock Band let people from different locations play together online, creating new opportunities for digital socializing. ### Fashion for musicians Band Geek Hero T-shirts and other apparel cater to musicians who want to showcase their unique interests and talents. ## What the Faux Rockstar trend means for industry ### For Music Production Companies can create new instrument peripherals that are compatible with popular music video games and appeal to a wider audience. ### For Gaming Game developers can create new social gaming experiences to let gamers play together online and foster digital communities. ### For Fashion Fashion companies can create niche apparel for musicians that caters to their specific interests and talents. ## Trend signals for Faux Rockstar Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 52%, activity 71%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 52% - Activity: 71% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Faux Rockstar trend 11 featured examples from Apr 14, 2007 to Sep 28, 2008. - [Band Geek Hero Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/band-geek-hero-shirts-fashion-for-proud-musicians): Fashion for Proud Musicians (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate technology and functionality into fashion and apparel items for musicians, such as clothing that enhances performance or provides uniq… - [Play Guitar Hero On Your T-Shirt](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/t-shirt-the-hero-guitar): The Guitar Hero (Category: Tech) Implication: The use of technology allows fashion companies to create unique and interactive clothing that enhances the customer experience and engagement. - [Wannabe Rockstar Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rock-band-game-new-xbox-360-and-ps3-game-from-makers-of-guitar-hero): 'Rock Band' Lets You Live the Rock Life Without Rehab (Category: Tech) Implication: The success of 'Rock Band' presents opportunities for game developers to explore virtual reality gaming and expand on the multiplayer online gaming market. - [Touchscreen Guitar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchscreen-guitar-hero-3): Modified Guitar Hero 3 Also Has Magnetic Switch (Category: Tech) Implication: The modification of musical instruments and accessories presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the music industry. - [Girlie Gamers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/girly-gaming-rock-star-for-girls): Aly and AJ Rock Band Guitars (Category: Tech) Implication: The introduction of specialized guitars for Rock Band and Guitar Hero creates an opportunity for companies in the gaming accessories industry to develop and market tailored produc… - [Real Rock Band Uses Plastic Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-new-genre-of-rock-guitar-zeros): Guitar Zero's (Category: Tech) Implication: The music industry can explore the potential of using popular video game controllers as musical instruments, opening up new opportunities for music innovation. - [Geeky Dropouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geeky-high-school-dropout-kid-drops-out-to-focus-on-guitar-hero): Kid Drops Out of High School to Focus on Guitar Hero (Category: Tech) Implication: Education industry players can benefit from exploring alternative education offerings that cater to students' skills and passions. - [Midpoint Between Guitar Hero and Guitar Lessons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-z-chord-kit-shortcut-to-learning-guitar): The E-Z Chord Kit (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new teaching methodologies and technologies that revolutionize music education, making it more accessible and engaging for learners. - [Guitar Hero Goes Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guitar-hero-carabiner): Guitar Hero Carabiner (Category: Tech) Implication: The growing market for gaming accessories, such as the Guitar Hero Carabiner, presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the gaming industry. - [Real Guitars for Gamers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guitar-gamers-get-real-guitars): The Zivix "Z1" for Rockband & Guitar Hero (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Partner with musical instrument manufacturers and software developers to integrate more real-life instruments and music creation software in pop… - [Plastic Instruments to Replace Real Ones?](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guitar-hero-rock-band): Rock Band (Category: Tech) Implication: The gaming industry can continue to develop and improve virtual instrument games that offer a realistic experience for players. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)