Kelly Gilling is almost ready to go on tour. She's jammed onstage with Slash, bowed proudly to a standing ovation and even attempted an encore or two.

Never mind the laundry and the back-to-school shopping. Kelly, a 38-year-old mom of three, is busy playing Guitar Hero.

And if she's at all embarrassed by her infatuation with the popular music video game, she should realize this: For every tween and teen who plays the game, there's likely a mom who uses it to unleash her inner rock star as well.

Not familiar with the latest must-have video game? Using a guitar-shaped controller, players follow along with scrolling musical notes on screen. The game is set to familiar rock tunes; players can play alone or against another wanna-be rocker.

"It's a great way to take a break from reality and to put the stresses of our day-to-day lives aside," says Kelly of Birmingham, whose 10-year-old daughter and two sons, ages 9 and 3, gave her Guitar Hero III for her birthday in March.

"The songs take us back to a time when it was all fun."

With Guitar Hero jams replacing karaoke contests at area bars and with Wii and Wine nights popping up on neighborhood social calendars, the game has transcended age boundaries.

The Guitar Hero franchise has earned more than $1 billion in sales, according to game publisher Activision.

"The kids love playing games with mom, and this one is actually fun for me to play," says Kelly, whose favorite Guitar Hero tune is "Slow Ride" by Foghat, the first song she completed. "They think it's super cool that their mom plays."

Amy Walsh can relate. Amy, an attorney, started playing Guitar Hero with her sons, ages 8 and 10, last year. She also has a daughter, 5.

"When the kids need help with their games, I'm the one they call," says Amy, 40, of Rochester Hills. "Any time I hear them call 'Mom,' I know I'm going to get to play."

And she isn't ashamed of her obsession.

"Many times, I'll outlast my kids," Amy says.

BY KRISTIN BULL • August 24, 2008