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Marking two decades after Guitar Hero hit the market across the Atlantic, giving everyday gamers the tools to feel like a rock star. Not literally, but try convincing someone who has nailed Free Bird’s four-minute guitar solo in front of an enthusiastic crowd of friends.

Created by the developers, the game gave players a guitar-shaped controller to follow coloured notes scrolling down the screen synchronized to the music. Every sequence mimicked particular chords, producing the sensation of a genuine performance.

Harmonix previously tried its hand in the music genre before partnering with RedOctane, which was purchased by Activision in 2006. Together, they established the groundwork for an unlikely massively profitable franchise which made a remarkable impact for many musicians included, showcasing classic bands to a new generation of gaming enthusiasts.

A former executive, ex-chief operating officer from the developer, recalls the early budgetary hurdles in securing the songs – even though initial releases primarily featured rerecorded tracks.

“We reproduced all the music since the dollar figure prohibitive,” he says. “Despite having the necessary permissions by themselves, it proved nearly impossible. We couldn’t get bands like legendary groups – the publisher had virtually no money, and we were fairly certain it would fail. However, when Guitar Hero became a hit, and record sales airtime increased, all artists desired to be in.”

He continues: “Among the amazing things was the number of mothers and fathers reached out expressing gratitude for exposing their kids to the music they loved. It became a multigenerational phenomenon.”

Timeless Music Gains Younger Fans

Irish group the Answer had their track on the 2008 game the popular installment. Guitarist the artist recalls the way the game brought older hits to the forefront: “The game provided a larger, younger audience. Generally such music was seen as music that was past it, but then when it was featured on the title young people were finding it, abruptly it became trendy. That legitimised the genre, eliminating the ‘dad rock’ tag. It provided all our music a new life.”

In 2008, the Answer’s debut album remained not available stateside, so Guitar Hero was a key medium for exposure for the group during their US tour opening for AC/DC. “The roadies had on the song during travel, and several recognized us thanks to the game,” Mahon says.

Rock’s Heavyweight Spin-offs Enduring Impact

Music's heavyweight names soon capitalised on the game's success, with Aerosmith, Metallica and others featuring in dedicated spin-off titles that focused on each band’s catalogue and associated stories, imagery and legendary status. For example, the Aerosmith edition, reportedly to have made the group greater revenue than any of their studio albums. It moved well over half a million copies upon release, and sales of Aerosmith’s music saw an increase significantly during an era when the music business was already collapsing.

Guitar Hero still motivates quick-handed dedication among its fans. Recently, an online personality completed an impressive attempt featuring Through the Fire and Flames – an infamously tough power-metal song popularized through the game – using a fan-made version, a no-cost alternative with similar gameplay and extensive customisation options. The song is difficult even in the hardest setting, not to mention played at double speed while hitting every one of the thousands of cues. The streamer claimed requiring months of practice to accomplish.

“Guitar Hero offers a, imaginary experience. Just as with other games, it doesn't imply you should use actual weapons and enlist,” says musician the artist.

DragonForce had already wrapped up a successful tour before Through the Fire and Flames appeared in the third game, yet he explains it turned them into widely recognized. “I recall our distributors calling to tell me that we were selling albums rapidly,” he shares. “Popularity surged when we next toured, and we performed just before top acts at the event.”

Indeed, DragonForce’s exposure via the game was so immense that it threatened to eclipsing everything else the band has done. Last year, the song was used in a trailer for Despicable Me 4. “In the past I thought otherwise, but now I accept it,” he admits. “Should you just hear one DragonForce song, that's fine – each person has a unique musical journey and I'm pleased we’ve been part of people’s lives”.

Enduring Impact of a Iconic Controller

The best promotion, whether it’s for automobiles, clothes or games, goes further than selling something – it inspires a desire. Did Guitar Hero tap into that? “Precisely what we were aiming to achieve,” Dornbrook says. “That thrill of performing as a rock star in the spotlight. Since the beginning, the creators believed humans have a natural urge to make music, and they wanted to leverage innovation to enable everyone to do it”.

Most of Guitar Hero games came out in just a half-decade between 2005 and 2010, featuring spin-offs such as the DJ version, including a spinning deck, and Band Hero. Subsequently, the publisher’s interest in plastic instruments waned, except for a brief comeback several years later.

Titles like the fan project and newer releases have maintained the community alive, and there’s set to be a new product from the original publisher on the way. Recently formed developers has entered work on its debut rhythm-based title. The initial creators are both involved as special advisers. Is the world ready to embrace another game in the spirit of Guitar Hero?

“We thought those games might become similar to sports games allowing annual update every year,” Dornbrook says. “There’s so much fresh tracks it could remain evergreen, so I’ve always been optimistic. There’s no reason why it can’t persist with new generations.”