New game-music concert to tour US

The tinny sounds of games may have driven parents crazy in the past, but scores since have certainly resonated with the current generation of gamers. Hot on the heels of the success of the Dear Friends: Music From Final Fantasy concerts comes a new orchestral tour featuring modern-day game music.

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. 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," stated Jack Wall, cocreator 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 nongamers alike."