If you’ve been on social media in the past few years, chances are you’ve come across the “to be continued” meme. The meme typically features a cliffhanger ending to a video or story, followed by the iconic bassline from the song “Roundabout” by the progressive rock band Yes. What you may not know is that this meme has spawned a viral phenomenon surrounding a specific guitar used in the original video. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the “to be continued” meme guitar and its impact on the internet.
Table of Contents
The Origin of the Meme
The “to be continued” meme originated from a Japanese manga series called Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. In the manga, there is a recurring theme of cliffhanger endings with the phrase “to be continued” appearing at the end of each chapter. This concept was then adapted by the anime adaptation of the series, which used “Roundabout” as the ending theme for the first two seasons. The meme itself originated from a video posted on the YouTube channel 4chan Soundtrack. The video features a compilation of cliffhanger endings from various TV shows and movies, with “Roundabout” playing in the background. The video’s popularity led to countless parodies and remixes, cementing the “to be continued” meme as one of the most recognizable on the internet.
The Guitar That Started It All
The guitar used in the original “to be continued” video is a vintage 1980s Ibanez Roadstar II. The guitar’s distinctive blue finish and white pickguard have made it instantly recognizable to fans of the meme. The guitar’s owner, who goes by the username “Shalvation,” has become something of a celebrity in the meme community. In an interview with Guitar World, Shalvation discussed the guitar’s origins. “I found it at a local pawn shop for a really good price,” he said. “I wasn’t even looking for a guitar at the time, but when I saw it, I knew I had to have it.” Shalvation also revealed that he had no idea the guitar would become such a viral sensation. “I just thought it was a cool guitar,” he said.
The Impact of the Meme
The “to be continued” meme has had a massive impact on internet culture. It has been used in countless videos, memes, and even advertisements. The meme has also spawned a whole new subculture of “to be continued” content, with people creating their own cliffhanger videos and remixes. The meme has also brought attention to the music of Yes, particularly their song “Roundabout.” The song has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with many people discovering the band for the first time through the meme.
Response from Fans
The “to be continued” meme and its associated guitar have garnered a passionate following online. Fans of the meme have created countless tribute videos, fan art, and even custom guitars inspired by the original “to be continued” guitar. “I love the ‘to be continued’ meme because it’s so versatile,” said Reddit user u/ToasterQueen. “You can use it in so many different ways, and it always gets a laugh. And the guitar is just so iconic. It’s like a symbol of the meme itself.” Others have expressed their admiration for the guitar’s unique design. “I’ve always been a fan of Ibanez guitars, and the Roadstar II is just such a cool-looking guitar,” said Instagram user @guitar_junkie. “It’s no wonder it became so popular.”
The Future of the Meme
As with most memes, it’s impossible to predict how long the “to be continued” meme will remain popular. However, its impact on internet culture is undeniable. The “to be continued” meme and its associated guitar have become symbols of the creativity and humor that can be found online. Whether you’re a fan of the meme, the guitar, or both, there’s no denying that the “to be continued” phenomenon has left a lasting impression on the internet. As the meme itself would say, to be continued…
