For some, holding an instrument long attributed to rock legends like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani is a religion in itself. Recently, a famed air guitar legend lost a toe during the regional air guitar competition in New York while shredding out a solo.
In the world of air guitar, Taryn Kapronica is anything but just a name. Known on stage as Bettie B. Goode, the hardcore air rocker got her foot caught in a chair during a stage dive earlier this month during the regionals, ripping off the skin of the fourth toe and completely dislocating it.
The 27-year-old's flying feat wasn't missed by they fans as they stood in shock while the New York rocker finished her winning performance. In a
Daily News interview, Kapronica said "I could feel the blood trickle down my foot and between my toes, but I refused to look down at it." The girl just kept on playing...air.
After winning the competition, she did manage to rock her way to the hospital where doctors were required to amputate her toe.
In response to having one less phalange, she told
CNN:
"I've got nine more."
Bettie B. Goode will go on to represent at the national level in California on August 8th and if the rocker's talent wins that crowd and the judge's score, she can then move on to compete for the world title in Finland.
Air guitar began in the 1980s in Sweden when rock fans would mimic their favourite electric guitar performances in front of audiences using a faux prop: air. The performer puts energy behind choreographed movements, similar to a dance performance but while holding and playing an imaginary guitar. There are United States competitions in 24 cities and the
Air Guitar World Championship, which began in 1996. Finland holds the record with the most world wins with 5 gold medals and 6 silver medals.
After raiding mom's closet and practicing the arm swing, lets see if the good 'ol Americans can bring home some heavy medal at this year's competition. It should be an Olympic sport!
Rock on.
