Beatles Rock Band

[ivol07]

Wow, this is going to sell millions of units.

Exclusive Agreement Set to Bring The Beatles Music to Fans for the First Time in Interactive Form Here, There and Everywhere in 2009

New York, NY - October 30, 2008 - The Beatles' extraordinary music and phenomenal legacy is set to rock across the universe in the form of a video game through an exclusive partnership between Apple Corps Ltd., Harmonix and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

This partnership marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. Published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world's premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band?, the game will be an unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles. The game was creatively conceived with input from Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, and enjoys their full blessing. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE project, will provide his expertise and serve as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.

"The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out," Sir Paul McCartney said.

"It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and Harmonix / Rock Band partnership," said Ringo Starr. "The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles' legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence."

"It?s cool. I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the young generation for many decades," said Yoko Ono Lennon.

"People are having so much fun playing Rock Band. Combined with The Beatles tracks, it is a great way to either listen or participate," said Olivia Harrison. "If you like the music, it doesn't take much persuasion to get you to play."

"Introducing the genius of The Beatles to a whole new generation of music lovers through original and inspired ways is extremely exciting to us at Apple Corps," stated Jeff Jones, CEO, Apple Corps. "We are truly pleased to be working with the innovative forces at MTV and Harmonix as they embody our mutual passions for music and creativity."

"Many of us have been part of a generation that has long enjoyed an enduring love affair with The Beatles and now we're looking to extend that love affair for future generations to enjoy," said Van Toffler." "Our inspiration for this project comes from a keen sense of history and a place of utmost reverence and respect for the band, their music and their heritage."

"The impact of The Beatles is forever ingrained in the hearts, minds and souls of millions the world over," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks. ?The Beatles are the reason many of us are WHERE we are, and some of us are WHO we are."

"We are honored to be part of this new way for people to discover the timeless music and art of The Beatles - the most creatively and commercially successful, critically acclaimed, and influential band in the history of popular music," stated Paul DeGooyer, MTV's Senior Vice President of Electronic Games & Music.

"By presenting their music and artistry through the creative filter of a groundbreaking video game, we are giving legions of fans and music lovers all over the world a profound, new way to experience The Beatles," said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and Co-Founder, Harmonix. "This game will be a celebration of the Beatles undeniable legacy."

 

[jdport]

This is indeed very very cool news, but it's already being discussed in the official rock band thread

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2207175&enterthread=y

 

[Queasy]

This isn't a Rock Band game so it doesn't have to be in the Rock Band thread.

Kotaku

During a teleconference being held by Apple Corps, Ltd and MTV this morning, the two companies, along with Harmonix, announced an exclusive partnership to create a brand new video game featuring the music of the Beatles. This seems to be a new game that will allow friends and families to experience the music of the band in an all new way.

Other than a brief mention of Rock Band during the teleconference, so far no mention has been made of the band's songs coming to Rock Band or Rock Band 2. In fact, Harmonix's Alex Rigopolis stated during the call that this is not a Rock Band expansion pack, but an all-new game title built from the ground up.

The game will be a journey that will take you through the entire Beatles catalog, from the first album to the last. There will be an interactive music performance involved using music controller peripherals, but they stress that the game is not a Rock Band title. Visual exploration of the Beatles will be a big part of the game, though they were not prepared to discuss more on that at this time.

They were also not prepared to discuss the possibility of Beatles music coming to Rock Band at this point, which I suppose still leaves the possibility open.

So how did MTV and Harmonix snag The Beatles? Apple Corps. representatives said that it was the fact that they (Harmonix) originated the music band genre, and they were impressed by both companies' passion for music.

It was stressed that this was indeed an exclusive deal for The Beatles music as far as video games are concerned.

The game will take advantage of many Rock Band elements, and will be compatible with existing Rock Band peripherals.

And thus ends the teleconference. That's all we have so far, but we'll keep you posted as more details on the Beatles game emerge.

 

[Beev]

I've always been of the opinion that The Beatles are just an average band that was in the right place at the right time, so this doesn't appeal to me at all. It's probably pretty damn cool for their fans, though

 

[jdport]

ahhh weird... I didn't see that before. The other articles I read stated that it was Rock Band. That actually really sucks, because it will mean no exporting the songs into RB, ala the AC/DC pack

 

[CVSiN]

Meh... Beatles... no thanks.. AC/DC and Metallica are one thing.. Beatles quite another.. and I never really liked them at all.

Disappointing.. GH gets Metallica/Tool.. we get the Beatles...

 

[RedRooster]

Originally posted by: Beev
I've always been of the opinion that The Beatles are just an average band that was in the right place at the right time, so this doesn't appeal to me at all. It's probably pretty damn cool for their fans, though

Heretic!

But I emphatically agree. :laugh:

 

[R Nilla]

So is this going to be like Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, except Rock Band: The Beatles? I don't understand why it's necessary to create an entirely new game for one band, rather than release their songs to the existing games (actually I do: money).

 

[nakedfrog]

It's gotta come with a viola bass.

 

[abaez]

I just read another article and it's gonna be the entire catalog, which is impressive.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: Beev
I've always been of the opinion that The Beatles are just an average band that was in the right place at the right time, so this doesn't appeal to me at all. It's probably pretty damn cool for their fans, though

BINGO! Finally someone else who feels the same way. I always thought they were way overrated and only became good, IMO, right before they broke up. I always enjoyed the Kinks more than the Beatles. The beatles just came in at the right time and were good looking compared to the ugly Davies But the Kinks had better music, IMO, when they started up.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: abaez
I just read another article and it's gonna be the entire catalog, which is impressive.

Which catalog? Whatevers left of the non-Michael Jackson owned music? Not much there. If its ALL, including MJs ownership, then its 201 songs.

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

It is all of them.

"This partnership marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. "


Sony/ATV Music Publishing is the MJ portion of the songs.

 

[anxi80]

release day purchase for me. this is great news. even though i dont think the songs would be too challenging, it'll be fun for a group of friends.

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: CVSiN
Meh... Beatles... no thanks.. AC/DC and Metallica are one thing.. Beatles quite another.. and I never really liked them at all.

Disappointing.. GH gets Metallica/Tool.. we get the Beatles...

Metallica's on both consoles, with the exception of the new album but if you really want that then you should be shot. I am quite disappointed not having Tool in RB though, I have no other interest in GH:WT otherwise.

 

[CVSiN]

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: CVSiN
Meh... Beatles... no thanks.. AC/DC and Metallica are one thing.. Beatles quite another.. and I never really liked them at all.

Disappointing.. GH gets Metallica/Tool.. we get the Beatles...

Metallica's on both consoles, with the exception of the new album but if you really want that then you should be shot. I am quite disappointed not having Tool in RB though, I have no other interest in GH:WT otherwise.

You are a bit outa touch man... GH: Metallica is officially announced in GHWT
and the new album is every bit as good as AJFA they got their old sound back.

 

[Eeezee]

Originally posted by: Beev
I've always been of the opinion that The Beatles are just an average band that was in the right place at the right time, so this doesn't appeal to me at all. It's probably pretty damn cool for their fans, though

I hate to say it, but your opinion is WRONG

Furthermore, it's possible to say that for any remarkable achievement. That's what makes it such a stupid thing to say.

Einstein was just an average scientist, his theory of the photoelectric effect and those experimental results were all just the result of being in the right place at the right time.

 

[Beev]

Originally posted by: Eeezee
I hate to say it, but your opinion is WRONG

Furthermore, it's possible to say that for any remarkable achievement. That's what makes it such a stupid thing to say.

Einstein was just an average scientist, his theory of the photoelectric effect and those experimental results were all just the result of being in the right place at the right time.

Except Einstein was actually an intelligent person, and could most likely make profound discoveries today. The Beatles could not be as successful today as they were back when they started.

 

[Aikouka]

Not a fan, so no thanks.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: Beev

Originally posted by: Eeezee
I hate to say it, but your opinion is WRONG

Furthermore, it's possible to say that for any remarkable achievement. That's what makes it such a stupid thing to say.

Einstein was just an average scientist, his theory of the photoelectric effect and those experimental results were all just the result of being in the right place at the right time.

Except Einstein was actually an intelligent person, and could most likely make profound discoveries today. The Beatles could not be as successful today as they were back when they started.

It's a lot harder to find LSD these days

Of course, you could just as well say that Beethoven could not be as successful today as he was back when he started.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: Beev

Originally posted by: Eeezee
I hate to say it, but your opinion is WRONG

Furthermore, it's possible to say that for any remarkable achievement. That's what makes it such a stupid thing to say.

Einstein was just an average scientist, his theory of the photoelectric effect and those experimental results were all just the result of being in the right place at the right time.

Except Einstein was actually an intelligent person, and could most likely make profound discoveries today. The Beatles could not be as successful today as they were back when they started.

It's a lot harder to find LSD these days

Of course, you could just as well say that Beethoven could not be as successful today as he was back when he started.

Beethoven wasnt succesful back then. Most well known musicians from Beethoven's time and much earlier were hacks and only became famous long after they died. Any true classical music listener will not be a Beethoven or Mozart fan. So, yeah, the Beatles would probably be laughed off the stage today if they played the crap that is "She Loves You Yeah Yeah Yeah". Their early stuff is utter shit. IMO.

 

[mc866]

Don't get me wrong I have respect for the Beatles but this isn't something that I see myself that interested in purchasing personally. While a lot can be said about their music and what it did for an entire generation I just don't feel compelled to go out and buy a rhythm game with all of their tracks on it, sounds boring actually.

 

[CVSiN]

Whomever is in charge of marketing and keeping the pulse of current music and such for Harmonix is sleeping on the job.
I'm 37 and not many people (gamers) in my age bracket are into the Beatles.. My parents on the other hand are huge Beatle fans.. but I just dont see this title selling well.
Aerosmith, hell yes... Metallica.. hell freaking yes... Ozzy.. Sign me up right this sec... unfortunately.. every single one of those was lost to Activision and Neversoft.. I love RB and have not bought a GH game since GH3 because they are ridiculous and feel like they just throw alot of extra notes in thier charts try to see how hard you can work playing.
But holy crap.. they are killing Harmonix in securing valuable licenses for bands that this generation of Music listeners love..

I just dont see these older people buying this title. The beatles dont get any airplay even on the easy listening stations around here so younger gen doesnt even know or care who they are.

I dont see 10-19 year olds running around and asking mom for money to buy RB: Beatles.. AC/DC is a step in the right direction.. but even they have been away for 8 years.. thats an incredible long time in the music biz.
I cant even think the last time I heard them played on the air. Not to mention the deal with Walmart on this.. are you kidding?
I just think that Harmonix better come out of thier cave and find out what the music fans want and start grabbing these exclusives that actually matter to the target audience.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: Oyeve

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: Beev

Originally posted by: Eeezee
I hate to say it, but your opinion is WRONG

Furthermore, it's possible to say that for any remarkable achievement. That's what makes it such a stupid thing to say.

Einstein was just an average scientist, his theory of the photoelectric effect and those experimental results were all just the result of being in the right place at the right time.

Except Einstein was actually an intelligent person, and could most likely make profound discoveries today. The Beatles could not be as successful today as they were back when they started.

It's a lot harder to find LSD these days

Of course, you could just as well say that Beethoven could not be as successful today as he was back when he started.

Beethoven wasnt succesful back then. Most well known musicians from Beethoven's time and much earlier were hacks and only became famous long after they died. Any true classical music listener will not be a Beethoven or Mozart fan. So, yeah, the Beatles would probably be laughed off the stage today if they played the crap that is "She Loves You Yeah Yeah Yeah". Their early stuff is utter shit. IMO.

He was successful enough to live off his music for some time, I'd say that's something.
The Beatles' early stuff is basically the same as other rock and roll of the time. I think it's quite a stretch to say they'd be laughed off the stage, it's certainly not any worse than any current popular music that isn't laughed off the stage.

 

[bl4ckfl4g]

Originally posted by: CVSiN
Whomever is in charge of marketing and keeping the pulse of current music and such for Harmonix is sleeping on the job.
I'm 37 and not many people (gamers) in my age bracket are into the Beatles.. My parents on the other hand are huge Beatle fans.. but I just dont see this title selling well.
Aerosmith, hell yes... Metallica.. hell freaking yes... Ozzy.. Sign me up right this sec... unfortunately.. every single one of those was lost to Activision and Neversoft.. I love RB and have not bought a GH game since GH3 because they are ridiculous and feel like they just throw alot of extra notes in thier charts try to see how hard you can work playing.
But holy crap.. they are killing Harmonix in securing valuable licenses for bands that this generation of Music listeners love..

I just dont see these older people buying this title. The beatles dont get any airplay even on the easy listening stations around here so younger gen doesnt even know or care who they are.

I dont see 10-19 year olds running around and asking mom for money to buy RB: Beatles.. AC/DC is a step in the right direction.. but even they have been away for 8 years.. thats an incredible long time in the music biz.
I cant even think the last time I heard them played on the air. Not to mention the deal with Walmart on this.. are you kidding?
I just think that Harmonix better come out of thier cave and find out what the music fans want and start grabbing these exclusives that actually matter to the target audience.

I think you are just out of touch. It will sell bajillions. Just go look at the RB forums. I love me some old school metallica but I will also be buying this. You are right about 10-19 year olds but that is obviously not their target.