I have to say, there is nothing like playing imaginary instruments in public with people you just met 5 minutes ago. However, it can be inredibly fun particularly if the music is great, and the people you are playing with are pretty darn cool.

That was the situation I found myself in a couple weeks ago while I was sitting in the Student Union watching the Akron/VCU game on the big screen at my university. I was the only one watching the tv which is in a public viewing area with stadium seating (4 or 5 rows of seats). Some people who were visiting BashCon (wich is an annual gaming convention on campus), asked me if I didn't mind them playing Rock Band there (I couldn't believe my luck!). Of course I didn't object. and They asked me if I wanted to play!

Now, I had played a little of the original Guitar Hero, and got to the point where I could complete some songs on medium, but I hadn't played it in about 2 months. My sister had borrowed it from one of here friends, and she was much better at it than I was. Nevertheless, I gave it my best shot and got 95% with the guitar on easy. I barely made it through medium though, and had to be saved once, ugh.

I think the most interesting thing about Rock Band is the Drum Set. Its decidedly more difficult than the Guitar, and more like the real thing. I don't think I got through a song once (I was close), but I have to say that if your a real drummer, you'll probably be at home with this game. And if you aren't, and your really good with the Rock Band Drum Set, consider being a real drummer. The pedal thing is what threw me off though, not to mention a general lack of technique. There was a 10 year old girl there who was pretty darn good with the drums, and made me look really bad.....really really bad.

I had a good laugh watching someone sing "Timmy & The Lords of the Underworld", which was rather amusing if I may say so; and I will. A couple people there weren't half bad at ye old vocals.

Alas, it had to come to an end, and I had to go to work, even though I wanted to call in sick (I need to brush up on my sick voice and fake coughing) . It was a pretty darn fun experience playing Rock Band in front of about 20 people (which slowly grew from just me, and the two guys who brought Rock Band). I just happened to be at the right place at the right time on a frigid February Weekend.