I might not approve of U2’s music or Bono’s smugness, but I can definitely get behind the band’s appraisal of music games. Essentially, they’re alright. Radical even.

During a chat with USA Today’s Edna Gundersen, bassist Adam Clayton said the band previously spurned an opportunity to appear in a Rock Band-branded title, but would definitely be up for it in the future, provided the designers avoid goofy caricatures.

“I love the idea that that’s where people are getting music, and we’d love to be in that world,” the string tickler told Gundersen. “We’ll figure something out. What The Beatles have done, where the animation is much more representative of them, is what we’re interested in, rather than the one-size-fits-all animation.”

With numerous musicians – John Mayer, Chad Kroeger, Bill Wyman – having railed against the genre, I find Clayton’s comments encouraging and uplifting. Plastic guitars might seem silly to Mayer and Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, but for many they provide countless hours of entertainment, often bridging generational gaps between parents and their kids. Rock Band won’t make me a millionaire with throngs of adoring followers, but it is fun, and, along with the Guitar Hero franchise, has introduced me to some of my favorite groups and tunes. Prior to Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, I had never heard of Rise Against. Now, I’m an avid follower, having purchased the band’s last two CDs.

On a broader scale, think of The Beatles: Rock Band, and its impact on younger generations. Essentially, the genre is another way to market and sell music, and only fools would ignore the benefits.

Some musicians contend that music games occupy time and attention that should be spent with real instruments. To the contrary, they can actually encourage users to try the real thing, according to a November 2008 survey conducted by Fender and non-profit music education group Little Kids Rock.

As for me, if I wanted to play a real guitar, then my love for Rock Band certainly wouldn’t prevent me from doing so. Truth is, I just don’t want to.

I raise my chalice to you Mr. Clayton. You are not a douche.

Image credit to South Park Studios.

Sources: USA Today via Destructoid, MTV Multiplayer

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