I think you're missing the point. The question is certainly not whether the guitar heroes of old inspire new generations to the same extent it did us. Sure pop

I think you're missing the point. The question is certainly not whether the guitar heroes of old inspire new generations to the same extent it did us. Sure pop has moved on from the image of hairy flashy axe wielding fairies shredding away while 3 other dudes prance around. But that's fashion. It has little to do with the instrument and everything to do with fads and marketing. Also you can sure as hell not ruin dancing with a solo (Black Sabbath, Led zep, Red Fang more recently!?), the issue is that there are too many fretboard wankers who pushed technical style for technical style's sake. That is what I hope the next generation of metal/rock guitarists will break away from. Keep it heavy, and keep it coming \m/ (sorry hn)