9-9-09 Preview Beatles: Rock Band

In this G4 tv's XPlay video Blair Herter talks to John Drake from Harmonix about the upcoming 'Beatles: Rock Band,' On sale tomorrow 09-09-09! Can't wait...

Video Game - E3 2009 - X-Play

Fab Four Coming To Rockband!

You can't legally buy their music digitally but today Apple Corps Ltd. - the company founded by the Beatles in 1968 and Viacom Inc.'s MTV Networks will announce that they have signed a deal that will see the Beatles' songs coming to the popular Rock Band franchise. "It is a bit of a coup since [MTV] has been able to license it and Apple [Inc.] still couldn't get the music," said Josh Martin, analyst at the Boston-based Yankee Group. It's uncertain whether MTV Networks will give the band it's own addition, similar to Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, or if the music will be downloadable for current Rock Band games. The move is being seen as a bit of a cue as Apple Inc. has been working hard to get the Band's music included in the iTunes music store. Globe and Mail article.

Wal-Mart To Get Exclusive Rights To AC/DC Version Of Rock Band

Wal-Mart has inked a deal with MTV that will see it get the exclusive rights to sell AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack in the United States through Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Club, and the Wal-Mart website (walmart.com). In the deal, Wal-Mart will create a special area in each of its stores to display AC/DC's new album "Black Ice" and the Rock Band game, as well as other CDs, DVDs, T-shirts, and licensed AC/DC clothing. “If you want to be a physical band, you better make an alliance with a strong physical retailer,” said Steve Barnett, chairman of Columbia Records. “It’s a great way to sell the new album, the catalog, the game, merchandise and DVDs.” The game, is scheduled for release for all consoles in early November, and will reportedly cost less than most new games, selling for about $40 instead of the traditional $60 range. This price point works well for Wal-Mart which has always aimed to be a price leader. New York Times article.

No Led Zeppelin But Other Big Bands Are Talking

Led Zeppelin won't allow it's music in the Rockband or Guitar Hero games but according to The Feed, who sites The Wall Street Journal, Van Halen, the Eagles, Steely Dan, and Guns N' Roses are all in negotiations though there was no indication of which band was leaning towards which game. Led Zep apparently isn't "comfortable with the prospect of granting outsiders access to its master tapes." "It ain't about the money," says manager Peter Mensch. Have a heart Pete! I'd love to hear Kashmir or better still The Lemon Song blarring from the wreck room!

Standalone Instruments Coming For Rock Band

G4's The Feed is reporting that Harmonix and MTV have announced the upcoming release of Rock Band standalone instruments. "The Rock Band drum set will ship on Feb. 12, for $79.99. The wireless Stratocaster guitar will ship April 1 and will cost $59.99." It's a natural move and one that will make my kids happy as they were only able to find the software version on the release date back in December. It also will make replacing instruments a whole lot easier.

EA blamed for Christmas without Rock Band

Electronic Arts (EA) is feeling the heat over the absence of the full version of Rock Band from Canadian retail shelves. The highly anticipated game title which was released State side last month was delayed several times here in Canada but was supposed to hit store shelves on Thursday. Our local Future Shop has told us that it would not receive any until the 28th and according to an EA spokesperson "Demand has been incredibly strong in the U.S. and Canada and we're shipping Rock Band to retailers as quickly as we can make them, but we suggest lining up early if you want to get one in time for the holidays,". The CBC has more here...

Guitar Hero times four = Rock Band

Wired magazine has a thorough look at the new Rock Band game soon to be released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. The game allows you to take on the role of lead guitarist, bass guitarist, drummer or vocalist. The review includes the video trailer and I'm not sure if it makes me want to play the game more or less, it looks like a little busy... at $200 its a bit pricey too, but it includes all of the peripherals!