Unleash your inner rock star with a Guitar Hero party

Planning, hosting and entertainment tips for an unforgettable event

By Leah Macpherson

Looking for the perfect axe-grinding, string-melting party? Few themes are more fun than a Guitar Hero party.

“I’ve been to a party with a Guitar Hero competition,” says Dave Mansell, a music teacher, sound engineer and singer-songwriter from Waterloo, Ont. “It was hysterical and got everyone engaged, involved and mingling right away.”

The best part, according to Mansell: “If you suck it’s just kinda funny, not embarrassing.” But before you’re ready to rock you’ll need to plan the theme, munchies and entertainment.

Coming up with an original idea for a party is never easy.

IN THIS STORY

Party prep | Let the games begin! | Post-party pics

Party prep

First, you’ll need to choose a version of Guitar Hero and a theme. A Guitar Hero party should be wild and wacky, not chic, says Jian Magen, director of operations for Toronto-based Magen Boys Entertainment. “It’s about clever little touches that are easy, affordable and fun.”

Create an engaging invite. Design invitations that look like a concert ticket or a backstage VIP pass. Attach them to a hang tag and lanyard so guests can wear them around their necks.
Set the mood. Throughout the night, play music videos or movies — on your computer or a second TV — from the era you’re celebrating. Play a classic ’80s flick such as St. Elmo’s Fire or vintage Madonna videos.
Get the look. Encourage guests to dress up as their favourite rock star. Keep a grab bag of accessories by the front door: for example, mullet wigs, funky bandanas, leg warmers and oversized, triangle sunglasses for fabulous finishing touches.
Give ’em fuel. Go for kitschy, tried-and-true treats such as mini hot dogs and hamburgers, little bowls of mac and cheese, and ripple chips and dip. Keep guests hydrated with a full battery of beverages — tip your hat to the ’80s with chilled cans of Tab and Fresca.

Feel the rush of playing guitar in front of a live audience.

Let the games begin!

Next, get your guests in the mood to rock out. Try some of these ideas.

Suggest guests practise before the party by going to Xbox Live. It has online Guitar Hero competitions.
Print out a few copies of the playlist and scatter them around the room so guests can prepare for their performance. Or send out the playlist beforehand.
Keep track of scores, suggests Magen. Pin a colourful piece of cardboard or Bristol board to the wall, list each player’s name, and use cardboard star-shaped cutouts with each team’s name to show the scores.
For extra fun, ask someone to MC the evening and introduce each pair as they step up to play.
Designate four guests to act as a judging panel, à la Canadian Idol. Offer wacky ’80s inspired prizes, such as DVDs of Dallas and The Cosby Show, or CDs of popular ’80s musicians, such as Olivia Newton-John or Rick Astley.

Save a special award for the guests with the most rockin’ outfits.

Post-party pics

Be sure to have your digital and video cameras charged and ready to rock before the party.

Have guests take turns snapping photos and shooting video throughout the evening to preserve hilarious moments. For free and easy image sharing, post images to Windows Live Spaces and video footage to Windows Live SkyDrive.