Rockband on Tour expiriences?

[HollywoodBound]

Just wondering if anyone here so far has actually participated with Rockband on Tour? It's been going on for a couple days and been to few different locations but no one has reported about their expiriences or anything. Just wondering what people have expirienced with it?

[TheTogfather]

Yah, I'm hoping it's just a matter of no forum regulars around these locations, and not that they were sworn to secrecy about anything...

[sporkBrigade]

Wish I could be of service, but no tour to Denver. :(

[ThePaska]

I wont get to experience tours around my parts until October/November, which is annoying, I wish it was sooner, and I'm not even positive yet that I can make it, I'm going to try my hardest though. I really want to play Rock Band, I mean who doesn't!?!

[LZ_Reborn]

My cousin/compadre(godfather to my son) lives in Vegas, already told him all about the Rockband tour bus, as you know RB is in Las Vegas today, he should be able to provide some details by tomorrow...He better or else he can forget he ever knew me or my son!!!:p

[mobhit101]

I live in Orlando :(

It's the VERY last stop on the tour and it ain't till the middle of December... boo.

You can bet your ass I'll still be there though! lol

[DarkSide]

The tour hits Columbus in a week, and I'll definately be attending atleast one event. If no one does it before then, I'll do a write up of my impressions and hopefully get some pictures to post.

[Emo_Reaper]

I'll also be at the Columbus one. Does anybody know any Tour info? Such,does it cost money,how many people can go with you,etc?

[DarkSide]

I'll also be at the Columbus one. Does anybody know any Tour info? Such,does it cost money,how many people can go with you,etc?
If you want to read a mountain of text... http://www.rockband.com/mbt/rules
I doubt it'll cost money.

EDIT: I don't know if I'm going to do the whole audition thing. Really, I just want to play the game.

[tf5_bassist]

Sept 20th, a week from today, I'll be there, and if all goes well, we'll be doing the audition thingy too.

I'll have my camera, and possibly give my wife camcorder duties, if the powers that be allow cams on the location.

So hopefully I'll have a pretty good-sized report for all y'all. :D

[HollywoodBound]

alright cool can't wait to hear.

[the_lumin8or]

Hey everyone,

I just got done playing rock band here in Milwaukee for about 3 hours! All I can say is that it is an awesome game. They set up the trailer and stage in a weird place on our campus (UWM), probably so they wouldn't "disturb" students or something. So, there was hardly anyone there and my friends and I were able to play a long time.

The game itself was a "prototype" according to the guys working, and included 15 songs that you were able to play. (Unfortunately, no Metallica). The tracklist included:

"Should I Stay or Should I Go" - The Clash
"Say It Ain't So" – Weezer
"Suffragette City" – David Bowie
"Tom Sawyer" – Rush
"Vasoline" – Stone Temple Pilots
"Wanted Dead or Alive" – Bon Jovi
"Wave of Mutilation" – Pixies
Paranoid" – Black Sabbath
"Dani California" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Detroit Rock City" - Kiss
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" – Jet
"Black Hole Sun" - Soundgarden
"Epic" – Faith No More
"Here It Goes Again" – OK Go
"In Bloom" – Nirvana

That's off the top of my head, but I'm pretty sure that was all. They had a semi-trailer set up with three stations where four people could play at each with headphones on. Then they had a stage coming off the trailer with loudspeakers and all. That is where the MTV "auditions" took place.

You are given a chance to play one song, either "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden, or "Detroit Rock City" by Kiss on stage, in front of the audition crew.

All I can say is that if you enjoyed Guitar Hero, (why would you be here if you didn't...), you're going to love Rock Band. Having four people playing together makes the game so much more immersive. $200 sounds like a lot of money for the bundle, but I think they sold me today!

I can't wait to see my audition video online! They said it would be up in 48 hours. Also, they said you will be ranked online against all of the other bands around the country.

Well, that's all I have to say for now. If you have any questions about the game itself or the instruments, feel free to ask, now that I have a little experience with it!

[Tendoza]

Cool stuff! Sounds like you had a lot of fun!

[Eman311]

I wonder how it will be when they come to Boston, probably gonna be packed.

[Emo_Reaper]

Hey everyone,

I just got done playing rock band here in Milwaukee for about 3 hours! All I can say is that it is an awesome game. They set up the trailer and stage in a weird place on our campus (UWM), probably so they wouldn't "disturb" students or something. So, there was hardly anyone there and my friends and I were able to play a long time.

The game itself was a "prototype" according to the guys working, and included 15 songs that you were able to play. (Unfortunately, no Metallica). The tracklist included:

"Should I Stay or Should I Go" - The Clash
"Say It Ain't So" – Weezer
"Suffragette City" – David Bowie
"Tom Sawyer" – Rush
"Vasoline" – Stone Temple Pilots
"Wanted Dead or Alive" – Bon Jovi
"Wave of Mutilation" – Pixies
Paranoid" – Black Sabbath
"Dani California" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Detroit Rock City" - Kiss
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" – Jet
"Black Hole Sun" - Soundgarden
"Epic" – Faith No More
"Here It Goes Again" – OK Go
"In Bloom" – Nirvana

That's off the top of my head, but I'm pretty sure that was all. They had a semi-trailer set up with three stations where four people could play at each with headphones on. Then they had a stage coming off the trailer with loudspeakers and all. That is where the MTV "auditions" took place.

You are given a chance to play one song, either "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden, or "Detroit Rock City" by Kiss on stage, in front of the audition crew.

All I can say is that if you enjoyed Guitar Hero, (why would you be here if you didn't...), you're going to love Rock Band. Having four people playing together makes the game so much more immersive. $200 sounds like a lot of money for the bundle, but I think they sold me today!

I can't wait to see my audition video online! They said it would be up in 48 hours. Also, they said you will be ranked online against all of the other bands around the country.

Well, that's all I have to say for now. If you have any questions about the game itself or the instruments, feel free to ask, now that I have a little experience with it!

For the audtition,were you 18 or higher? Cause my 13 year old friend is gonna wanna audition,but hes not sure. And do they only record the audition? Was it free? And how many friends did you take ^_^

[tf5_bassist]

Hey everyone,

I just got done playing rock band here in Milwaukee for about 3 hours! All I can say is that it is an awesome game. They set up the trailer and stage in a weird place on our campus (UWM), probably so they wouldn't "disturb" students or something. So, there was hardly anyone there and my friends and I were able to play a long time.

This is awesome, I'm kind of worried how crowded it'll be here in Sacramento.


The game itself was a "prototype" according to the guys working, and included 15 songs that you were able to play. (Unfortunately, no Metallica). The tracklist included:

"Should I Stay or Should I Go" - The Clash
"Say It Ain't So" – Weezer
"Suffragette City" – David Bowie
"Tom Sawyer" – Rush
"Vasoline" – Stone Temple Pilots
"Wanted Dead or Alive" – Bon Jovi
"Wave of Mutilation" – Pixies
Paranoid" – Black Sabbath
"Dani California" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Detroit Rock City" - Kiss
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" – Jet
"Black Hole Sun" - Soundgarden
"Epic" – Faith No More
"Here It Goes Again" – OK Go
"In Bloom" – Nirvana

That's off the top of my head, but I'm pretty sure that was all. They had a semi-trailer set up with three stations where four people could play at each with headphones on. Then they had a stage coming off the trailer with loudspeakers and all. That is where the MTV "auditions" took place.

Alright, so no new info, other than yet more confirmation of BHS and DC.


You are given a chance to play one song, either "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden, or "Detroit Rock City" by Kiss on stage, in front of the audition crew.

This is pretty weaksauce. :( Well... I hope my singer doesn't mind singing either of these songs. :/

When your video's posted online, be sure to see if it'll be possible to share it on the forum, I don't know if they're going to have an embeddable flash player that we'll be able to use, I just hope it'll be an option.

Seems like you had a lot of fun!

[tf5_bassist]

For the audtition,were you 18 or higher? Cause my 13 year old friend is gonna wanna audition,but hes not sure. And do they only record the audition? Was it free? And how many friends did you take ^_^

Taken from the Rock Band Mobile Tour rules (http://www.rockband.com/mbt/rules):
2. Eligibility: You must be a legal resident of the 50 United States and be at least 18 years of age to participate in Auditions (as hereinafter defined). If 18 is not the age of majority in the jurisdiction, in which you reside, you must obtain parental or legal guardian consent to be eligible to participate in Auditions. You cannot participate in an Audition if you are, or have an immediate family member, [parent, spouse, children, siblings, step-children and step siblings] employed by MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. (“MTVN”), or its affiliated companies, sponsors, subsidiaries and advertising agencies.

However, what I can't find is this: Does a band have to be four people, or, say if my singer, who has a real dayjob as a php developer, can't get the day off of work, can I play guitar or bass and sing at the same time, and basically run as a power trio? Sean? Any info on that? If that was the case, I was planning on auditioning with "Creep", but apparently, that's not an option anymore, so I guess I'd have to work something out with "Black Hole Sun" if my vocalist bails.

[Electric_Zen]

When your video's posted online, be sure to see if it'll be possible to share it on the forum, I don't know if they're going to have an embeddable flash player that we'll be able to use, I just hope it'll be an option.

They will give him an ID#. If he shares it with us, we can view it here:

http://video.rockband.com/events/mtv_rockband/

[masterx1918]

I thought the auditions were for a spot on a band a.k.a a supergroup, not necessarily a band you put together but a band MTV would choose and make up themselves?

[tf5_bassist]

They will give him an ID#. If he shares it with us, we can view it here:

http://video.rockband.com/events/mtv_rockband/

Yeah, I just don't know how "secure" that's going to be, whether they'll "allow" sharing of the ID or not. I typed in a false ID just to see what'd happen, and it spit back a status message saying "Validating ID ticket" or something, and then gave an option to fill out a form manually. So. Who knows. :D

[tf5_bassist]

I thought the auditions were for a spot on a band a.k.a a supergroup, not necessarily a band you put together but a band MTV would choose and make up themselves?

Nope, it's a band winning as a unit:

From section 4 of the rules:

To Audition: Visit one of the Mobile Tour Locations during the specified hours of operation and establish a four (4) member team, (“Band”). In order to participate in Audition, the Band must consist of four (4) participants, and one participating Band member must be designated as the main contact (“Leader”). Participation will be on a first come first served basis. Each Band member must obtain, complete and submit the Audition Eligibility Form, MTVN guest/performance release and any other documents that MTVN may deem necessary. Each Band member must also agree to the terms of MTVN’s Privacy Policy which will be available at Mobile Tour Locations.

Bands will then select one (1) song to perform at this Audition from a list of songs provided by MTVN. Audition performances will be judged by producers and employees of MTVN (“Judges”) based on the judging criteria specified herein.

MTVN assumes no responsibility for any internal disputes among members of Bands. Such disputes will not be resolved by MTVN. In the event that any dispute interferes with the operation of any of the Audition processes, Band, including each Band member, may be disqualified in MTVN’s sole discretion.

Judging Criteria: The Judges are looking for individuals that can demonstrate Rock Band™ game play proficiency and accuracy, radiate energy, vitality, possess stage presence and are comfortable in front of a camera. The final determination of the finalist Bands (“Finalist Band” or “Finalist Bands”) and the Opening Act Band and the application of the judging criteria shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of the Judges. The Judges reserve the right to extend the Audition Periods or not to declare any Finalist Bands or any Opening Act Band, if, in their sole discretion, the Rock Band™ game play performances do not meet the minimum qualification standards based on the judging criteria specified herein

Sadly, I just found the part that eliminates power trios from competing. Bummer.

[the_lumin8or]

For the audtition,were you 18 or higher? Cause my 13 year old friend is gonna wanna audition,but hes not sure. And do they only record the audition? Was it free? And how many friends did you take ^_^

Well, I'm over 18 and there was an MTV release form that asked whether you are over 18. Yes, they only record your audition on the stage, but I'm sure your 13 year old friend wouldn't be recorded. I think you would probably need a parental public television release slip or something since he/she is still a minor. And yes, it was free.

Two of my friends tagged along, and then we were grouped with a random drummer. From what I recall, there was a group of only two kids on stage, one singing and the other playing the guitar, but I'd assume they were just playing and not being recorded. I think you need four members for the audition purposes, but don't fret about it, there will be plenty of people there for you to group up and practice with before your time to shine on stage! :)

[Madnoir]

I heard that you have to go as a group of 4. Is that true? or is it that only if you want to audition?

[bounchfx]

yeah, I'm not going to know anyone else there... I'll probably be the best one there shredding it up too. Lord knows in front of a camera I'm going to act like a star even if I typically don't do that stuff (in public that is, at home I'm a rock maniac!)

[Emo_Reaper]

Well I know you have to be 18,but it says " If 18 is not the age of majority in the jurisdiction, in which you reside, you must obtain parental or legal guardian consent to be eligible to participate in Auditions." So If alot of people are younger than 18,could he? And How many were set up?

[tf5_bassist]

I heard that you have to go as a group of 4. Is that true? or is it that only if you want to audition?

See my quote of the rules on the first post on this page. Four people for a band is the only way you can audition. However, I'm sure that if you wanted to go and play, and no one else wanted to play as well, or there weren't that many people there, you could do any combination of players. the requirement of four band members is only for the audition.

[the_lumin8or]

See my quote of the rules on the first post on this page. Four people for a band is the only way you can audition. However, I'm sure that if you wanted to go and play, and no one else wanted to play as well, or there weren't that many people there, you could do any combination of players. the requirement of four band members is only for the audition.

That is correct. Feel free to go and play on your own or with a couple of friends, it doesn't matter. You'll just be placed with other random people if you want to audition.

[PsycoCheerio]

I'm hoping to just get to play on the stage with my buddies, don't really care to audition. Playing in front of a crowd is awesome though...

[Axel32]

I wish I could play it.. not going to NC before the launch..:(

[ductyl]

So... would someone who is going to get to do the tour be willing to check out some of the "we don't really know" aspects of the hardware?

Obviously it's all subject to change, but it would be nice if we could get some info on a few things about the game as it stands now. A couple I've noticed around the boards.

- Headphone jack on all instruments?
- "On-the-fly" adjustment of balance between your voice and the singers? (Someone suggested the L and R buttons as the possible adjustment for this)

Anyone else have anything that might be answered by a simple physical inspection?

- ductyl

[the_lumin8or]

I didn't really get a chance to check out the hardware in detail (I was too pumped that I actually got to try out the thing), but I'm going to try and make it back there tommorow, being that it's only 4 blocks from my house. I'll be sure and take a close look at the instruments so I can answer some more questions.

Let me know if there's anything else you guys are dying to know.

[tf5_bassist]

I didn't really get a chance to check out the hardware in detail (I was too pumped that I actually got to try out the thing), but I'm going to try and make it back there tommorow, being that it's only 4 blocks from my house. I'll be sure and take a close look at the instruments so I can answer some more questions.

Let me know if there's anything else you guys are dying to know.

Hmm... I play GH with a pick. Is there anything about the strum bar that you think might prevent such playing?

I seriously play for sh!t without one. :/

[masterx1918]

how do you play GH with a pick? I guess you plan on never passing songs like Misirlou or other fast paced songs.

[Bakkster]

how do you play GH with a pick? I guess you plan on never passing songs like Misirlou or other fast paced songs.

Well, I'm sure Dick Dale plays with a pick...

I'm sure it's more difficult, but it's probably a better method than the 'I'm just going to use my thumb and push down on the bar' method that music noobs use. Besides, I'm sure this would increase pick control on a real guitar.

[bounchfx]

I've tried GH with a pick.. it's decent.. but mainly I just grip the strum bar and.. well.. strum. It feels the same as using a pick IMO only you dont slip up sometimes.

[tf5_bassist]

Well, I'm sure Dick Dale plays with a pick...

I'm sure it's more difficult, but it's probably a better method than the 'I'm just going to use my thumb and push down on the bar' method that music noobs use. Besides, I'm sure this would increase pick control on a real guitar.

And yes, Dick Dale does play with a pick. In fact, I bet that 99.9 percent of guitarists will have a harder time playing Misirlou on Dick Dale's personal guitars than 99.9 percent of people have beating the song in game, since he uses INSANELY THICK STRINGS. And still bends the sh!t out of them. The man's insane!

But yes, for things like that, I end up shuffling the pick around away from the tips of my fingers and do the grab-n-strum just like everyone else does. I'm fairly decent at it, really. I just have better control with a pick, being a guitarist for over fifteen years (crap, that makes me sound older and older!), and I've been playing bass for about eight years now, which I play fingerstyle, and a lot of slap. Whenever I play GH without a pick and try a thumb-slap like a lot of other players i know, I end up trying to slap the strum bar INWARD, instead of downward lol...

Plus, my original GH2 guitar was a 3rd party wireless, and not using a pick, the strum bar would get stuck somehow. Using a pick eliminated that. I didn't get a Red Octane SG until my brother-in-law traded in all his ps2 stuff for his new 360 and GH2, so he gave me his SG. I'm just used to a pick now.

anyways, back on topic! :D

[Chthonic]

Besides, I'm sure this would increase pick control on a real guitar.

Aye, but we're not talking about a real guitar now, are we?

Having a bit of experience with guitars, I can honestly say that I can see why some people prefer to pick by hand. But guitar picks are there for a reason, I suppose.

On the other hand, playing GH with a guitar pick just seems kind of self-defeating, because that "instrument" was not designed to be played that way at all.