To paraphrase the iconic lyrics “Well it was forty-three years ago today / Sergeant Pepper taught a band to play…” as one of the most influential rock albums of all time, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, was released on June 2, 1967. Given the anniversary date, it is fitting that power pop progenitors Cheap Trick will bring their own interpretation of “Sgt. Pepper Live” to Paris Las Vegas for a limited engagement beginning June 11.

A Bill Edwards Presents Inc. production, the show is Cheap Trick’s live celebration of the iconic and beloved Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. Geoff Emerick, the renowned engineer of The Beatles’ classic album, will supervise the audio production of “Sgt. Pepper Live.” Emmy-award winning production designer Rene Lagler designed the sets that are evocative of the vivid rock ‘n’ roll era of the 1960s and include a 60′-wide by 12′-high elevated orchestra stage and three turn-table entranceways.

“We have created an energetic and spectacular interpretation of an album that was absolutely groundbreaking when it was released 43 years ago,” said producer Bill Edwards. “These songs are known and loved by millions of people and Cheap Trick has captured the essence of ‘Sgt. Pepper’ in their unique style and recreated one of the most beloved and timeless musical works of modern times.”

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was the eighth studio album released by The Beatles. It took them 129 days to record. The album incorporated musical genres of jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, western classical and traditional Indian music, including the sitar. The Beatles never performed the album in its entirety due to the complex studio technology that was employed in the making of the album.

“Forty-three years ago today we released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, a very special and now iconic album. Ten days from today the album will come to life in its entirety as never before presented in ‘Sgt. Pepper Live’ at Paris Las Vegas,” said Geoff Emerick, producer and engineer of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and audio supervisor for “Sgt. Pepper Live.” “I’m happy to be a part of this event and to revisit this celebrated music once again.”

“Sgt. Pepper Live” allows Cheap Trick to incorporate their brand of power pop into the classic songs in a celebration of The Beatles’ influential album. In addition to Cheap Trick, the show features an orchestra, an authentic Indian sitar band and a captivating experience of light and sound. Cheap Trick performs the entire album live as well as select Cheap Trick songs that lend themselves to orchestral arrangements.

You say you want a revolution? The world’s largest Beatles tribute festival will return for the sixth year as the signature Memorial Day Weekend event in Louisville. WHAS-11 Abbey Road on the River, a five day music festival celebrating the greatest rock band of all time, will be held at the Belvedere Park and Galt House Hotel from May 27th – May 31st.

A 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Terry Sylvester of The Hollies will headline this year’s festival, along with over 75 other bands performing on eight stages. Growing up just a few houses away from Paul McCartney in Liverpool, Sylvester joined The Hollies in 1968 after Graham Nash left. The band scored three international number one hits with Sylvester lead singing, “He Ain’t Heavy,” “The Air That I Breathe,” and “Long Tall Woman.” The Hollies melodies and harmonies were second only to those of The Beatles. Sylvester is the fifth Liverpool musician to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining The Fabs themselves, John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

Other renowned Beatles tribute bands performing this year include Canada’s Hal Bruce and All You Need is Love; Chicago’s Britbeat; Moscow, Russia’s Alyona; Puerto Rico’s The Jukebox; Germany’s Beat Radicals; Athens, Georgia’s Abbey Road LIVE; Norway’s Norwegian Beatles; and Sweden’s The Repeatles.

For the first time in its nine year history, the festival will expand to include a show in Washington D.C. over Labor Day Weekend. Beatles’ fans will experience five days of peace, love and rock-n-roll at the Gaylord National Resort’s first-class facilities, located just steps from the shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and waterfront attractions at the new lifestyle community, National Harbor.

Festival tickets are currently on sale at www.abbeyroadontheriver.com, and families can save big by purchasing their tickets by April 30th. Advanced tickets include free admission for one 21 and under guest with each regular ticketholder.

WHAS-11 Abbey Road on the River is known throughout The Beatles community as the biggest and best festival dedicated to The Fab Four in the world.

You Say You Want A Revolution?

On the 46th anniversary of The Beatles conquering America, the world’s largest Beatles tribute festival, Abbey Road on the River, announced it would expand to National Harbor, Maryland, September 2-6, 2010. The new Labor Day Weekend music festival will bring more than 50 international bands and thousands of Beatles fans to the nation’s Capital.

The stunning Gaylord National Resort, the festival’s venue, will offer hotel rooms beginning at just $139 per night, 25% to 40% below standard rates. The four-star resort, the crown jewel of the new National Harbor, will be home base for Abbey Road on the River’s bands and attendees, hosting two indoor stages, four outdoor stages, seminars, and a Beatles merchandise market place.

Beatles fans will experience five days of peace, love and rock-n-roll at the Gaylord, steps from National Harbor’s shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and waterfront attractions. The Harbor is also a short ride from The White House, Mount Vernon, and other popular area attractions.

The 50 Beatles bands, from mop tops to Sgt. Peppers, represent a dozen different countries including Greece, Germany, Italy, England, Scotland, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Canada, and the USA. They will perform the entire discography of The Beatles from 1963′s “Please Please Me” through John, Paul, George and Ringo’s final history-making album together, 1970′s “Abbey Road.” And if you also love the music they made as solo artists, the event will feature special concerts dedicated to their careers after they were Fab. It all “comes together” on the banks of the Potomac River, giving their legions of fans the ultimate Fab Four Fan Weekend.

The Beatles, the best-selling band of the last ten years (as well as the past 46), is the one rock ‘n’ roll band that equally appeals to young and old. It was true in the 1960′s, and it’s more true now as longtime fans pass on their love for the Fab Four to their children and for many, now their grandchildren.

Room rates at the Gaylord National Resort normally ranging from $199-$379, are available for Abbey Road on the River attendees for just $139 per night. For guests staying three nights, this is a savings of over $200.

Families can take advantage of another Fab money saving incentive by purchasing their tickets by May 31st. Tickets purchased before May 31st include free admission for one 21 and under guest with each regular ticket holder. “One of the things we want to do is pass along the love of this music to others so that it can carry on,” festival organizer Gary Jacob said. “Everyone has an inner Beatle; combining The Beatles’ eternal music with this great venue is the perfect way for you to find it.”

Visit www.abbeyroadontheriver.com to see the lineup and schedule, purchase tickets, make reservations, and to get more information.

Source: GMJ Events

Apple Corps, Ltd., MTV Games and Harmonix,  announced The Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) will be available in its entirety for purchase and playable as downloadable content in The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) Music Store starting November 17, 2009.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band becomes the second full album from The Beatles to hit The Beatles: Rock Band Music Store since the video game’s launch on September 9, 2009. Last month MTV Games and Harmonix released Abbey Road (1969) as the first full downloadable album for use in the game. Additionally, “All You Need Is Love,” the first downloadable track available for the game, has shown similar success with more than 100,000 downloads to date on XboxLIVE® online entertainment network and all Apple Corps Ltd., MTV Games, Harmonix and Microsoft proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

With “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “With A Little Help From My Friends,” “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” “Getting Better,” and “Good Morning Good Morning” already included on The Beatles: Rock Band game disc, players will now be able to play songs from, and complete, the entire Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.

Available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft (Nov. 17) and PlayStation®3 System (Nov. 19):

Individual Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band singles: “Fixing A Hole,” “She’s Leaving Home,” “Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!,” “Within You Without You,” “When I’m Sixty-Four,” “Lovely Rita,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” and “A Day In The Life.”

Price: $1.99 USD, pounds Sterling .99 UK, euro 1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per each individual track

The “Complete The Album Pack” features:

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band singles: “Fixing A Hole,” “She’s Leaving Home,” “Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!,” “Within You Without You,” “When I’m Sixty-Four,” “Lovely Rita,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” and “A Day In The Life.”

Price: $13.49 USD, pounds 7.49, euro 8.99 (1080 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for “Complete The Album Pack”

Available for Wii (Nov. 17):

Individual Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band singles: “Fixing A Hole,” “She’s Leaving Home,” “Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!,” “Within You Without You,” “When I’m Sixty-Four,” “Lovely Rita,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” and “A Day In The Life.”

Price: $2.00 USD (200 Wii Points(TM)) per each individual track

As previously announced the complete Rubber Soul (1965) album will be released as downloadable content in December. The Beatles: Rock Band downloadable content is available for purchase on the Xbox LIVE, PlayStation®Network and via the in-game The Beatles: Rock Band Music Store for Wii(TM) using Wii Points purchased through the Wii Shop Channel.

The Beatles: Rock Band offers players an unprecedented, experiential progression through the music and artistry of The Beatles and is available for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Wii(TM) console from Nintendo. The game is compatible with all The Beatles: Rock Band and Rock Band(TM) instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero® and other authorized third-party music video game peripherals and microphones.

The Beatles: Rock Band marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Harrisongs Ltd and Startling Music Ltd has presented The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. The Beatles: Rock Band is published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band. Electronic Arts Inc. serves as distribution partner for the game. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles’ innovative LOVE album project, provided his expertise and served as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.

The Beatles: Rock Band is rated “T” for Teen with the descriptors “Mild Lyrics” and “Tobacco Reference” by the ESRB.

Source: MTV Games

Over 100K Exclusive Xbox LIVE Song Downloads of “All You Need Is Love” Sold in September with Charity Proceeds Benefiting Doctors Without Borders

Apple Corps, Ltd., MTV Games and Harmonix announced The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) debuted as the top selling music video game in the U.S. for September. Released simultaneously with the digitally re-mastered Beatles CD catalogue on September 9, 2009, the critically acclaimed game was also the #2 selling title across all genres by revenue in the U.S. for the month of September. In addition, over 100K downloads of “All You Need Is Love” were sold in September. The charity single was released exclusively through Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network for a limited time with All Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games, Harmonix and Microsoft proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

“We’ve heard countless stories about how The Beatles: Rock Band has inspired and brought friends, families and even complete strangers together,” stated Scott Guthrie, EVP and President, MTV Games. “The overwhelmingly positive reaction by music fans, hardcore gamers, critics, retailers, young and old alike, has been extremely gratifying. The game was a labor of love for the teams at Apple Corps, MTV Games and Harmonix and seeing it resonate across generations the world over is truly priceless.”

Critics Praise The Beatles: Rock Band:
– “The Beatles: Rock Band is nothing less than a cultural watershed … It may be the most important video game yet made” – NY Times
– 4 stars (out of 4) – “A superb, vibrant presentation” – USA Today
– Grade: A “I had a blast losing myself in the game’s glorious saga of sound” – Entertainment Weekly
– 9 out of 10 – “Stunning and imaginative This is a labor of love.” – IGN

The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Bundle is available for a limited time. MTV Games and Harmonix have now completed production of these bundles and no more will be manufactured.

Available now for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Wii(TM) console from Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories, The Beatles: Rock Band allows fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. Additionally, for the first time in a music videogame, The Beatles: Rock Band introduces three-part vocal harmonies to gameplay, allowing gamers to revel in the unparalleled vocal stylings of The Beatles.

The Beatles: Rock Band features 45 songs on-disc representing a cross-section of hits and favorites that span The Beatles’ storied career. Additional music from The Beatles’ epic catalogue will be made available for purchase and download through The Beatles: Rock Band Music Store. Abbey Road will be released on October 20, 2009, followed by the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in November and Rubber Soul in December.

The game is compatible with all Rock Band(TM) instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero® and other authorized third party music video game peripherals and microphones.

The Beatles: Rock Band marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Harrisongs Ltd and Startling Music Ltd has presented The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. The Beatles: Rock Band is published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band. Electronic Arts Inc. is serving as distribution partner for the game. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE album project, provided his expertise and served as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.

The Beatles: Rock Band is rated “T” for Teen with the descriptors “Mild Lyrics” and “Tobacco Reference” by the ESRB.

(1) According to NPD Group

Source: MTV Games

The Walt Disney Studios has made a deal with Apple Corps Ltd. to develop a new 3D performance capture adaptation of the 1968 hit animated film “Yellow Submarine” to be written and directed by Robert Zemeckis, it was announced today at the D23 Expo by Dick Cook, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios.

The film will be created by ImageMovers Digital, Disney’s state-of-the-art performance capture animation studio operated in conjunction with Zemeckis and his partners, Jack Rapke and Steve Starkey, who will serve as producers on the project.

For this fantastic new voyage to Pepperland, Zemeckis will incorporate the 16 Beatles songs and recordings from the original motion picture licensed from Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC and EMI-Capitol Records, respectively. The songs include “All Together Now,” “All You Need Is Love,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “With A Little Help From My Friends” while combining his unique vision and style to bring this dazzling tale to life.

In making the announcement, Cook said, “This is truly an inspired collaboration, and a wonderful opportunity to revisit one of the most imaginative and memorable musical fantasies of all time. To be working with the amazing folks at Apple Corps, and to have Bob helming the sub is truly as good as it gets. With all those incredible Beatles songs and imagery, the spectacular vision of Bob and his pioneering team at ImageMovers Digital, and a classic adventure full of wit and action, we’re sure that moviegoers are going to have a great time on this latest trip to Pepperland.”

Zemeckis said, “‘Yellow Submarine’ is one of the greatest fantasy films of all time, and making this new 3D performance capture movie is a dream come true for me. With the latest advances in technology, we will be able to take moviegoers on a voyage unlike any other, and bring new excitement and dimension to Pepperland and the various sea worlds they encounter. I’m thrilled to be working with the good folks at Apple Corps and our partners at Disney on this epic retelling of one of my all time favorite films.”

Jeff Jones, CEO, Apple Corps Ltd., said, “With The Beatles and Walt Disney Studios, we have a partnership between two of the best loved creative entities in the world. We’re very excited about the magical fantasy that will result from this collaboration. The marriage of the music of The Beatles with the talent and technical wizardry of Robert Zemeckis and ImageMovers Digital should produce something very special. We look forward to working with Bob and his team on realising his new vision for ‘Yellow Submarine’”.

The original motion picture (released in the U.S. on November 13, 1968) based on the music of The Beatles was directed by George Dunning and featured the inspired art direction and design of Heinz Edelmann. The movie is set in Pepperland, an undersea paradise inhabited by music lovers who live in peace and harmony and are protected by Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. That is… until they are threatened by the music hating Blue Meanies. It’s up to John, Paul, George and Ringo to set off on a magical adventure in their yellow submarine and bring music and harmony back to Pepperland.

Source: The Walt Disney Studios

Apple Corps Ltd., MTV Games and Harmonix, and EMI Music announce The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) and The Beatles’ entire original recorded catalogue, digitally re-mastered for the first time, will be available worldwide — 09.09.09 (The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) will be available in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories).

The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) allows fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay. From the early touring days in 1963 Liverpool to the immortal, final performance on Apple’s rooftop, fans can follow in The Fab Four’s footsteps as they traverse the globe during the height of Beatlemania, unlocking real photos and videos of The Beatles – some never before seen by the public. The Beatles: Rock Band introduces three-part vocal harmonies to gameplay and features 45 songs on-disc. Three albums from The Beatles’ epic catalogue will be made available for purchase and download including Abbey Road (1969), Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) and Rubber Soul (1965). The Beatles: Rock Band will be available for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Wii(TM) console from Nintendo.

The Beatles’ entire original recorded catalogue has been digitally re-mastered for the first time by a dedicated team of engineers at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios over a four-year period. The new CD releases include 14 re-mastered stereo titles available individually or collected in a box set, as well as 11 mono titles released in a limited edition boxed set. All of the re-mastered stereo CDs are packaged with replicated original UK album art, including expanded booklets containing original and newly written liner notes and rare photos. For a limited period, 13 of the stereo CDs are embedded with a unique mini-documentary about the album.

www.thebeatles.com

B-roll coverage will include:
– Re-mastered Beatles albums art elements; mini-documentary clips (14 stereo CDs / Stereo box set / Mono box set)
– SOT from Giles Martin, Music Supervisor, The Beatles: Rock Band and son of Sir George Martin (Beatles Producer) on The Beatles: Rock Band
experience
– SOT from Alex Rigopulos CEO And Co-Founder of MTV’s Harmonix Music Systems on expanding the music video game audience and meaning of The Beatles: Rock Band
– Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr footage
– The Beatles: Rock Band 30-second commercial
– The Beatles: Rock Band gameplay footage (“I Saw Her Standing There,” “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “Back In The U.S.S.R.)
– The Beatles: Rock Band demo performance (“I Feel Fine”)

Source: MTV Games

First-of-its-kind Music Video Game Capturing The Beatles’ Extraordinary Music, Career and Legacy Available 9/9/09 in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Other Territories

Apple Corps, Ltd., MTV Games and Harmonix announced The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) will be available tomorrow in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories. Released simultaneously with the digitally re-mastered Beatles CD catalogue, the music-based video game will offer players an unprecedented, experiential progression through the music and artistry of The Beatles and be available for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Wii(TM) console from Nintendo.

From the early touring days in 1963 Liverpool to the immortal, final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop, fans can follow in The Fab Four’s footsteps as they traverse the globe during the height of Beatlemania, unlocking real photos and videos of The Beatles – some never before seen by the public. Beatles fans will also be thrilled to hear previously unreleased authentic voice recordings from John, Paul, George and Ringo chatting between takes during studio sessions recorded at Abbey Road more than four decades ago.

The Beatles: Rock Band allows fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. Additionally, for the first time in a music videogame, The Beatles: Rock Band introduces three-part vocal harmonies to gameplay, allowing gamers to revel in the unparalleled vocal stylings of The Beatles.

The Beatles: Rock Band features 45 songs on-disc representing a cross-section of hits and favorites that span The Beatles’ storied career. Additional music from The Beatles’ epic catalogue will be made available for purchase and download through The Beatles: Rock Band Music Store. Abbey Road will be released on October 20, 2009, followed by the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in November and Rubber Soul in December.

The 45 songs included in The Beatles: Rock Band and the venues in which they are featured in are:

Cavern Club (1963):
– Twist And Shout
– Boys
– Do You Want To Know A Secret
– I Saw Her Standing There

Ed Sullivan Theater (1964):
– I Want To Hold Your Hand
– Can’t Buy Me Love
– A Hard Day’s Night
– I Wanna Be Your Man

Shea Stadium (1965):
– Ticket to Tide
– I’m Looking Through You
– Eight Days A Week
– If I Needed Someone
– I Feel Fine

Budokan (1966):
– Day Tripper
– And Your Bird Can Sing
– Drive My Car
– Taxman
– Paperback Writer

Abbey Road (1966-1967):
– Yellow Submarine
– Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band / With A Little Help From My Friends
– Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
– Getting Better
– Within You Without You / Tomorrow Never Knows
– Good Morning Good Morning

Abbey Road (1967-1968):
– I Am The Walrus
– Hello Goodbye
– Hey Bulldog
– Back In The U.S.S.R.
– Dear Prudence
– While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Abbey Road (1968-1969):
– Helter Skelter
– Revolution
– Birthday
– Octopus’s Garden
– Something
– Come Together
– Here Comes The Sun

Rooftop Concert (1969):
– Dig a Pony
– I’ve Got A Feeling
– Don’t Let Me Down
– I Me Mine
– I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
– Get Back

Encore:
The End

As previously announced, “All You Need Is Love” will be released tomorrow, September 9, 2009, exclusively through Xbox LIVE for a limited time as a downloadable track for The Beatles: Rock Band. All Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games, Harmonix and Microsoft proceeds will benefit Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

The Beatles: Rock Band will offer a new set of hardware replicas representing the instruments made famous by John, Paul, George and Ringo. Featured in the set are the Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet guitars — hailed as two of the celebrated, signature instruments played by John Lennon and George Harrison throughout their careers. Also available is a Hofner bass controller a large-scale replica of the bass famously used by Sir Paul McCartney. Rounding out the set is a Ringo Starr inspired Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drum set with a classic pearl finish and vintage replica Beatles kick drum head.

Pricing for The Beatles: Rock Band is as follows:

– Limited Edition Premium Bundle for Xbox 360/PS3/Wii: US MSRP $249.99, continental Europe MSRP euro 199.00, UK MSRP 179.00 pounds Sterling
– Includes: The Beatles: Rock Band software, Hofner Bass controller: Large scale replica of the Bass famously used by Sir Paul McCartney, Beatles-inspired and Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drums with classic pearl finish and vintage replica Beatles kick drum head, Microphone, Microphone Stand, additional special content
– Rickenbacker 325 Standalone Guitar for Xbox 360/PS3/Wii: US MSRP $99.99, continental Europe MSRP euro 99.99, UK MSRP 89.99 pounds
– Gretsch Duo Jet Standalone Guitar for Xbox 360/PS3/Wii: US MSRP $99.99, continental Europe MSRP euro 99.99, UK MSRP 89.99 pounds
– The Beatles: Rock Band Software for Xbox 360/PS3: US MSRP $59.99, continental Europe MSRP euro 69.99, UK MSRP 49.99 pounds
– The Beatles: Rock Band Software for Wii: US MSRP $59.99, continental Europe MSRP euro 49.99, UK MSRP 39.99 pounds

The game will also be compatible with all Rock Band(TM) instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero and other authorized third party music video game peripherals and microphones.

Source: MTV Games

Premiering in Three Installments August 26, September 2, and September 9 at 9PM

VH1 Classic To Air 9 Days of Beatles Programming Starting September 1 with Classic Beatles’ Documentaries, Concerts, and Films VH1 and VH1 Classic’s Beatles Programming Marathons Support September 9 Debut of MTV Games’ The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM)

VH1 and VH1 Classic are kicking off a programming bonanza centered on one of the biggest-selling bands in pop culture history – The Beatles. The networks extensive and wide-ranging programming is airing in support of the highly anticipated launch of MTV Games’ The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) on September 9.

The 3-week-long programming block begins with the airing of “The Beatles Anthology,” the comprehensive documentary series focused on the history of the “Fab Four.” “The Beatles Anthology” simulcasts on VH1 and VH1 Classic on Wednesday, August 26, Wednesday, September 2, and Wednesday, September 9 at 9PM*. Then beginning Tuesday, September 1, VH1 Classic goes into full gear with “9 Days of Beatles” featuring classic Beatles’ documentaries, concerts and films.

Footage from “The Beatles Anthology” documentary was compiled from interviews, studio sessions, films, and home videos, with production taking place over the course of five years. From their childhood in England to the band’s eventual breakup, this in-depth documentary takes a look into the careers of four of the greatest musicians to grace the stage. Directed by Geoff Wonfor and Bob Smeaton, this Emmy-nominated film follows John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr around the world as they share their stories. Fans will have an opportunity to see and hear some of their favorite Beatles performances as well as rarely seen footage.

All You Need Is. . .. “9 Days of The Beatles” on VH1 Classic

In addition to the Anthology, VH1 Classic will be airing an unprecedented “9 Days of The Beatles” programming. Select programming is highlighted below. For a full schedule visit VH1Classic.com.

On Tuesday, September 1 at 8PM* “9 Days of The Beatles” kicks off with “The Beatles Retrospective” hosted by Mark Goodman. Take a stroll down memory lane as VH1 Classic takes you through The Beatles’ catalogue of amazing videos with “She Loves You/I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” “You’re Gonna Lose That Girl,” “Penny Lane,” “Revolution,” “When I’m 64,” “I Am The Walrus” and “Hey Bulldog.”

Following on Tuesday, September 1 at 9 PM*, VH1 Classic will premiere the classic Beatles movie “Help!” which showcases The Beatles in a plot that revolves around Ringo’s possession of a sacrificial ring, which he cannot remove from his finger. Songs included in the film are “Help!” “Another Girl” and “Ticket to Ride.”

“The Beatles Anthology 2″ airs on Wednesday, September 2 at 9PM* and is simulcast on VH1. This anthology takes viewers through the harrowing tour of “Hard Day’s Night” and into the frenzy of Beatlemania. From performances at Shea Stadium in New York City to receiving medals from the Queen at Buckingham Palace in London to meeting and hanging out with Elvis, the “Fab Four” are seen at the height of their fame. The anthology continues with behind-the-scenes footage of Rubber Soul and takes viewers through one of the group’s most prolific albums, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The documentary also follows the band through their classic “Strawberry Fields” and into the summer of love as Timothy Leary called his “avatars” to sing the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” during the first world satellite television program.

“A Hard Day’s Night” premieres on Thursday, September 3 at 9PM*. This Academy-Award nominated film offers fans a typical day in the life of a Beatle. Songs: “I’ll Cry Instead,” ” A Hard Day’s Night,” ” I Should’ve Known Better,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “If I Fell,” “And I Love Her,” “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You,” “Ringo’s Theme (This Boy),” “Tell Me Why.” “Don’t Bother Me,” “I Wanna Be Your Man,” “All My Loving’” and “She Loves You.”

“The Making of Sgt. Pepper” premieres on Friday, September 4 at 9PM*. This documentary celebrates the classic album, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and features outtakes and interviews from Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, George Martin, Brian Wilson, Phil Collins and more.

Later that evening, “Paul McCartney: St. Petersburg Live” premieres on Friday, September 4 at 11PM*. This special documentary story of Paul’s historic visit to Russian 2003, marking the first time McCartney set foot on Russian soil. Songs include: “Hey Jude” “Yesterday” and “Let It Be,” and “Back in the U.S.S.R.”

On Saturday, September 5 at 11PM* VH1 Classic will air “John Lennon Live in NYC.” In his last full-length concert, John Lennon delivers some classic performances of songs “Instant Karma,” “Come Together” “Imagine” and “Give Peace a Chance” among others.

On Sunday, September 6 at 5PM* VH1 Classic celebrates John Lennon’s legacy with the 1998 documentary “Imagine: John Lennon.” The self-narrated documentary presents a wealth of Lennon footage and bridges his two musical phases – as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist – together and presents a career-spanning collection of Lennon’s many musical highlights. In addition there are a couple of heretofore unreleased recordings: an acoustic demo of “Real Love” taped in 1979 (an alternate recording of which would be finished by The Beatles for 1996′ s Anthology 2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthology_2) and a rehearsal take of “Imagine” in mid-1971 before the final take was captured.

Two special concerts highlight the Beatles’ legacies on Monday, September 7. “The Concert for Bangladesh Revisited,” airs at 8PM* and follows the 1971 landmark benefit concert that brought together an extraordinary ensemble of major artists collaborating to raise money for UNICEF to help the people of Bangladesh after the Bhloa Cyclone and Liberation War ravished the country. George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and more held the sold out concert on August 1, 1971 at Madison Square Garden. Next premiering at 9PM* is “The Concert for George.” On November 29, 2002, one year after George Harrison’s death, his many friends gathered to celebrate his life by playing his music, including artists Eric Clapton, Jools Holand, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Billy Preston, and Ringo Starr.

The Beatles week on VH1 Classic continues with “Storytellers: Ringo Starr” on Tuesday, September 8 at 8:30PM*. Taped in front of a live studio audience in 1998 before the release of his album “Vertical Man,” Ringo devotes his set to the stories behind some of his solo successes including, “Back off Boogaloo” and “It Don’t Come Easy” and The Beatles hits including “Love Me Do,” “With A Little Help from My Friends” and “Don’t Pass Me By.”

“9 Days of The Beatles” programming comes to a close with “The Beatles Anthology 3″ which premieres on Wednesday, September 9 at 9PM* and is simulcast with VH1. Having already found fame and international success The Beatles form their new recording company, Apple Corp and release a new string of hit albums including, The White Album, Yellow Submarine, and finally one of their quintessential best, Abbey Road.

MTV Games’ The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM)

The Beatles have sold more than 600 million albums internationally; in the U.S., they have had more number one singles (20) on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart than any other music artist in history, as well as 15 number one albums. This anthology depicts the music, mayhem, and the men behind one of the biggest music phenomenon in music history.

The Beatles: Rock Band gives fans the chance to experience for themselves The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music for the first time via a gameplay journey. From the early touring days in 1963 Liverpool to the immortal, final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop, fans can follow in The Beatles’ footsteps as they traverse the globe during the height of Beatlemania.

Additionally, for the first time in a music videogame, The Beatles: Rock Band introduces three-part vocal harmonies, allowing gamers to revel in the unparalleled vocal styling of The Beatles. Beatles fans will also be thrilled to hear previously unreleased authentic voice recordings from John, Paul, George and Ringo chatting between takes during studio sessions recorded at Abbey Road more than four decades ago. Of The Beatles’ epic catalogue, 45 songs will be available on-disc. In addition, the entire Abbey Road album will be available for future download purchase, as will additional music from The Beatles’ catalogue.

In conjunction with the release of the entire, original, digitally re-mastered Beatles CD catalogue, The Beatles: Rock Band will be available Sept. 9, 2009, simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), and the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo. The game will be compatible with all Rock Band(TM) instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero and other authorized third-party music video game peripherals and microphones.

The Beatles: Rock Band marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Harrisongs Ltd and Startling Music Ltd has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive videogame format.

The Beatles: Rock Band is published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band. Electronic Arts Inc. will serve as distribution partner for the game. Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE album project, has also provided his expertise, serving as Music Producer for this groundbreaking project

Source: VH1

19 More of the 45 On-Disc Tracks Announced Including “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “Helter Skelter,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Ticket to Ride” and More

MTV Games and Harmonix  revealed 19 more of the 45 on-disc tracks that will be featured in The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) – leaving all, but one song a mystery. A gameplay trailer featuring ten of the 19 newly announced songs can be viewed by visiting www.thebeatlesrockband.com.

The newly announced 19 songs represent a cross-section of hits and favorites that span The Beatles’ storied career from “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” to “Ticket to Ride” and “Something,” bringing the total number of announced songs to 44.

The Beatles: Rock Band 19 New Songs Revealed With Featured Venues:
– “Boys” / Cavern Club
– “A Hard Day’s Night” / Ed Sullivan Theater
– “I’m Looking Through You” / Shea Stadium
– “If I Needed Someone” / Shea Stadium
– “Ticket to Ride” / Shea Stadium
– “Drive My Car” / Budokan
– “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
– “Getting Better” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
– “Good Morning” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
– “Hello, Goodbye” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
– “Hey Bulldog” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
– “Dear Prudence” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
– “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
– “Helter Skelter” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
– “Something” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
– “Come Together” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
– “Don’t Let Me Down” / Rooftop Concert
– “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” / Rooftop Concert
– “I Me Mine” / Rooftop Concert

The Beatles: Rock Band allows fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums to experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. From the early touring days in 1963 Liverpool to the immortal, final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop, fans can follow in The Fab Four’s footsteps as they traverse the globe during the height of Beatlemania.

For the first time in a music videogame, The Beatles: Rock Band introduces three-part vocal harmonies to gameplay, allowing players to revel in the unparalleled vocal stylings of The Beatles.

As previously announced, the entire Abbey Road album will be available for future download purchase. In addition, “All You Need Is Love” will be released Sept. 9, 2009, exclusively through Xbox LIVE for a limited time as a downloadable song for The Beatles: Rock Band, with all Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games, Harmonix and Microsoft proceeds benefitting Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

In conjunction with the release of the entire, original, digitally re-mastered Beatles CD catalogue, The Beatles: Rock Band will be available Sept. 9, 2009, simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), and the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo. The game will be compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero and other authorized third-party music video game peripherals and microphones.

North American and European fans who pre-order any version of the The Beatles: Rock Band at a participating retailer will be given an access code to officially join the Pre-Order Club. After entry of the code, consumers will gain access to breaking news and exclusive behind-the-scenes elements. For a list of participating retailers or to learn more about The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club, please visit www.thebeatlesrockband.com/preorderclub/.

The Beatles: Rock Band 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. The Beatles: Rock Band will be published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band. Electronic Arts  will serve as distribution partner for the game. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE album project, is providing his expertise and serving as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.

Source: MTV