Big Drum Thump

Game haters, prepare to get that stick out of your bum. Three genuine drum heroes—Chad Smith, Stewart Copeland, and Travis Barker—think GH’s new kit is pretty slick shit, and there’s even a video to prove it. We experienced some server hang trying to watch it (every 14-year-old drummer on at least four continents is clicking that link right now), but be patient: it’s worth the wait.

Drumming quote of the day: Commenting on the kit’s durability, Chad says in the video, “If it holds up to me beatin’ on it, it should do pretty good.”

[via Engadget]

Guitar Hero might become the drum game of choice if this rumor pans out: cymbal pads! Two freakin’ cymbal pads! The kit is reported to grow to a 6-piece and thus will be a tiny bit closer to the real thing. Now, about that kick pedal….

[Update 5/14/08: This rumor has been confirmed, although the Guitar Hero drum kit will look decidedly more game-y than we had envisioned (i.e., fervently hoped). It's also only a 5-piece (not counting the hated kick controller), and the cymbal pads have adopted the styling found on low-budget e-kits. Pisser.]

Looks like Rock Band is rattling some nerves over at Activision, maker of Guitar Hero. According to Bobby Kotick, Activision’s CEO, the fourth iteration of the seminal music game will include other instruments, even drums. No word on what the kit will look like, but we’re hoping for an improved kick pedal at the very least. And what the hell will they call the game now—Instrument Hero?