Documentary to feature local air guitar champion

“World Peace” is an ambition many people desire. It is also a vague notion, and there have been many different ideas proposed to achieve it. One film, however, has inspired a unique idea: achieving peace through rock ‘n’ roll music. “Air Guitar Nation” follows individuals performing rock ‘n’ roll without physical instruments.

Adam Lee, a local resident of Charlottesville who has been competing in air guitar competitions across the United States since 2008, said, “The idea was if you are holding an air guitar then you can’t be holding a gun, as well.”

Lee goes by the stage name “Tommy Fretless,” a double entendre, as there are no frets on an air guitar. Lee explained, “Fretless as in free, because rock and roll keeps me worry free.”

Lee first got into air guitar in 2007 after the release of the documentary “Air Guitar Nation.” The film featured the first United States contestant that competed at the World Championships in Oulu, Finland.

“My friend called me up about this crazy documentary. It is hilarious. By the time the movie was over, I made the decision to do it. I was born to do this,” said Lee.

Air Guitar competitions are held in 22 countries around the world and various locations around the United States. There are two one-minute rounds in each contest. Each competitor is graded on a 6.0 scale similar to that of figure skating competitions. They are judged on their technical merit, stage presence and, most importantly, their “airiness.”

“I am doing this just as much for the other air guitarists as I am for the audience or the judges, that’s my goal. That means more to me than winning. I want to go out there and make others say, ‘why I didn’t think of that,’” he said.

Lee has competed in competitions all over the east coast and consistently finishes in 2nd or 3rd place. In July 2011, however, he won the DC regional championship. This put him in the national competition later that month in Chicago.

Due to an injury, however, he placed 6th at the national level. He suffered a level three sprain on his ankle one week prior during the photo shoot for his bio. He was able to put on a performance that allowed him to beat 16 other competitors.

This summer, Lee will be defending his DC title, and you can also watch his air band “Category 6.” Videos of Lee’s performances are available on his YouTube page, TommyFretless.