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Rock Band DLC silence broken by Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters
It's been nearly two years since hit rhythm game series Rock Band last saw new downloadable music, but now it appears that developer Harmonix is tuning up for an encore. Come January 13, both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 Rock Band games will have access to three new songs: "R U Mine?" from the Arctic Monkeys, "Shepherd of Fire" from Avenged Sevenfold and the Foo Fighters' "Something From Nothing." Regardless of platform, each of these tracks will feature a $2 price tag. Whether this is an unexpected one-off DLC offer or if it might signal a return to regular Rock Band music releases is currently unknown. Harmonix makes no mention of its future DLC plans, and so far our attempts to reach the studio for more information have gone unanswered. [Image: Warner Bros.]
Wii Rock Band Network releases to stop next week
All Rock Band Network tracks are available for purchase through the Xbox 360 Rock Band games, and Harmonix periodically dumps some popular tracks from the DIY authoring service onto the PS3 and Wii games as DLC. Next week's set of RBN songs (after the break), however, will be the last to make the trip over to Wii. "With the smaller online install base, limited demand for releases so far and the significant amount of work it takes for our producers and audio team to convert and process these additional tracks," Harmonix's Aaron Trites explained in the weekly DLC announcement, "we're no longer able to continue submitting RBN content to the Wii." That's not the end for all downloadable music on Wii, however: "regular Wii DLC, and RBN releases for the 360 and PS3 will continue uninterrupted."
Harmonix retains IP rights to Rock Band, Dance Central
Yesterday's Harmonix announcement of re-independence from global media conglomerate Viacom left questions hanging about the intellectual property rights to the studio's two main franchises. Joystiq has been informed by sources that Harmonix will "own the IP rights" to both the Rock Band and Dance Central franchises after the split, meaning it can continue to create new installments if it chooses. We've also been informed that the developer's DLC support of both titles will continue "unaffected by the sale" and that its distribution relationships with EA and Mad Catz for the Rock Band series, and with Microsoft for Dance Central, also remain "unaffected." What we currently understand of the situation, from sources involved, is that Viacom and MTV Games providing licensing muscle isn't as necessary as it once was -- before the music genre became established over the past few years. It appears relationships have been set that now allow Harmonix to license music for its games without the aid of Viacom.
Harmonix explains Rock Band 3 legacy track upgrades, pricing
This week's Bon Jovi Rock Band DLC will include previously released tracks that now have an "RB3 Version." There was confusion about whether these songs, which now include keyboard and harmony support, would have their previous "legacy" versions upgraded for free. That will not be the case. Harmonix explains those who own the legacy versions will have to pay the $2 for the new RB3 Version if they'd like to have the keyboard and harmony upgrade. Also, for those who want the Pro Guitar and Bass versions of the songs, they'll have to buy the RB3 Version, plus pay another buck for the "Pro" upgrade. A Harmonix rep explained to Joystiq that the developer hopes to have the Pro Guitar/Bass versions available for the legacy versions -- without having to pay the $2 for the RB3 Version as well -- in the future, but that this won't be available for the Bon Jovi tracks. So, the short of it is: if you want the keyboard and harmony upgrades, you'll have to pony up the Jefferson ... that's who's on the two dollar bill. Yes, there's such a thing as a two dollar bill.
Rock Band Weekly: Bon Jovi, Deftones, New Order, Talking Heads
Next week's Rock Band DLC adds the Bon Jovi Greatest Hits: Rock Band Edition album. The pack includes 12 of the band's chart-toppers, with some previously released tracks re-released for Rock Band 3 with support for Keys, Pro Keys, Pro Drums and harmonies -- you'll also have the option to add Pro Guitar and Bass parts for an extra dollar. (As for why we chose the above Bon Jovi album art for this post, the particular cover and music video always seemed inspired by Ghost in the Shell:SAC's The Laughing Man; available on Netflix instant watch.) There will also be individual songs from Deftones, New Order and Talking Heads available next week. A standalone complex of details on all the tracks can be found after the break.
Rock Band 3: how to import Rock Band 2 songs
Rock Band 3 is ready to receive the 1.93GB Rock Band 2 song export. RockBandAide details the export process (actually a track pack download) that requires $10 and the code from the back of your Rock Band 2 instruction manual, originally used for some bonus downloadable tracks. To redeem the code, go into the "Get More Songs" menu in Rock Band 3 and head on over to the "Redeem Code" option. The five songs that will not survive the export process are: AC/DC – "Let There Be Rock" Journey – "Any Way You Want It" Metallica – "Battery" Red Hot Chili Peppers – "Give It Away" Soundgarden – "Spoonman" RockBandAide reports nine songs from Harmonix bands will also not make it through the journey, but don't stop believin' in the company's bands, because they'll reportedly return as free DLC packs. Also, if you'd previously paid for the license transfer for Rock Band 1 tracks, don't worry -- those tracks are all set on your hard drive and ready for rockin'. Update: The PS3 and Wii export details will be explained once RockBand.com is live again. Also, regarding PS3 imports of Rock Band 2, users will need to wait until the PSN updates later today (same situation occurred with Fallout: New Vegas). For Xbox 360 owners who lost their RB2 manuals, there will be a code replacement service available. We'll update as we learn more. Update 2: For those who no longer have their RB2 manuals, Harmonix tweets: "if you need a new code you can get one from EA!" (though there is currently no clear way to request a code from the support page). Update 3: Harmonix now has all the particulars of exporting detailed in a guide. [Thanks, Andrew K.]
Rock Band Weekly: Stone Temple Pilots, Jimmy Eat World
The other "Creep" song will be available next week as part of Rock Band's DLC. No, not the one by TLC, and, also, not the album by White Zombie -- that was Astro-Creep. Actually, there's like a hundred or something songs called "Creep." So, we're talking about the one by Stone Temple Pilots. In fact, there's a whole track pack from the band's Core album next week, in addition to "Plush" being featured in Rock Band 3. Next week's DLC also features a second track pack from Jimmy Eat World. Check out all the track details after the break.
Rock Band DLC web widget makes sense of 2000 song setlist
So, yeah, there are a lot of songs playable in Harmonix's various Rock Band games. More than 2,000 in fact, encompassing Rock Band Network, LEGO Rock Band, Rock Band 1, 2 and soon, Rock Band 3. In an effort to help make finding out if the song you want is among those, the developer has created an embeddable web widget that lets you search by artist, song title, year and genre (then sort within those results). It's really pretty handy -- we've embedded it after the break, actually, so you can give it a try. If you'd like to stick it on your websitethingy, grab the widget here. Those familiar with iframes and other such web two-point-oh terms will know what to do with it.
Rock Band Weekly: Jimi Hendrix's 'Are You Experienced'
Jimi Hendrix's exclusive Rock Band tour continues next week with the addition of the "Are You Experienced: Rock Band Edition" album. (For more Jimi, see the "Axis: Bold as Love" album that was released earlier this year.) Also, with over 2,000 songs now in the Rock Band DLC catalog, we thought it would be helpful to share these links, which can be used for searching the regular database or the Rock Band Network for a particular artist or song: Rock Band Music Store Database Rock Band Network Music Store Database Are you experienced enough to check out next week's DLC details after the break?
Rock Band Weekly: R.E.M., T. Rex
Confess! We've all sung along to R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" like this: "That's great, it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, an umm, hummy, hum, something something, something something .... *bob along* ... IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT! It's the end of the world as we know it. It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine." Well, next week's Rock Band DLC includes that song, so you've got a fantastic cheat sheet to all the proper lyrics. R.E.M. and T. Rex track packs are what it's all about next week, so head past the break for the details.
Rock Band Weekly: Anthrax, Doobie Brothers and more
Next week's Rock Band DLC will digitally distribute a whole lot of Anthrax. A five-pack of the thrash metal band's hits will be available, with "Caught In a Mosh" held up in the Rock Band 3 disc. Individual tracks will also make it into the store from the Doobie Brothers, My Chemical Romance, 30 Seconds to Mars, Atreyu and Buckcherry. Check out the set list details after the break.
Select PS3 Rock Band DLC discounted
Rock Band 3's launch is just about a month away, and Harmonix has made it its mission to make sure you've got a hard drive full of songs ready to be played once the threequel comes out. Check out a list of songs that have been temporarily discounted on the PlayStation Store below.
Rock Band Weekly: Bob Marley's 'Legend' album
The rumor of Bob Marley's "Legend" coming to Rock Band next week is true, reports MTV Multiplayer. The one notable song missing from the DLC album release is "Get up, Stand up." You won't be stuck waiting in vain for this uplifting track, however, it's actually on the Rock Band 3 setlist. People, get ready, the complete "Legend" DLC details are posted after the break.
Rumor: Bob Marley's Legend comes to Rock Band Sept. 21
RockBandAide reports that a recent special on VH1 revealed that the Bob Marley "greatest hits" compilation album "Legend" will hit the Rock Band Store on September 21. If true, this would put many of Marley's best songs up for grabs as DLC. Check out the full track list after the break and cross your fingers! Update: It's true.
Rock Band Weekly: Dio, Morrissey and many more
Next week's Rock Band DLC represents quite the buffet of artists. Dio's "Holy Diver" and "Stand Up and Shout" are in there, but you'll have to wait until Rock Band 3 to play the band's classic "Rainbow in the Dark." There's also a double-dose of Morrissey with "Irish Blood, English Heart" from his later solo days and "This Charming Man" from The Smiths era. Finally, you'll find tracks from Juliana Hatfield, Silverchair and Underoath. Check out the details after the break.
Rock Band Weekly: Snoop Dogg
Fo' rizzle, Snoop Dogg be the Rock Band DLCizzle next week. The track pack has been a long, long ... long time coming, but it's finally here to bust out flows like ... no. Sorry, no. We can't do this.
Rumor: Snoop Dogg tracks coming to Rock Band Sept. 7 [update]
Rock Band Aide, the premier fan site for Harmonix's soon-to-be-expanded rhythm game, reportedly uncovered a thrilling pop-up advertisement while watching MTV sister station Palladia -- one which revealed a September 7 release date for the eight-song Snoop Dogg track pack announced for Rock Band a year and a half ago. A year and a half! Why, that was long before the December release of Mr. Dogg's chart-topping "Malice N Wonderland." How the times have changed! We certainly hope the advertisement turns out to be accurate, as we're starting to feel a little impatient for the playable raps of the Doggfather. Then again, when the tracks were first announced, Snoop Dogg was still legally banned from entering the UK, a decision which was only overturned this past March. We would have felt terrible if this Dogg embargo had somehow kept our overseas friends from getting their hands on the tracks. Update: The latest Major Nelson schedule update has confirmed that the eight-song Snoop Dogg pack will indeed arrive on XBLA on September 7. We'll let you know the second we find out what songs will be included. [Thanks, Dirtybeefz!]
Rock Band Weekly: Country Pack 4
Next week's Rock Band DLC features various Grammy-winning, multiplatinum-selling country artists ... and yet, the one who jumps out is the lady who had her own sitcom. Complete details of the fourth country track pack can be found after the break.
Rock Band Weekly: More Disturbed tracks, We Are the Fallen debuts
You've had more than enough time to get up, come on get down with the sickness (haven't we all?), so this coming week's worth of other tracks from Disturbed in Rock Band should be quite pleasing. And hey, three tracks from Universal's Motown Republic label were thrown in as well for good measure.
Rock Band Weekly: The Black Keys, Neon Trees
It's a double dose of three packs for Rock Band DLC next week. The Black Keys were already revealed to be on the bill, while the Neon Trees remained relatively hidden -- irony. We've placed next week's Rock Band update details after the break.
