the ’Zine

So you’re one of those bands who does a heartfelt “Where’s Gary?” when it’s getting late and those game play sessions start turning emotional? Or maybe you just have a quirky sense of humor and a singer with a helium-high voice? Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / 10 comments

Super Collision On Central Square: Big Dipper Plays Big Dipper

by Brett Milano / November 9

It’s always been one of our Rock Band fantasies to videotape a band playing the game to its own songs - surely there has to be someone out there who can do a better job than Rush did in that Stephen Colbert video you’ve all seen. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / 3 comments

Lesson Five: “Using Parametric EQ”

by Brett Milano / November 6

Maybe you don’t need to play guitar or sing; you’re a tech wizard and the home studio is your axe. This video offers some pointers for getting that pro-quality sound. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock School / 0 comments

It Will Get Loud! The White Stripes Finally Hit Rock Band

by Brett Milano / November 6

The White Stripes come to Rock Band with a classic three-pack. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-white-stripes, artist-pack / 22 comments

Anarchy From The UK: Kasabian And Damned DLC Singles

by Brett Milano / November 6

Two new tracks from UK bands The Damned and Kasabian join the Rock Band Store this week. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: kasabian, the-damned / 5 comments

LEGO Minifigs Take Over Rock Band!

by Brett Milano / November 3

The LEGO Rock Band Cinematic Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / 8 comments

Six Degrees Of Dave Grohl: Foo Fighters, Nirvana, And Joan Jett DLC

by Brett Milano / October 30

By now Dave Grohl qualifies as the unofficial mayor of Rock Band, since he’s all over the game in every guise you can name. Not only does he appear with five different bands (Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Tenacious D, Nine Inch Nails, and Queens of the Stone Age), but the Foo Fighters were one of the first bands to make a whole album (The Colour & The Shape) available as DLC. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: foo-fighters, artist-pack, nirvana, joan-jett / 24 comments

We're Hungry For The Wolf! Wolfmother Five-Pack Includes Three New And "Cosmic" Tracks

by Brett Milano / October 23

The Australian band Wolfmother has been a natural Rock Band fit from the get-go; few modern bands are so in touch with the earthshaking glory of vintage power-trio rock. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: wolfmother, artist-pack / 7 comments

Liz Phair, Morningwood Rock Us: DLC Singles Bring Tunes And Attitude

by Brett Milano / October 23

This week’s singles DLC singles are devoted to some notable RWAs - that’s Rock Women with Attitude. Chantal Claret of the NY/LA duo Morningwood has one of the brassiest voices around and Liz Phair’s “Rock Me” is definitely not a song for prudes. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: liz-phair, morningwood / 4 comments

Halloween Zombie Invasion! Vintage Rob Zombie And A Taste Of The Sequel

by Brett Milano / October 23

Halloween season is upon us, and it’s time to put together those spooky playlists for your costume party. Yes, it’s time to give those Alice Cooper and Black Sabbath favorites another go-round…but what would Halloween be without rock’s creepiest monster, Rob Zombie? Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: rob-zombie, artist-pack, nu-metal, 1990s, 2000s / 12 comments

Killer Queen! British Rock Royalty Hit Rock Band With A Mighty Ten-Pack

by Brett Milano / October 13

As their fans well know, Queen was never a band that did anything by half. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / 55 comments

Plunging Into The Murk With Al Jourgensen

by Brett Milano / October 13

Harmonix talks to Al Jourgensen of Ministry about recording boot camp, his Rock Band tracks, and life on the road. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: al-jourgensen, ministry, revolting-cocks, audio-interview / 5 comments

Prog, Punk, And Power: A Perfect Package Of DLC

by Brett Milano / October 9

A much wiser man than us (we think it may have been Abe Vigoda) once claimed that all great forms of music begin with a P. Keeping that in mind, we’re proud to present a DLC package full of prog, punk, pop, and, uh…power metal? Sure! Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: black-tide, l7, kansas, joe-satriani, blink-182 / 14 comments

A Brutally Legendary Three-Pack Of DLC

by Brett Milano / October 9

Motörhead, Testament and Tenacious D in a bridge of the games! Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: motorhead, testament, tenacious-d, pack / 20 comments

The Dance Epidemic Is Here: Electric Six Wants You!

by Brett Milano / October 2

Three tracks from dance-rockers Electric Six come to Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: electric-six, artist-pack / 10 comments

Rock With The Raconteurs: Jack White And Brendan Benson Bring It To Rock Band

by Brett Milano / October 2

Three hit tracks from The Raconteurs come to Rock Band, helping Jack White catch up to Dave Grohl for number of bands in the game. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-raconteurs, artist-pack / 2 comments

Two Jagged Pills, One Set Of Handlebars: Alanis Morissette And Flobots DLC

by Brett Milano / October 2

Two hit tracks from Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album, plus a new hit from Flobots. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: alanis-morissette, flobots / 7 comments

Get Schooled By The Masters: IVideosongs Brings The Experts To Rock Band!

by Brett Milano / October 1

So you’ve mastered “Painkiller” on Expert, you nailed the harmony vocals on The Beatles: Rock Band, and you just know that with a little direction you could be slaying a real-life crowd like your rock heroes do? Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / 5 comments

How Not To Pick Up A Member Of The Donnas And More From Torry Castellano

by Brett Milano / September 30

Torry Castellano, drummer for The Donnas, chats about being in a band at thirteen, touring at seventeen, and meeting Gene Simmons at eighteen. She also shares valuable info on how not to hit on a girl in a band. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / 7 comments

Alice Unchained: New & Classic DLC Straight Outta Seattle

by Brett Milano / September 25

Rock Band welcomes five tracks - two new and three classics - from Seattle rockers Alice in Chains Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: alice-in-chains, artist-pack, grunge, 1990s, 2000s / 20 comments

DLC Singles: Just Kait And Just Kula

by Brett Milano / September 25

DLC singles from Just Kait and Kula Shaker come to Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: just-kait, kula-shaker, alternative, rock, 1990s, 2000s / 2 comments

From The Bench To The Stage With Ian Anderson

by Brett Milano / September 24

The final installment of our three-part interview with Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: jethro-tull, ian-anderson, audio-interview / 4 comments

Week #51: The Pre-Graduation Rock & Roll Checklist

by Brett Milano / September 21

Congratulations, rockers: Your first year in a band is nearly over! Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / 2 comments

Pearl Jam Takes It Forward With Backspacer

by Brett Milano / September 17

Entire New Album Debuts as Rock Band DLC! Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: pearl-jam, full-album-pack, grunge, 2000s / 28 comments

Rock Band’s Backstage Interview: Mike McCready Of Pearl Jam!

by Brett Milano / September 17

The 28th of last month was a banner day for Pearl Jam: They played to an ecstatic crowd at the Outside Lands festival at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, slaying the crowd with two hours’ worth of classics and new songs. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: pearl-jam, video-interview, mike-mccready / 7 comments

Empty-Room Syndrome: How To Handle A Tiny Crowd...Or Lose The One You’ve Got

by Brett Milano / September 15

When your friends in a band come back from their first tour, they’ll probably go on about that one ill-attended disaster show. “Oh man, Cleveland was the worst—we played to nobody”. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / 2 comments

Metal On Metal On Metal: Anvil Is Real And Rock Band's Got 'Em

by Brett Milano / September 15

Three-pack of DLC from metal band Anvil. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: anvil, artist-pack, metal, 2000s / 2 comments

Four Decades Of DLC: Guess Who To Dino Jr. To Tenacious D

by Brett Milano / September 15

Check out two tracks each from Dinosaur Jr., Tenacious D, and The Guess Who. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: dinosaur-jr, tenacious-d, the-guess-who, alternative, rock, classic-rock, 1970s, 1990s, 2000s / 2 comments

The Beatles: Rock Band In Stores Now!

by Brett Milano / September 9

The Beatles: Rock Band features 45 songs from The Beatles and the classic Rock Band gameplay you know and love. Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: the-beatles-rock-band / 11 comments

ABC, AFI, 3DD...and Audioslave!

by Brett Milano / September 8

The King of Pop meets kings of modern rock in DLC package. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: 3-doors-down, afi, audioslave, jackson-5, rock, alternative, pop-rock, 1970s, 2000s / 11 comments

Boston, You’re My Home

by Brett Milano / September 8

A Quick Introduction to the Rock’n’Roll Center of the Universe (Really!) Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / 1 comment

We Got More Rokk: Freezepop Times Three

by Brett Milano / September 8

Three new tracks from Freezepop join the Rock Band store. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: freezepop, artist-pack, pop-rock, 2000s / 4 comments

Rock Band Goes To PAX, You Get The Music!

by Brett Milano / September 8

Jonathan Coulton, MC Frontalot, and Paul & Storm in PAX-themed DLC three-pack. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: pack, jonathan-coulton, mc-frontalot, paul-and-storm, pop-rock, other, 2000s / 2 comments

Rock Band Goes To Outside Lands!

by Brett Milano / September 3

A Weekend with Pearl Jam, The Beatles, and Really Strong Coffee Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / 2 comments

Alt Extravaganza: Jam To Oasis To Rage To Avenged

by Brett Milano / September 1

Two from The Jam and singles from Oasis, RATM, and Avenged Sevenfold make for one rockin' DLC release this week. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-jame, oasis, rage-against-the-machine, avenged-sevenfold, new-wave, rock, alternative, metal, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s / 11 comments

Rock Band Starts Making Sense: The Name Of This Package Is Talking Heads

by Brett Milano / September 1

Five hit tracks from Talking Heads join "Psycho Killer" in the Rock Band catalogue. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: talking-heads, artist-pack, new-wave, 1970s, 1980s / 8 comments

Further Down The Bench With Ian Anderson

by Brett Milano / August 27

Part two of our interview with Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson covers everything from his memorable show at Shea Stadium to his feelings on video games. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: ian-anderson, jethro-tull, audio-interview / 4 comments

We Say More, More, More: New Jet, Tom Petty's Debut, More Mac And Idol, And Our First Beatle!

by Brett Milano / August 25

Hits from Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, and Billy Idol, plus a new single from Jet land in the Rock Band music store today. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: tom-petty, fleetwood-mac, billy-idol, jet, alternative, classic-rock, rock, 1970s, 1980s, 2000s / 11 comments

On The Park Bench With Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson

by Brett Milano / August 20

Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson doesn’t like virtual music games - or any other kind of game, for that matter - but that didn’t stop him from giving us the longest and most wide-ranging interview we’ve yet had on the site. In Part One, he discusses his preference for playing acoustic over electric guitar, the upcoming non-Tull band tour, and reveals what was the worst song he ever wrote. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: ian-anderson, jethro-tull, audio-interview / 9 comments

More Foo Fighters DLC

by Brett Milano / August 18

Want more Foo Fighters in Rock Band? Here's three more tracks to keep you rockin'. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: foo-fighters, artist-pack, alternative, 1990s, 2000s / 9 comments

All Hits, All The Time: DLC Classics By Blur, Dropkicks, Eve 6, Blind Melon, Kaiser Chiefs

by Brett Milano / August 18

Hit singles from five great bands come to Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: dropkick-murphys, blind-melon, eve-6, blur, kaiser-chiefs, indie-rock, punk, alternative, 1990s, 2000s / 5 comments

Gorillaz Attack Rock Band: Virtual Hip-Hop Superstars Meet Virtual Music Game

by Brett Milano / August 11

Cartoon characters playing instruments in a make-believe band? Hey, wish we’d thought of that! Seriously, folks, we’re big fans of Gorillaz. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: gorillaz, artist-pack, 2000s, alternative / 10 comments

It Was 40 Years Ago: A Mud-Free Woodstock Festival On Rock Band

by Brett Milano / August 11

So you always wished there was more ‘60s music in Rock Band? This week’s package features four '60s icons; three of which are making their Rock Band debut. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-who, janis-joplin, jefferson-airplane, the-band, 1960s, 1970s, classic-rock / 11 comments

Kurt’s Magic Box: A Life In Ticket Stubs

by Brett Milano / August 10

What would it take to locate the ticket stubs of every concert you’ve ever been to? Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / 2 comments

This One Goes To Eleven! The Spinal Tap Ten Pack...And Then Some

by Brett Milano / August 5

Our second Spinal Tap DLC pack truly goes to eleven. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: spinal-tap, artist-pack, rock, metal, 2000s / 1 comment

Backstages We Have Known: True Stories From The Rock And Roll Depths!

by Brett Milano / August 3

They can be some of the dingiest, God-forsaken spaces you’ve ever seen…and if you’re a band on the road, those backstages are your home. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / 0 comments

Second Weezer Three-Pack Comes To Rock Band

by Brett Milano / July 28

Weezer and Rock Band are old friends by now: Weezer’s hit “Buddy Holly” was one of the first songs we ever rolled out as DLC and we did a three-pack of tunes last summer. That still leaves a batch of essential Weezer tracks that we hadn’t gotten to yet, and we’re glad to be plugging three of those holes this week. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: weezer, artist-pack, alternative, 1990s, 2000s / 10 comments

KISS DLC Three-Pack Featuring Live Tracks

by Brett Milano / July 28

Break out your black & white facepaint - three live KISS tracks from their Dressed to Kill tour in 1975 are now available for Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: kiss, artist-pack, 1970s, classic-rock / 13 comments

Damone DLC

by Brett Milano / July 28

For the second week in a row, we’re throwing three three-packs at you at once…and then throwing in something extra. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / 5 comments

Blink-182 DLC

by Brett Milano / July 28

Modern rock history was made on May 14th of this year, when Blink-182 played its first show in four years. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / 4 comments

New Lush Single DLC

by Brett Milano / July 22

A single from Lush joins three three-packs to complete this week's DLC. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: lush, alternative, 1990s / 8 comments

Kings Of Leon DLC Three-Pack

by Brett Milano / July 22

Three tracks from rockers Kings of Leon join the Rock Band Music Store. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: kings-of-leon, artist-pack, rock, 2000s / 5 comments

Rancid DLC Three-Pack

by Brett Milano / July 22

Two classic Rancid tracks are joined by a new track to make up a must-play three-pack. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: rancid, punk, artist-pack, 1990s, 2000s / 11 comments

Rise Against DLC Three-Pack

by Brett Milano / July 21

Give your singer some space when you play the three-pack of Rise Against songs: This is smart, topically-charged punk rock, with lyrics that are really sayin’ something. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: rise-against, artist-pack, punk, 2000s / 14 comments

A Touch Of A Touch Of Evil: New Live Judas Priest DLC

by Brett Milano / July 14

Three tracks from Judas Priest's new live album A Touch of Evil come to the Rock Band music store. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: judas-priest, pack, metal, 2000s / 7 comments

The Dead Weather Makes Their Rock Band Debut: Jack White's New Band Launches Tour With Three-Pack DLC

by Brett Milano / July 14

A three-pack of DLC from rock supergroup The Dead Weather, featuring members of the White Stripes, The Kills, QOTSA and The Raconteurs. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-dead-weather, pack, alternative, 2000s / 5 comments

Big Dipper DLC: A Muse To Legends

by Brett Milano / July 14

Three DLC tracks from Boston's own Big Dipper join the Rock Band music store. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: big-dipper, pack, indie-rock, 2000s / 3 comments

Green Day's Monolith Hits Rock Band: Three-Pack Brings Highlights From 21st Century Breakdown

by Brett Milano / July 7

Three tracks from Green Day's 21st Century Breakdown come to Rock Band as DLC. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: green-day, artist-pack, rock, 2000s / 27 comments

Metal, Mayhem And Rock Band: Eight Tracks Of Fearsome DLC

by Brett Milano / July 7

You know those nice little rock tours where you bring the whole family, picnic in the sun, and everyone has a nice wholesome little time? Well, the Mayhem Festival isn’t one of those. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: slayer, marilyn-manson, cannibal-corpse, behemoth, whitechapel, job-for-a-cowboy, god-forbid, pack, metal, glam, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s / 43 comments

Foreigner DLC Three-Pack Comes To Rock Band

by Brett Milano / June 30

Juke box heroes and hot-blooded headknockers, rejoice! You asked for more Foreigner and you got it. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: foreigner, artist-pack, classic-rock, 1970s / 10 comments

Second Vans Warped Tour Pack Available For DLC

by Brett Milano / June 30

More Vans Warped Tour tracks, plus a single from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, arrive as DLC to keep you rocking through summer. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: black-rebel-motorcycle-club, thrice, dear-and-the-headlights, the-devil-wears-prada, pack, rock, indie-rock, alternative, metal, 2000s / 6 comments

Rock Band Gets Warped! Five Bands, Five Songs, Good Times

by Brett Milano / June 23

Summer fun, family holidays, and punk rock: Yes, it’s Warped Tour time again. To celebrate this punk institution, this week brings a set of five tracks by bands who’ll be hitting your town when Warped comes around. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: pack, bad-religion, a-day-to-remember, chiodos, underoath, escape-the-fate, 1990s, 2000s, emo, punk / 17 comments

Three From Maroon 5: Pop-Soul Sensation Hits Rock Band

by Brett Milano / June 23

So you think you’ve got a set of pipes that can match Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine? Now’s your chance to put them to the test. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: maroon-5, 2000s, artist-pack, pop-rock / 13 comments

Pearl Jam Three-Pack Hits Rock Band Music Store

by Brett Milano / June 23

Three more Pearl Jam tracks come to the Rock Band Music Store, including two live tracks. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: pearl-jam, artist-pack, grunge, 1990s, 2000s / 2 comments

Evanescence Three-Pack In The Rock Band Store

by Brett Milano / June 18

All Rock Band women finally have their chance to be the dark and dazzling Amy Lee — and so do the guys; we won’t tell. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: evanescence, artist-pack, nu-metal, 2000s / 19 comments

Rock Band Gets Tapped! Spinal Tap Hits Rock Band, And Nigel Tufnel Talks

by Brett Milano / June 17

Spinal Tap's Nigel Tufnel chats with Harmonix's Brett Milano about their new album and upcoming world tour. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: spinal-tap, nigel-tufnel, audio-interview, artist-pack, 2000s, rock / 11 comments

Iron Maiden DLC

by Brett Milano / June 9

We’ve kept you waiting so long for an Iron Maiden package that even a six-pack wouldn’t be enough. So prepare yourself for the Iron Maiden 12-pack, gathering metal landmarks from 1982’s “The Number of the Beast” to a quartet of scorching, brand-new live tracks. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / 79 comments

Bonnaroo Six Pack Of DLC

by Brett Milano / June 2

Next weekend, we expect than many of you will be trucking off to Manchester, TN for Bonnaroo, the annual live-music splurge and weekend in the sun. Here's a six-pack of DLC from artists appearing at the show. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: pack, phish, ben-harper, relentless7, tv-on-the-radio, shooter-jennings, coheed-and-cambria / 4 comments

Perverse Diversity: Ministry, Zombies, Cranberries DLC

by Brett Milano / May 26

We thought we were pushing the envelope last summer, when we introduced Jimmy Buffett and Disturbed DLC the same week. But this week’s DLC just might outdo it. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: ministry, the-zombies, the-cranberries, artist-pack, metal, 2000s, pop-rock, 1960s, alternative, 1990s / 29 comments

Harrahs Finals

by Brett Milano / May 22

Revealing costumes! Tackiest puns in band names ever! And wall to wall rock attitude! All here in the last videos from our Rock Band competition. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: b-52s, contests, video / 5 comments

Alice Cooper Slashes Up Rock Band

by Brett Milano / May 19

We can’t promise better scores on the Alice Cooper pack if you wear lots of dark makeup and put a live boa constrictor around your neck. But it definitely wouldn’t hurt. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: alice-cooper, rock, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s / 26 comments

Rock The World, Pass The Twizzlers: A Crash Course In Tour-Bus Survival

by Brett Milano / May 18

The tour is about to begin, the open road is calling, and for the next couple of weeks, the tour bus (or van, or RV, or really crowded Volkswagen) is going to be your home. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, playing-live, be-a-rockstar / 0 comments

Social Distortion, Elvis Costello, Steely Dan And Disturbed DLC

by Brett Milano / May 12

A wide variety of DLC comes to Rock Band this week - Steely Dan, Disturbed, The Replacements, Elvis Costello and a three-pack from Social Distortion. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: social-distortion, steely-dan, elvis-costello, disturbed, punk, rock, classic-rock, nu-metal, 1970s, 2000s / 33 comments

CD Or Not CD: They’re Clunky, Expensive And Obsolete. But Yes, You Still Need To Deal With Them

by Brett Milano / May 11

As we’ve all heard a million times by now, the CD is dead. If you want to sell music, all you’ve got to do is let your fans pay the price of their choice for a download. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, promoting-your-band, recording-your-band / 8 comments

Total Rock Rewards Finalist Videos: New Orleans

by Brett Milano / May 8

We ventured to the bayou for even stiffer competition in the Crescent City. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: contests, video / 2 comments

Total Rock, Total Rewards Finalist Videos: Las Vegas

by Brett Milano / May 5

So you want to earn the glory in our nationwide, Harrah’s-sponsored Rock Band competition? Hate to break the news, but you’re up against some real pros. Check out the video of the Las Vegas finalists. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: contests, video / 3 comments

Franz Ferdinand, Allman Bros, Alien Ant Farm And More Hit DLC

by Brett Milano / May 5

Classic Southern rock. Newly classic Scottish pop. Vintage thrash metal. Two great female-fronted bands that don’t exist anymore And what's maybe the weirdest cover versions in Rock Band history. Just another week of DLC. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: alien-ant-farm, prong, franz-ferdinand, the-distillers, luscious-jackson, the-allman-brothers-band, southern-rock, alternative, punk, metal, rock, 1970s, 1990s, 2000s, artist-pack / 34 comments

Total Rock, Total Rewards Finalist Videos: Hammond

by Brett Milano / May 5

Things get even wilder in the happening town of Hammond—That’s in Indiana, for you non-casino goers—where competing bands got seriously into the live show Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: contests, video / 0 comments

The Midnight Interview With Styx And REO Speedwagon

by Brett Milano / April 29

When you’ve been on the road as long as Styx and REO Speedwagon, you live on rock’n’roll time. In fact, the only time we could get Styx singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw and REO singer Kevin Cronin on the phone together was at midnight. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: styx, reo-speedwagon, rock, classic-rock, tommy-shaw, kevin-cronin, audio-interview / 5 comments

Nothing's Shocking: The Classic Jane's Addiction Album Hits DLC

by Brett Milano / April 28

There are at least two ways to immerse yourself in vintage Los Angeles decadence…But the safest is to spend a weekend playing Rock Band with the 1988 Jane’s Addiction classic, Nothing’s Shocking. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: janes-addiction, full-album-pack, 1980s, alternative / 48 comments

I Got A Free Bird For Ya, Buddy: Dealing With Hecklers

by Brett Milano / April 27

If you’ve played a lot of Rock Band, you know what happens when the band screws up a song: the audience boos, the singer throws a little hissy-fit with the microphone, everybody gives the drummer a dirty look, and the band gets to try again. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, playing-live / 14 comments

Free Music! “Oxytocin” Presents The Other Side Of Harmonix

by Brett Milano / April 23

If you’ve heard some of the Harmonix-associated bands who’ve made it into Rock Band, you might assume that we spend all our time playing guitars, pumping our fists. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: oxytocin, caleb-epps, naoko-takamoto, arthur-insasi, kedaar-kumar, audio-interview / 14 comments

Hautewerk Three-Pack: Indie Pop With Added Jangle

by Brett Milano / April 21

Three tracks from jangly pop band Hautewerk hit the Rock Band Store. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: hautewerk, indie-rock, 2000s, artist-pack / 17 comments

Summer Rockin' Preview: Styx And REO Speedwagon

by Brett Milano / April 21

This week we’re taking a direct flight to classic-rock heaven. Two of rock’s longest-running, hardest-working bands, Styx and REO Speedwagon, are joining forces this summer for the “Can’t Stop Rockin’” tour, which we’re pumped to be co-sponsoring. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: styx, reo-speedwagon, rock, classic-rock, 1980s, 2000s, pack / 22 comments

Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy Hits Rock Band

by Brett Milano / April 14

It may have taken Axl Rose more a decade to create his rock’n’roll epic, but the complete album hits Rock Band in record time, just five months after its release. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: guns-n-roses, rock, 2000s, full-album-pack / 55 comments

Rock Band Unplugged Coming To The PSP

by Brett Milano / April 10

Just what we knew you needed: A chance to carry Rock Band everywhere you go! The PSP version of music's hippest game is here, complete with the Rock Band features you've come to love. Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: rock-band-unplugged-news, the-jackson-5, psp, video / 18 comments

Live From Harmonix, It's Jimmy Eat World

by Brett Milano / April 10

Jimmy Eat World drops by the Harmonix offices to play some Rock Band and chat with us about unruly crowds. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: jimmy-eat-world, audio-interview, zach-lind, rick-burch, jim-adkins, rock, pop-rock / 9 comments

Beer For Your Horses (And Metal For Yo' Mama): Toby Keith, Black Tide, Bullet For My Valentine And The Shins

by Brett Milano / April 7

This week we at Rock Band have just one important question to ask: “Who’s Your Daddy?" Or to put it more specifically: What other game would give you a six-pack of Toby Keith hits, and release dark metal and alternative pop gems on the same day? Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: toby-keith, bullet-for-my-valentine, black-tide, the-shins, country, indie-rock, metal, 1990s, 2000s, artist-pack / 51 comments

Don't Go On The Boat: The Promotional Party

by Brett Milano / April 7

So you’ve just released your first CD (or record, or download, or piece of fancy cardboard). Great! Now you’ve got to make sure people know about it. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, promoting-your-band / 2 comments

Tales Of Extreme Fandom #1 - Meet Contest Winners Plastallica

by Brett Milano / April 3

Not everyone can win a car by playing Rock Band...these guys did. Read full post »

Filed under: Tales of Extreme Fandom / Tags: plastallica, sonic-youth, red-hot-chili-peppers, silversun-pickups, contest, soundgarden / 7 comments

Journey, Pat Benatar And SpongeBob DLC

by Brett Milano / March 31

Something old, something new and….something SpongeBob? Sure enough, it’s one of our amazingly diverse DLC packs this week—half classic rock, half brand-new rock, with a surprise third half thrown in. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: journey, pat-benatar, glasvegas, von-bondies, spongebob-squarepants, alternative, classic-rock, other, 1970s, 1980s, 2000s / 81 comments

Inside South By Southwest

by Brett Milano / March 24

You go to the South by Southwest conference in Austin, TX for a number of reasons—to see bands; do business, see more bands, make contacts, see more bands, and eat more barbeque than you can handle. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, playing-live / 1 comment

Ten Out Of Ten: Revisiting Pearl Jam's Classic Debut

by Brett Milano / March 24

When an album has moved as many people as Pearl Jam’s Ten, it’s near-impossible to tell the whole story. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: pearl-jam, full-album-pack, 1990s, grunge / 89 comments

Rock Band Gives Up The Funk (And Then Some)

by Brett Milano / March 17

You thought we already had every kind of music you loved in Rock Band? Not quite: We’re the first to admit we’ve been a little funk-impaired in the past, and we’ve remedied that with a killer three-pack this week. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: papa-roach, against-me, new-pornographers, earth-wind-and-fire, average-white-band, james-brown, indie-rock, funk, alternative, punk, 1970s, 1990s, 2000s, pack / 50 comments

Before The Flood: Bassist Tommy Shannon Remembers Stevie Ray Vaughan

by Brett Milano / March 17

You walk into a small club one night, and see a gawky teenager playing some of the hottest blues guitar you’ve ever heard. You decide on the spot that you need to get yourself into that kid’s band…You do, and you start making musical history. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: tommy-shannon, stevie-ray-vaughan, audio-interview, blues / 5 comments

The Commute From Hell

by Brett Milano / March 16

You’re a hot Boston band with a national buzz, you’ve been on the road and the big hometown gig is coming up. Everything’s going your way—except that your van just broke down. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, playing-live / 5 comments

REM, Offspring, And Richard Thompson DLC

by Brett Milano / March 10

We got punk, we got cult-hero folk-rock, and we got one of the biggest alternative hits ever. Just another incredibly diverse DLC week here at Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-offspring, richard-thompson, rem, punk, rock, alternative, 1990s / 28 comments

That's The Way That He Goes: A Talk With Richard Thompson

by Brett Milano / March 10

You mean you’ve never heard of Richard Thompson? Then prepare to meet one of rock’s ultimate cult heroes, and a man who regularly tops polls as one of the greatest guitarists alive. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: richard-thompson, audio-interview, rock / 8 comments

Tales From The Management Zone

by Brett Milano / March 9

So you think you know what it takes to manage a band? Then think of what you’d do in each of these situations. . . Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, promoting-your-band / 3 comments

Mixing On Mardi Gras With Mutemath

by Brett Milano / March 6

They’re a New Orleans band, and they’re in the studio on Mardi Gras: That should tell you all you need to know about Mutemath’s work ethic. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: mute-math, audio-interview, paul-meany, alternative / 6 comments

Texas Flood Hits Rock Band

by Brett Milano / March 3

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s classic debut is full-album DLC. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: stevie-ray-vaughan, 1980s, blues, full-album-pack, no-doubt, 2000s, pop-rock / 34 comments

Truckin' With Mike Cooley

by Brett Milano / March 3

Athens, GA’s Drive-By Truckers are one of America’s great, cult-hero rock’n’roll bands, with a string of epic albums to their credit. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: drive-by-truckers, mike-cooley, audio-interview, country / 8 comments

Alt Country & Jimmy Eat World DLC

by Brett Milano / February 24

Remember the “Rock band Goes Country” track that we unveiled last month? A lot of you were shocked and stunned at the idea, but wound up loving the stuff anyway. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: jimmy-eat-world, drive-by-truckers, lucinda-williams, neko-case, steve-earle, old-97s, 1990s, 2000s, country, pop-rock / 18 comments

Meet Your Rock Heroes! True Encounter Stories

by Brett Milano / February 23

As you move up in the rock ranks, you’re bound to run into some of your musical heroes. This is where you learn to keep your cool—After all, you’re now a peer of sorts, not just a fan. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, be-a-rockstar / 15 comments

Giving Props To Props

by Brett Milano / February 17

If you need proof that the right props and staging can make or break a show, consider a Yes concert I saw in 1985 (yes, I loved Yes in 1985 and proudly admit that I still do today). Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, be-a-rockstar, playing-live / 14 comments

White Zombie And Turbonegro DLC

by Brett Milano / February 17

Two classic tracks from White Zombie and one wild track from Turbonegro hit DLC this week. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: white-zombie, turbonegro, metal, punk, 1990s, 2000s / 37 comments

Start A Band, Rock The World, Get Married! The True Love Story Of Ryan And Laura

by Brett Milano / February 10

We knew all along that Rock Band was about more than having fun thrashing around with plastic guitars. No, our game is all about passion, togetherness, and true love! Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: die-in-a-fire, audio-interview, roy-orbison / 20 comments

Three Fratellis Hits Come To Rock Band

by Brett Milano / February 10

Three tracks from The Fratellis' Costello Music album are available for Rock Band DLC this week. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-fratellis, 2000s, alternative, artist-pack / 26 comments

Valentine's Day Edition: Jason Kendall’s True Rock’n’Romance Confessions

by Brett Milano / February 9

You’re the frontman of a happening rock band, the opposite sex goes wild when you play, all the temptations are there for the taking….but all you really want is your old girlfriend back. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, be-a-rockstar / 2 comments

Thin Lizzy Three-Pack And More

by Brett Milano / February 3

A Thin Lizzy 3-pack, a double dose of Nikko, and some Pretenders and Pat Benatar hit Rock Band DLC this week. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: thin-lizzy, pat-benatar, pretenders, nikko, classic-rock, pop-rock, punk, 1980s, 2000s, artist-pack / 71 comments

The Dead's Second Set: More Grateful Dead On Rock Band!

by Brett Milano / January 27

A second six-song dose of the Grateful Dead comes to Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: grateful-dead, artist-pack, classic-rock, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s / 26 comments

Cisco Presents: Rock Band Chapter 8

by Brett Milano / January 27

Our artists and designers take you inside the character and instrument designs; and define that mix of arena-rock and psychedelia that shapes our visual universe. Read full post »

Filed under: Behind the Scenes / 0 comments

Cisco Presents: Rock Band Chapter 7

by Brett Milano / January 22

The HMX community team brings Rock Band to the fans. Read full post »

Filed under: Behind the Scenes / 0 comments

Tanya Donelly Interview

by Brett Milano / January 20

This week we’re proud to welcome another of our hometown indie-rock legends to Rock Band. Just released as DLC, Belly’s “Feed the Tree” was a nationwide hit in 1993, capturing the imagination with its mix of mystery and energy. For leader Tanya Donelly it was just one stop in a long and fascinating career. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: tanya-donelly, belly, throwing-muses, breeders, audio-interview, alternative / 7 comments

A Split Personality DLC Week: Nu-Metal And Steve Miller

by Brett Milano / January 20

Classic Steve Miller Band tracks and some crazy nu-metal make this week's DLC combinations one of our weirdest yet. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: steve-miller-band, godsmack, rob-zombie, mute-math, belly, alternative, nu-metal, classic-rock, 1960s, 1970s, 1990s, 2000s / 28 comments

Cisco Presents: Rock Band Chapter 6

by Brett Milano / January 20

Find out how Nerf gun battles help our QA team find perfection. Read full post »

Filed under: Behind the Scenes / 0 comments

Cisco Presents: Rock Band Chapter 5

by Brett Milano / January 15

Meet Rock Band champions Earth Wind & Centaurrr! Read full post »

Filed under: Behind the Scenes / 4 comments

Rock Band Says: "Let Lenny Rule!"

by Brett Milano / January 13

For at least a year now, Lenny Kravitz’ “Are You Gonna Go My Way” has turned up on many peoples’ lists of “Songs That Really Ought to Be In Rock Band.” Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: lenny-kravitz, rock, 1980s, 1990s, honest-bob-and-the-factory-to-dealer-incentives, megasus, 2000s, indie-rock, metal / 62 comments

Not So Special Contest Winner

by Brett Milano / January 5

Aaaaannnnnd thhhhhhheeeeee wiiiiiiiiiinnnnneeeeerrrrr issssssss . . . Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 5 comments

'70s Hard Rock DLC

by Brett Milano / January 5

Deep Purple, The James Gang and Jethro Tull bring more '70s hard rock to Rock Band while Snow Patrol satisfies modern music fans. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: deep-purple, james-gang, jethro-tull, 1970s, classic-rock, progressive / 53 comments

Roy Orbison DLC Pack

by Brett Milano / January 2

Rock Band players can now rock through six songs from legendary singer Roy Orbison. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: roy-orbison, artist-pack, pop-rock, 1980s / 81 comments

Cisco Presents: Rock Band Chapter 4

by Brett Milano / December 30, 2008

A look at our Chinese connection, this chapter reveals why the guitars look so good. Read full post »

Filed under: Behind the Scenes / 4 comments

Hitting The Studio: How Not To Get Nervous When They Press “Record”

by Brett Milano / December 29, 2008

When you make your first trip to the recording studio, there is just one thing you need to keep in mind: what you’re about to do could go down in music history, make or break your band, and change or ruin your life forever. Okay, now relax and have fun! Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxmusoman, recording-your-band / 2 comments

Not So Special Contest - Ends 12/29/08 12AM ET

by Brett Milano / December 23, 2008

So you were too goofy, geeky or just plain ordinary-looking to win any of our previous contests? Not to worry: Rock Band is for everybody, and now it’s your turn to get the glory. Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 13 comments

Role Model Contest Winner

by Brett Milano / December 22, 2008

AND THE WINNER IS . . . Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 3 comments

Holiday Pack And Foo Fighters Pack

by Brett Milano / December 19, 2008

The holidays are here and so are the Foo Fighters. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: foo-fighters, the-pretenders, billy-squier, barenaked-ladies, pack, artist-pack, rock, classic-rock, alternative, 1990s, 2000s / 67 comments

Rock Band Presents: The Great Role Model Challenge - Ends 12/21/08 12AM ET

by Brett Milano / December 16, 2008

For our latest photo contest, we’re shooting the works: We invite you to pick any musician with a song on Rock Band and do your impression of that artist. Anyone is fair game as long as they have a song in the game, even one of those lesser-known DLC bands. Become your role model and you shall be rewarded! Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 11 comments

Bandmate Contest Winner

by Brett Milano / December 15, 2008

And the winner is, drum roll please . . . Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 8 comments

Cisco Presents: Rock Band Chapter 2

by Brett Milano / December 15, 2008

So how exactly do you manufacture a million virtual drum sets? We found out so you don’t have to. Read full post »

Filed under: Behind the Scenes / 9 comments

Bandmate Drummer Contest - Ends 12/13/08 12 AM ET

by Brett Milano / December 9, 2008

With your help we’re assembling the all-time killer Rock Band band. Now it’s time to fill that all-important drum slot. We invite you to show us the essence of a rock’n’roll drummer, with all the wildness and sheer energy that would entail. Don’t hold yourself back, just make sure not to injure the photographer! Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 5 comments

Country Pack DLC

by Brett Milano / December 8, 2008

Country music DLC finally comes to Rock Band with Brooks & Dunn, the Dixie Chicks and more. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: dierks-bentley, miranda-lambert, brooks-and-dunn, brad-paisley, dixie-chicks, pack, country, 1990s, 2000s / 32 comments

Unleashing The Fury With Yngwie Malmsteen!

by Brett Milano / December 8, 2008

So you thought that “Caprici di Diablo” was impossible to play? Well, you’re right: Even the man who wrote the tune finds it a challenge to play on a real guitar. The king of the shredders gives us the lowdown on his three new DLC tracks and more in this exclusive interview. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: yngwie-malmsteen, audio-interview, metal / 12 comments

Mad Catz M.I.C. Contest Winner

by Brett Milano / December 8, 2008

Without further ado, or a don't . . . Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 9 comments

HMX First Records Story

by Brett Milano / December 4, 2008

You always wonder about your coworkers’ formative musical experiences, especially in an outfit like this one. With that in mind, we posted an informal in-house poll, asking Harmonix folks about their first records, tapes and/or CDs. We were sure we’d find out that our brilliant colleagues were dreaming up music games in the womb, sneaking into CBGB at the age of ten, and absorbing the whole of music history. Read full post »

Filed under: Behind the Scenes / 10 comments

Mad Catz M.I.C. Contest - Ends 12/7/08 12AM ET

by Brett Milano / December 2, 2008

This week’s contest prize is the coveted Mad Catz M.I.C. (Microphone with Integrated Controller), but we’re going to make you work for it. Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 14 comments

Give Thanks Winner

by Brett Milano / December 1, 2008

And the winning turkey is... Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 3 comments

Give Thanks Contest - Ends 11/30/08 12 AM ET

by Brett Milano / November 25, 2008

Time to show us your Thanksgiving snapshots. Show us your family sharing a Rock Band moment before or after turkey dinner…The more generations represented, the better. Having Grandma sing “Calling Dr. Love” won’t guarantee you a win, but it wouldn’t hurt.. Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 4 comments

Buddy Holly Contest Winner

by Brett Milano / November 24, 2008

What did we ever do to these guys that got them so wired up? Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 4 comments

Buddy Holly Contest - Ends 11/23/08 12 AM ET

by Brett Milano / November 18, 2008

You did so well in our “Down With the Sickness” contest that really impressed and frankly, a littlle scared. So this week we shift gears and throw you one of the nicest songs we’ve got: Weezer’s “Buddy Holly”. You don’t have to look like Buddy Holly or even Rivers Cuomo—Just turn loose you inner nerd and show us how to play this one with the appropriate style. Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 5 comments

Down With The Sickness Winner

by Brett Milano / November 17, 2008

And the winner is . . . . Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 5 comments

Pleased To Meet Him: An Interview With Paul Westerberg

by Brett Milano / November 13, 2008

Brett chats with the former Replacements leader about his Rock Band 2 song "Alex Chilton," and more. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: paul-westerberg, the-replacements, rock, audio-interview / 8 comments

"Down With The Sickness" Pose Contest

by Brett Milano / November 11, 2008

This week we challenge you to show us the proper attitude for playing a specific Rock Band song. And we’re jumping right in at the deep end: The song is “Down With the Sickness.” We dare you to show us—within the bounds of decency of course—the proper look and attitude for playing this lilting number. Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 10 comments

Presidential Contest Winner

by Brett Milano / November 10, 2008

The results are in, the people have spoken; you showed US who you want. Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 4 comments

Carrying On With Kansas

by Brett Milano / November 5, 2008

There’s nothing like a prog-rock classic to give your playing skills a workout. If you’ve played “Carry On Wayward Son” you probably came away with new appreciation for Kansas’ skills, especially those tricky drum parts and death defying vocals. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: kansas, phil-ehart, rich-williams, audio-interview, progressive / 8 comments

Presidential Rock Band

by Brett Milano / November 4, 2008

Time to celebrate Election Day, Rock Band style. Your mission this week (after you vote, of course) is to show what your favorite president—or favorite person who should be President—would look like playing Rock Band. Get creative with your costuming and make your voice heard. The parameters for “people who should be President” are up to you—Just remember that Lemmy and Neil Peart aren’t US citizens! Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 3 comments

Bassist Instincts Contest Winner

by Brett Milano / November 3, 2008

We challenged you to show us your best bass face, and you whipped up your most brooding, plastic guitar playing possible. Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 8 comments

Bassist Instincts Contest

by Brett Milano / October 28, 2008

So you always lose the “bass-off” when you play with your friends? Now’s the time to get even! We invite you to show us the best and most rocking bass-player look you’ve got. Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 16 comments

AC/DC Show Us Your Angus Winner

by Brett Milano / October 27, 2008

We asked you to show us your best Angus Young, and you brought out your plastic guitars and best sneers. Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 3 comments

Canada Calling: A Talk With Carl Newman Of The New Pornographers

by Brett Milano / October 22, 2008

Whether or not you know what an arpeggiated diminished triad is, you may be glad to know you’ve been playing one—that is, if you’ve played the New Pornographers’ “Electric Version” on Rock Band. Lovers of pure pop were amazed and impressed when this song made it onto our tracklist. Giddy and harmony-driven, it’s one of the most classic pop tracks in the game, and an especially tough one to sing—Shimmering harmonies like the ones Carl Newman and Neko Case sing don’t come along everyday. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: new-pornographers, carl-newman, audio-interview, rock, indie-rock / 17 comments

Show Us Your Angus!

by Brett Milano / October 21, 2008

Want to score some cool AC/DC swag? Enter our Angus Young Look-A-Like Contest! Read full post »

Filed under: Weekly Contest / 4 comments

Nikki Sixx Interview, Part II

by Brett Milano / October 14, 2008

In honor of Motley Crue’s Dr. Feelgood hitting as DLC, we’re proud to present part II of last September’s interview with bassist Nikki Sixx. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: motley-crue, nikki-sixx, written-interview, metal, rock / 4 comments

Blood Sugar Sex Magik

by Brett Milano / September 29, 2008

Chili Peppers History 101: The Lowdown on Blood Sugar Sex Magik Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: red-hot-chili-peppers, alternative, 1990s, full-album-pack / 11 comments

Double Interview Day: Megadeth And Airbourne

by Brett Milano / September 23, 2008

We talk with Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Ryan O’Keeffe of Airbourne. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: megadeth, airbourne, audio-interview, metal, rock, dave-mustaine, ryan-o-keeffe / 13 comments

Rock Band 2 TV Spot

by Brett Milano / September 15, 2008

Rock Band 2 debuted yesterday on XBox 360! Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: rock-band-2-news, ac-dc / 5 comments

Nikki Sixx Gives Us The Dirt

by Brett Milano / September 5, 2008

Mötley Crüe Bassist Talks With Harmonix Editor Brett Milano. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: motley-crue, nikki-sixx, written-interview, metal, rock, sixx-am / 2 comments

Rush Interview Part Two

by Brett Milano / August 21, 2008

Harmonix writer Brett Milano gets the history from Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: rush, video-interview, progressive, geddy-lee, alex-lifeson / 1 comment

Rock Band Says: We're All Devo!

by Brett Milano / August 18, 2008

Devo Founder Jerry Casale Talks With Harmonix Editor Brett Milano. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: devo, jerry-casale, new-wave, audio-interview / 0 comments

Harmonix Editor Brett Milano Talks To Dream Theater Drummer Mike Portnoy

by Brett Milano / August 12, 2008

An interview with prog-rock band Dream Theater's drummer Mike Portnoy Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: dream-theater, mike-portnoy, audio-interview, metal, progressive / 2 comments

Cruefest Pack DLC!

by Brett Milano / August 5, 2008

Three more tracks from this summer's Cruefest - Motley Crue, Sixx A.M., and Buckcherry, plus two new System of a Down tracks Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: motely-crue, sixx-am, buckcherry, system-of-a-down, rock, metal, 2000s, pack / 5 comments

More Rock Stars At Harmonix!

by Brett Milano / July 24, 2008

Rock Band leaderboard dominators Die! In A Fire visit the Harmonix office. Read full post »

Filed under: Blog Posts / 1 comment

More Nine Inch Nails DLC! New Shinedown DLC!

by Brett Milano / July 22, 2008

More NiN DLC, plus new Shinedown DLC Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: nine-inch-nails, shinedown, rock, nu-metal, 1990s, 2000s, artist-pack / 2 comments

A Crash Course In The Who

by Brett Milano / July 14, 2008

The Who package is the most DLC we've ever offered at one time. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-who, artist-pack, classic-rock, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 2000s / 1 comment

We Hung Out With Rush!

by Brett Milano / July 7, 2008

Part One of a two-part interview with Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: rush, video-interview, progressive, geddy-lee, alex-lifeson / 7 comments

Judas Priest Interview

by Brett Milano / July 3, 2008

Harmonix writer interviews Judas Priest's Glenn Tipton and Rob Halford. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: judas-priest, rob-halford, glenn-tipton, audio-interview, metal / 1 comment

Much Ado About "Doolittle"

by Brett Milano / June 24, 2008

Harmonix writer Brett Milano chats with Frank Black of The Pixies. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: pixies, frank-black, audio-interview, alternative / 1 comment

Jimmy Buffett Interview

by Brett Milano / June 18, 2008

Harmonix writer Brett Milano chats with the mayor of Margaritaville Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: jimmy-buffett, audio-interview, rock / 3 comments

Offspring, Avenged Sevenfold & Crooked X DLC

by Brett Milano / June 17, 2008

Three DLC tracks featuring brand new singles Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-offspring, avenged-sevenfold, crooked-x, rock, metal, 2000s / 0 comments

MTV2 DLC

by Brett Milano / June 12, 2008

MTV2 picks the new Rock Band DLC Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-myriad, them-terribles, the-material, alternative, 2000s, pack / 1 comment

Jimmy Buffett & Disturbed DLC

by Brett Milano / June 3, 2008

A DLC release that couldn't be more polarized - laid-back Jimmy Buffet and hard rock Disturbed Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: jimmy-buffet, disturbed, rock, nu-metal, 1970s, 2000s, artist-pack / 3 comments

Earth, Wind & Centaur Interview

by Brett Milano / May 29, 2008

Harmonix writer Brett Milano chats with Earth, Wind & Centaur, a Rock Band Leaderboard-dominating band. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: earth-wind-and-centaur, written-interview, die-in-a-fire / 2 comments

"The Cars": A View From The Wheel

by Brett Milano / May 27, 2008

Cars keyboardist Greg Hawkes takes Harmonix editor Brett Milano out for a spin. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: the-cars, written-interview, greg-hawkes, rock / 1 comment

Behind The Legend Of Sailor Jerry

by Brett Milano / May 23, 2008

How did the legendary tattoo artist Sailor Jerry wind up in Rock Band? Read full post »

Filed under: Blog Posts / 0 comments

Euro DLC

by Brett Milano / May 20, 2008

Tracks from the European version of Rock Band are now available as US DLC. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: blur, x-blockx, die-toten-hosen, muse, las-wampas, tokio-hotel, pleymo, juli, oasis, alternative, rock, punk, glam, metal, 1990s, 2000s, 1980s / 0 comments

Blondie, The Clash & Sonic Youth DLC

by Brett Milano / May 13, 2008

Each of this week’s three DLC songs marked the first time that a great punk-inspired band got a taste of mainstream success. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: blondie, the-clash, sonic-youth, pop-rock, punk, alternative, 1970s, 1990s / 1 comment

New Orleans Rock Blog

by Brett Milano / May 7, 2008

Harmonix writer Brett Milano checks out the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Read full post »

Filed under: Blog Posts / 0 comments

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, FOB, Angels & Airwaves DLC

by Brett Milano / May 6, 2008

Three new awesome DLC tracks Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: fall-out-boy, angels-and-airwaves, yeah-yeah-yeahs, pop-rock, alternative, rock, 2000s / 0 comments

Motherhips DLC Interview

by Brett Milano / April 29, 2008

Indie DLC tracks from the Mother Hips Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: the-mother-hips, written-interview, rock / 0 comments

Judas Priest DLC

by Brett Milano / April 22, 2008

A classic Judas Priest album is now available for DLC. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: judas-priest, full-album-pack, metal, 1980s / 4 comments

Classic Rock DLC

by Brett Milano / April 15, 2008

Three iconic tracks from The Police, Blondie and Lynyrd Skynyrd are now available for DLC. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: motley-crue, the-police, blondie, lynyrd-skynyrd, rock, pop-rock, southern-rock, 2000s, 1970s, 1980s / 2 comments

Ernie Boch & The Automatics - Music Drives Us

by Brett Milano / April 15, 2008

Harmonix works with Music Drives Us, a foundation set up by Boston automotive king Ernie Boch, Jr. Read full post »

Filed under: Blog Posts / 0 comments

Bang Camaro, Freezepop & Count Zero DLC

by Brett Milano / April 8, 2008

Three new DLC songs from Harmonix bands Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: bang-camaro, freezepop, count-zero, rock, pop-rock, 2000s / 0 comments

Inside Trent Reznor's Sanctum

by Brett Milano / April 3, 2008

A behind-the-scenes look at Trent Reznor through the eyes of Brian Viglione, drummer for the Dresden Dolls. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: nine-inch-nails, brian-viglione, dresden-dolls, written-interview, rock / 0 comments

DLC Special: All The Dirt On Boston's First Album

by Brett Milano / March 25, 2008

Behind the scenes stories about Boston's first album, which will be available as Rock Band's first full-album DLC Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: boston, full-album-pack, classic-rock, 1970s / 1 comment

Meet Fred Schneider: B-52's Fronman, New Wave Legend, And Lousy Rock Band Player!

by Brett Milano / March 24, 2008

Harmonix editor Brett Milano speaks with Fred Schneider of the B-52's. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: b-52s, fred-schneider, written-interview, pop-rock / 3 comments

Rock Band In-Game Store Released!

by Brett Milano / March 21, 2008

Buy your DLC from the first-ever in-game store on XBox 360. Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: rock-band-news, xbox-360, playstation-3 / 2 comments

Earache Thrash Pack DLC

by Brett Milano / March 18, 2008

Three new DLC tracks from thrash metal label Earache. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: at-the-gates, the-haunted, evile, metal, 1990s, 2000s, pack / 1 comment

Serj Tankian, Paramore & Black Tide DLC

by Brett Milano / March 11, 2008

Three brand new tracks for DLC from bands at South By Southwest. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: serj-tankian, paramore, black-tide, rock, pop-rock, metal, 2000s / 4 comments

Grateful Dead DLC

by Brett Milano / March 4, 2008

Six Grateful Dead tracks available for Rock Band play Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: grateful-dead, classic-rock, 1970s, 1960s, artist-pack / 1 comment

Ten Weird Moments In Nine Inch Nails History

by Brett Milano / February 29, 2008

Trent Reznor has had some weird moments in NiN long history. Read full post »

Filed under: Blog Posts / 1 comment

NIN DLC

by Brett Milano / February 26, 2008

Three NIN songs downloadable for Rock Band Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: nine-inch-nails, rock, 2000s, 1990s, artist-pack / 0 comments

In Memory Of Scot Halpin...(Who?!)

by Brett Milano / February 22, 2008

The Who fan that played drums with the band for one night passed away. Read full post »

Filed under: Blog Posts / 0 comments

Weezer, Garbage & STP DLC

by Brett Milano / February 19, 2008

Get "El Scorcho," "Sex Type Thing" and "Why Do You Love Me" for Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: weezer, stone-temple-pilots, garbage, alternative, pop-rock, 1990s, 2000s / 1 comment

Band Of Horses Interview

by Brett Milano / February 18, 2008

Harmonix editor Brett Milano talks to Taylor Ramsay of Band of Horses. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: band-of-horses, written-interview, tyalor-ramsay, folk / 0 comments

Inside Rock Band's Sonic Secrets

by Brett Milano / February 14, 2008

Harmonix' audio director Eric Brosius explains how a song goes from audio master to Rock Band-playable. Read full post »

Filed under: Blog Posts / 2 comments

Ten Of The All-Time Weirdest Grammy Moments

by Brett Milano / February 13, 2008

It wouldn’t be the Grammy Awards without a couple moments that leave you scratching your head. Read full post »

Filed under: Blog Posts / 0 comments

The Police, Clash & Ramones DLC

by Brett Milano / February 12, 2008

Three punk rock tracks to rock your Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-police, the-clash, the-ramones, punk, rock, 1970s / 0 comments

B-52's, Kiss & Faith No More DLC

by Brett Milano / February 5, 2008

Three more songs to add to your Rock Band collection. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: b-52s, kiss, faith-no-more, pop-rock, rock, classic-rock, 1980s, 1970s / 6 comments

Mascis Lives All Over Us

by Brett Milano / February 4, 2008

Harmonix chats with Dinosaur, Jr. member J Mascis. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / 0 comments

Smashing Pumpkins, Rush & Coheed & Cambria DLC

by Brett Milano / January 29, 2008

Encore! Three new tracks from bands already included in Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: smashing-pumpkins, rush, coheed-and-cambria, alternative, progressive, 1990s, 1970s, 2000s / 4 comments

Oasis DLC Available Today!

by Brett Milano / January 22, 2008

Get three songs from British rock band Oasis to play in Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: oasis, rock, 1990s, artist-pack / 0 comments

The Monkees, Blink 182 & Sweet DLC

by Brett Milano / January 15, 2008

Three new songs available for download to play in Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-monkees, blink-182, sweet, pop-rock, punk, glam, 1960s, 1970s, 1990s / 11 comments

Battle Of The Lyrics

by Brett Milano / January 14, 2008

Hendrix didn't sing "'Scuse me while I kiss this guy." Read full post »

Filed under: Blog Posts / 0 comments

A Salute To Athens, GA

by Brett Milano / January 10, 2008

Athens, GA is home to a diverse group of musicians - from the B-52's to Drive-By Truckers to Widespread Panic. Read full post »

Filed under: Blog Posts / 0 comments

STP, Hives & Iron Maiden DLC

by Brett Milano / January 8, 2008

It’s an encore week here at Rock Band, as we present newly-mined DLC tracks by three bands whose songs you loved to play as part of the original game pack. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: stone-temple-pilots, the-hives, iron-maiden, rock, punk, metal, 1990s, 2000s, 1980s / 23 comments