Games-music concert to tour U.S.
Classic games meet classical music; on Video Games Live tour, tunes from "Halo," "Zelda" and others will be played by full orchestras.
Tommy Tallarico and the Clear Channel Music Group have put together a new touring musical event titled Video Games Live. Starting with a July 6 concert at the Hollywood Bowl and continuing to venues such as Denver's Red Rocks and Boston's Tweeter Center, the tour will feature orchestras, choirs and visuals such as laser shows and footage of games, to be played live by audience members.
Featured music will include songs from several generations of games. More modern selections include pieces from "Halo," "Metal Gear Solid," "Legend of Zelda" and "Final Fantasy," while retro fans will recognize songs from "Donkey Kong" and "Pong."
"Fans of video games are going to be amazed at what we have in store for them," said Tallarico, the show's maestro and composer for such games as "Earthworm Jim" and "Advent Rising." "Never before has the music of video games been presented on this scale. Live entertainment is about to evolve."
"Video game music is not bleeps and bloops anymore. People are absolutely shocked when they hear this music," said Jack Wall, co-creator of Video Games Live and composer for "Jade Empire" and "Splinter Cell." "This music represents a true art form. The success of this tour will demonstrate to the world that video game music can command the attention of gamers and non-gamers alike."