Harmonix's Rock Band Gets Fender Gear

Officials from Guitar Hero creators Harmonix have announced that Fender Musical Instruments Corporation has agreed to have its musical instruments featured in the upcoming rhythm action game Rock Band. As part of the agreement, the game's controller peripheral will be modeled after the music company's celebrated Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. In addition to Fender, which is recognized for its electric guitars and amplifiers, the game will also feature real life products from Roland Corporation and subsidiary Boss, best known for its line of colorful guitar and bass effects pedals. Officially announced in early April, Rock Band will be published by MTV Games, with the title due to be released on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this Christmas. While few details have been revealed thus far, the game seems as if it it will build upon Guitar Hero's fundamentals, with players able to play drum, bass/lead guitar or vocals in a virtual rock band. While Rock Band will allow players to play solo, the emphasis seems to be being placed on the game's unique multiplayer features, which will allow players to “recruit bandmates and jam side-by-side or virtually online.” As previously announced, the game will also involve a high level of co-operation with major record labels and music publishers, with EMI Music Publishing and Warner/Chappell Music both allowing access to their back catalogs. Specific musical tracks for the game have not yet been announced, however representatives note that the music featured in Rock Band will “span all genres of rock and include many master recordings.” “Fender is pleased to be part of Rock Band and the exciting opportunity it offers passionate music fans and gamers,” said Bill Mendello, CEO of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. “Our friends at Harmonix have done an amazing job of capturing the power and style of legendary Fender products within the virtual gaming experience and delivering it all in the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.”