20 Songs We'd Put on Guitar Hero If They Made It Today
In the early 2000s, Guitar Hero (https://consequence.net/tag/guitar-hero/) was a phenomenon, transforming the way we played and enjoyed music. It celebrated iconic rock anthems, from 'Cult of Personality' by Living Colour to 'Bark at the Moon' by Ozzy Osbourne. Despite featuring covers of popular songs, the game captured the essence of a real rock gig, offering a blend of old and new tracks to obsess over. However, as the decade progressed, the market became oversaturated with similar games, and Guitar Hero's popularity waned. The release of 'Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock' in 2010 fell short of expectations, and the franchise eventually came to a halt with 'Guitar Hero Live' in 2015. By 2018, the servers were shut down, leaving a void in the gaming world.
Yet, the entertainment industry has a history of reviving successful franchises. Games like Beat Saber and Clone Hero still hold a special place, but no major video game company has attempted a Guitar Hero comeback in the last decade. Could the time be right for Guitar Hero 6? If so, what songs would make the cut?
Let's imagine a new Guitar Hero game, featuring a fresh selection of tracks. We'd naturally include the classic guitar anthems like 'Iron Man' by Black Sabbath, 'Slow Ride' by Foghat, and 'Take Me Out' by Franz Ferdinand. But the music landscape has evolved since Guitar Hero's demise. Post-punk has seen a resurgence, Olivia Rodrigo has emerged as a pop-rock sensation, and rock stalwarts like Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, and Jack White continue to deliver guitar-driven hits.
So, we've curated a list of 20 songs that would be perfect additions to a modern Guitar Hero game. We've organized them into tiers, with four songs per level, and an encore at the end of each round. From DragonForce's 'Through the Fire and the Flames' to more edgy tracks, this list offers a diverse range of music. Some picks might not be family-friendly, but a bit of censorship can go a long way.
Join us as we explore 20 songs that would be fantastic additions to a revived Guitar Hero game in 2025. Let the virtual rock anthems begin!
