Rocking the Scene: Kansas City Dad Challenges Taylor Swift to Air Guitar Duel
In the heart of Kansas City, an exciting challenge is stirring up some buzz! Cole Lindbergh, a lively 38-year-old dad, has recently found himself inspired by none other than pop sensation Taylor Swift. During a recent visit to the U.S. Open tennis championships, Taylor was spotted having a blast in a VIP box, strumming on an imaginary guitar to the catchy old tune, “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by the British rock band The Darkness. Lindbergh, who is no stranger to the air guitar world, was quick to notice—after all, he’s the reigning 2004 U.S. Air Guitar champion!
A Challenge Ignited
Seeing Taylor rock out got Lindbergh’s competitive juices flowing, and he quickly jumped into action. Not content with just watching, he boldly extended an online challenge to the superstar, calling for an “air guitar battle of the century,” all for a good cause—to raise money for charity. Though he eagerly awaits a response from Taylor, he remains optimistic and excited about the prospect of joining forces with the pop icon to create some fun and raise funds.
The Air Guitar Journey
Cole’s air guitar adventure took off back in 2018 when he first stepped onto the competition stage, and his journey culminated in a trip to the prestigious Air Guitar World Championships in Finland this past August. Lindbergh relishes in the joy of pretending to shred it on stage, and it’s a passion he has nurtured since his childhood. “I look at this as an outlet of creativity,” he said. “It’s a way to have fun!”
During the world competition, he took the stage as Slappy Nutz, a character that embodies his goofy side. With red suspenders, a plaid shirt, and an enthusiastic demeanor, Lindbergh gave it all he had, shaking his head and flailing his arms as he belted out “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers. The crowd was electric, cheering him on even when the judges rated him with a couple of average scores that brought out some boos. But Lindbergh brushed it off—“Ultimately, it’s a fun competition,” he declared.
Highs and Lows of Air Guitar
Now, performing air guitar may seem simple, but don’t let the appearance fool you! Lindbergh shared, “It can be exhausting. I’ve had sore biceps and a stiff neck from throwing myself into it!” And, hey, it’s not every day you get to witness someone juggle their day job as a corporate trainer for a tech company while also being a devoted father to a 5-year-old daughter. Balancing air guitar battles on stage with family life is a tightrope walk—one that Lindbergh embraces with open arms.
Reaching for World Peace
Interestingly, Lindbergh isn’t just in it for the glory; he has a message he wants to spread. The Air Guitar World Championships holds a philosophy that speaks to him: “wars would end, climate change stop, and all bad things disappear, if all the people in the world played the air guitar.” He genuinely believes in this noble cause and aims to utilize his performances to promote world peace, especially for the sake of his daughter. “You can’t hold a gun if you’re holding an air guitar,” he stated, passionately. While this may seem humorous to some, the heartfelt intention behind his air guitar antics is pure joy, community spirit, and a dash of hope for a safer world.
A Close-Knit Community
Air guitar might sound absurd, but for Lindbergh, and countless others, it’s a vibrant community full of like-minded enthusiasts who love to express themselves. Competing against participants from around the globe has made him appreciate this art form even more. “It made the world feel much smaller,” he mused, reflecting fondly on meeting fellow competitors from Japan, Belgium, and beyond.
Next Steps for Lindbergh
As it stands, Cole Lindbergh plans to keep the air guitar spirit alive by performing and raising awareness until he defends his U.S. title next year. With a reminder that joining in on the silliness can make a difference, Lindbergh invites everyone to consider how they can also partake in this fantastic celebration of fun, creativity, and positivity. “Once you’ve done it, you’re one of us!” he cheers, extending the invite to anyone willing to jump on stage and join the air guitar family.
