the ’Zine

Tag Archive

rock

Crazy Little Thing Called LEGO: Queen Joins The LEGO Rock Band Kingdom

by Harmonix / November 6

Queen featured as LEGO minifigs and performing their classic hit "We Are the Champions" in LEGO Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: queen, lego-rock-band, video / 0 comments

LEGO Goes "Woo-Hoo": Blur Joins The LEGO Rock Band Party

by Harmonix / November 5

Blur appears in LEGO Rock Band as minifigs singing their hit "Song 2." Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: lego-rock-band, blur, video / 2 comments

This One LEGO’s Up To Eleven! Tonight Spinal Tap Rocks Us Tonight

by Harmonix / November 5

Spinal Tap appears as LEGO minifigs in LEGO Rock Band, playing their song "Short and Sweet." Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: lego-rock-band, spinal-tap / 3 comments

Introducing… LEGOy Stardust & The Kiddies From Mars!

by Harmonix / October 28

David Bowie’s been an alien, a scary monster, a Thin White Duke..and now he’s a LEGO character! Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: lego-rock-band, david-bowie, video / 8 comments

Abbey Road Tour

by HMXPope / October 21

In July, HMXKat and I headed to London, England with Josh Randall, Project Director for The Beatles: Rock Band, to kick off the European Press Tour. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: the-beatles-rock-band, hmxkat, hmxpope, video / 2 comments

Outside Lands In San Francisco

by Veng / October 21

Summer is the time of travel for the Harmonix Community Team and San Francisco’s very own Golden Gate Park and Outside Lands Music Festival became our latest target. Of course this celebration of life, love, and music would be the perfect avenue to introduce a whole new generation to the brilliance that is The Beatles! Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: hmxveng, hmxalex, hmxcaleb, hmxadam, the-beatles-rock-band / 2 comments

Coheed & Cambria Interview

by HMXHenry / October 19

When Coheed and Cambria came to town last month, HMXHenry and HMXPope got a chance to visit with the band’s frontman, Claudio Sanchez on the their tour bus. Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: video-interview, coheed-and-cambria, hmxhenry, hmxpope, harmonix-sean, rock-band-network / 4 comments

The Beatles: Rock Band On The MTV VMA Red Carpet

by HMXKat / October 15

Before Madonna gave her speech honoring Michael Jackson, before Obama declared Kanye a “jackass” and before Lady Gaga bled out all over the stage, there was the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards Red Carpet pre-game. TheBestSteph, HMXThrasher, HMXJohnD and I were there to witness this year’s shenanigans. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: hmxkat, thebeststeph, hmxthrasher, hmxjohnd, the-beatles-rock-band, vma / 1 comment

PAX 2009

by HMXPope / October 15

In September, the Community team headed to Seattle for Penny Arcade Expo 2009. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: pax, hmxpope, john-dee, fish-mcgill, the-beatles-rock-band, rock-band, charity, video / 15 comments

Rock Band Finals At ConnectiCon

by HMXHaughtness / October 13

This is your inside look at ConnectiCon and the Rock Band Finals. First read about the Con from the view of one of the Harmonix judges. Then read on to see what it was like to be a member of the winning band. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: rock-band, contest / 2 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

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

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

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

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

Play The Beatles: Rock Band For Charity

by Christine Jandreau / September 2

Help out a good cause and play The Beatles: Rock Band at the same time - attend the MTV and Pepsi event in New York City on September 12th. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: the-beatles-rock-band, charity / 0 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

The Beatles: Rock Band At Fenway Park

by HMXHenry / August 26

The HMX Community Team hosted The Beatles: Rock Band set ups at two recent Paul McCartney shows at Fenway Park… here’s what they saw. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: hmxhenry, hmxkat, hmxpope, hmxdave, the-beatles-rock-band / 1 comment

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

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

Starlight Children's Foundation Visits Harmonix

by Christine Jandreau / August 12

A few weeks ago, a group of children and their families arrived at Harmonix for a day of Rock Band, cookies, and a sneak peek at The Beatles: Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: Behind the Scenes / Tags: the-beatles-, charity, hmxhenry, hmxsean, hmxcj, rock-band, the-beatles-rock-band / 3 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

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

The Beatles: Rock Band European Press Tour

by HMXPope / August 5

In July, the Harmonix crew took The Beatles: Rock Band on its first big tour around Europe. Read full post »

Filed under: Behind the Scenes / Tags: the-beatles-rock-band / 6 comments

We Had A Ticket To Ride

by HMXthebeststeph / July 31

HMXthebeststeph and HMXThrasher had the opportunity to show off The Beatles: Rock Band at a Paul McCartney concert in New York City. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: the-beatles-rock-band, hmxthebeststeph, hmxthrasher / 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

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

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

Atlanta, Kitchen Appliances & Limbs: A Conversation With Peaches

by Fish McGill / July 8

We sat down with Peaches to discuss inspirations for the doohickeys with interchangeable limbs and attitudes. Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: peaches, tattoos, rock-band-art / 2 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

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

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

Are We Famous Yet?: How To Know When You've Made It Big

by The Hellion / June 29

A month or so ago, my band VAGIANT was playing at a basement show. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxhellion, be-a-rockstar, joan-jett / 7 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

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

Raqmo: A Gift & A Curse

by Fish McGill / June 17

During the short period of time between Rock Band & Rock Band 2 the art team worked creating promotional art collaborating with each other and mixing up the different styles found in Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: reiko-murakami, rock-band-art, publicity-artwork / 5 comments

HMX Community On The Road: E3 Booth Walk Through

by Sean Baptiste / June 2

Join the community team exclusive walk through of 10,000 square foot, Abbey Road recreation of The Beatles: Rock Band E3 booth. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: hmxsean, hmxhenry, the-beatles-rock-band, video, e3 / 12 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

How To Win Fans And Influence People: Projecting “Rockability” Onstage

by The Hellion / May 25

A few years before I started working at Harmonix, I got into this big argument with my roommate at the time over who should be called the “greatest front man in history.” I said Iggy Pop; she said Jason Kendall of the Amazing Royal Crowns. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxhellion, be-a-rockstar, playing-live / 13 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

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

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

Been There, Made That: Rock Band Venues

by Christine Jandreau / April 22

We’ve covered the last venue in Rock Band 2 – the gorgeous Shanghai Arena – but before players reach the final stage they have to play a lot of smaller spots. Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: matt-moore, rock-band-art, venues, steven-kimura, peter-macdonald / 16 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

Community Team Inside Abbey Road

by HMXHenry / April 8

The HMX Community Team has been in some pretty unbelievable spots lately Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: hmxhenry, hmxjohnd, hmxkat, the-beatles-rock-band / 12 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

DPS: Community On The Road

by HMXKat / April 7

The HMX PR/Community team was more than happy to escape the frozen tundra of Cambridge and spend a few days (or at least parts of a few days) in the bright Arizona sunshine. Read full post »

Filed under: Rock Band on the Road / Tags: hmxkat, hmxjohnd, hmxalex, dps, the-beatles-rock-band / 3 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

Rock Band Microphones Designed By Reiko Murakami

by Christine Jandreau / March 25

As any Rock Band singer knows, picking your microphone is crucial. It helps define your character. Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: reiko-murakami, rock-band-art, instruments / 10 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

Dee Art Process

by Fish McGill / March 11

Mr. John Dee has developed an unlikely, inspired approach to creating art for Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: john-dee, rock-band-art / 2 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

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

Rock Band 2 Art By John Dee

by Christine Jandreau / February 25

HMX artist John Dee created iconic artwork for Rock Band and painted a one-of-a-kind guitar case for the Child’s Play charity auction. Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: john-dee, rock-band-art / 20 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

Rock Band Art By John Dee

by Christine Jandreau / February 11

HMX artist John Dee created some of the most memorable art in Rock Band. We talked with him about his goals for the artwork, his inspirations for his creations, and his methods of creating such detailed work so quickly.  Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: john-dee, rock-band-art / 3 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

Just Lust: A Guide To Making Your Fans Want To French Kiss You Big Time

by The Hellion / February 3

Like many of you (okay, ALL of you) I started a band in the hopes that it would ultimately lead to bath-time make-outs with ridiculously attractive people. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxhellion, be-a-rockstar, joan-jett / 22 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

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

For Those About To Stalk: How To Handle Your Fans Now That You Actually Have A Few

by The Hellion / January 19

I am not the popular one in my band. That would be LoWreck. Here is a sample of the type of email we receive on a fairly regular basis: Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: hmxhellion, be-a-rockstar / 12 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

'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

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

Talk Is Cheap, But So Are You: Advice On Stage Patter

by Steven Moy / December 15, 2008

Okay. So you've got the band together through want ads or social networking websites or maybe just recruiting random interesting-looking people you saw on the subway. You've written some songs, maybe learned some covers. Read full post »

Filed under: 52 Weeks to Rock / Tags: be-a-rockstar, playing-live, promoting-your-band / 3 comments

Rock Band 2 Wins Two X-Play Best Of 2008 Awards

by Christine Jandreau / December 10, 2008

Rock Band 2 won two X-Play Best of 2008 Awards - Best Downloadable Content and Best Music Game. Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: rock-band-2-news, awards / 4 comments

No Doubt Singles DLC

by Sean Baptiste / December 9, 2008

No Doubt finally comes to Rock Band. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: no-doubt, full-album-pack, pop-rock, 2000s / 8 comments

The People's Artist

by Fish McGill / December 3, 2008

A hallmark of Rock Band is the visual authenticity for users playing at home (you’re on your own for accurate rock n’ roll smells).  Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: eliot-min, rock-band-art, publicity-artwork, abnormality / 13 comments

European Bands, Miranda Cosgrove And The Naked Brothers Band DLC

by Sean Baptiste / November 26, 2008

Check out the wide variety in this week's DLC tracks.  Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: children-of-bodom, finley, patero-y-tu, squeeze, tokio-hotel, all-american-rejects, miranda-cosgrove, the-naked-brothers-band, metal, pop-rock, rock, emo, punk, 2000s, 1990s / 1 comment

Fashion Victim: Dressing Like A Rockstar

by The Hellion / November 24, 2008

I don’t know anything about fashion. I feel I should get that out of the way right now. The best item of clothing I've ever owned was a pair of R2D2 Underoos that I had when I was 6, and I'm pretty sure that even back then I wasn't accessorizing properly. My co-worker and fashion-plate gal pal Naoko Takamoto (who is a member of Rock Band's own That Handsome Devil) once told me, "Your taste in shoes is like your taste in dudes: sometimes I see something so revolting that I immediately think, 'Oh man, I should tell Helen about this, she would love it.'" Read full post »

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

Making Publicity Artwork

by Matt Derby / November 12, 2008

Rock Band owes its distinctive look to the cadre of talented artists who define not only the clothing, instruments, venues and shell of the game itself but also the artwork that represents the game in newspapers and magazines, on T-shirts and hats, and in many other contexts that are difficult for us to keep track of (although we’re pretty sure there hasn’t yet been an officially sanctioned Rock Band chip clip). Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: rock-band-art, eliot-min, publicity-artwork / 34 comments

Making Prison Tattoos: Concept Art By Kurt Davis

by Matt Derby / November 5, 2008

Kurt Davis was among a handful of punk rockers who propped up the Indiana punk scene in the early Eighties.  He befriended the influential Midwest hardcore/punk outfit Zero Boys and in 1982 they chose one of his drawings for the cover of their debut album, Vicious Circle.  Although he never made a cent from it, the album was hugely popular in its day and the original vinyl now commands a hefty bid on eBay. “Most people don’t know about this part of my life,” Davis says in the lobby of Harmonix’s Central Square headquarters in Cambridge Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: rock-band-art, kurt-davis, the-konks, dare-matheson, tattoos / 12 comments

Presidential DLC

by Sean Baptiste / October 31, 2008

Enjoy some Presidents of the United States of America DLC in honor of Election Day.  Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: presidents-of-the-united-states-of-america, hinder, fall-out-boy, artist-pack, pop-rock, rock, 1990s, 2000s / 0 comments

Making Shanghai Arena - Concept Art By David Boghdan And Peter Macdonald

by Matt Derby / October 29, 2008

“One thing we really wanted to focus on in Rock Band 2 was the finale,” Venue Artist David Boghdan says as he looks over the many concepts and sketches that went into the creation of Shanghai Arena, the last venue in the game.  “We wanted to give people a real sense of accomplishment, and so we decided to structure it around the venue itself.  We wanted it to feel…huger than the other venues.” Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: david-boghdan, peter-macdonald, rock-band-art, david-battilana, venues / 20 comments

Siouxsie And The Banshees DLC

by Sean Baptiste / October 24, 2008

Siouxsie and the Banshees three-pack, plus bonus tracks from Blink 182, Silversun Pickups and The Psychedelic Furs. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: siouxsie-and-the-banshees, blink-182, the-psychedelic-furs, silversun-pickups, artist-pack, punk, pop-rock, indie-rock, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s / 1 comment

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

The Cthulhu Guitar - Concept Art By Mallika Sundaramurthy

by Matt Derby / October 22, 2008

In addition to the many true-to-life instruments available in Rock Band 2 from legendary brands such as Fender, Gretsch, Sennheiser and Zildjian, there are a handful of guitars, drum kits, and mics that you’re not likely to see on any store shelves, unless you are reading this in the distant future when everything can be made instantly from corn. These bizarre and magnificent instruments, created by Harmonix artists, are the rarest and most expensive items in the game. Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: mallika-sundaramurthy, rock-band-art, instruments / 10 comments

Making The Nudie Suit - Concept Art By Shawn Witt

by Matt Derby / October 15, 2008

Of all the fashion genres covered in Rock Band, the hardest to pin down is also the most obvious: Rock. “It’s not a really clearly defined genre,” says artist Shawn Witt, who was in charge of creating the Ultimate Male Rock Outfit for Rock Band 2. Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: shawn-witt, rock-band-art, jimmy-buffett, outfits / 14 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

Offspring 3-Pack And More

by Sean Baptiste / October 3, 2008

More Offspring tracks come to Rock Band, plus Static-X, Screaming Trees, Harvey Danger and more. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: the-offspring, against-me, free, george-thorogood, harvey-danger, screaming-trees, static-x, artist-pack, classic-rock, rock, alternative, grunge, metal, punk, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s / 2 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

Beast Of Burden: Concept Art By Steven Kimura

by Matt Derby / September 22, 2008

When a player wins the Impossible Vocal Challenge in Rock Band 2, a special outfit - known as the Beast of Burden - is unlocked. Harmonix Artist Steven Kimura wanted this garment to represent what many consider to be the deepest, purest strain in the genre: Norwegian Black Metal. Read full post »

Filed under: Sketchbook / Tags: stephen-kimura, eliot-min, rock-band-art, outfits / 41 comments

Rush's Moving Pictures Full Album DLC And More

by Sean Baptiste / September 19, 2008

The day has finally come - Rush's Moving Pictures album is now available as DLC. Also available this week are six individual tracks from bands like Bad Religion and The Cult. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: rush, bad-religion, the-cult, hot-hot-heat, kasabian, sleater-kinney, stone-roses, progressive, alternative, rock, punk, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, full-album-pack / 1 comment

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

Megadeth Full Album DLC

by Sean Baptiste / September 12, 2008

Megadeth full album download plus tracks from Rock Band Tour bands the Cab, Dashboard Confessional, Panic at the Disco and Plain White T's.  Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: megadeth, metal, pop-rock, 2000s, 1980s, full-album-pack, pack, the-cab, dashboard-confessional, panic-at-the-disco, plain-white-ts / 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

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 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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

Look At Us Still Talking When There's Science To Do: An Interview With Jonathan Coulton

by Heather Wilson / April 1, 2008

Harmonix writer Heather Wilson talks with Jonathan Coulton, creator of the Portal-inspired song "Still Alive." Read full post »

Filed under: Interviews / Tags: jonathan-coulton, written-interview, pop-rock / 1 comment

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

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

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

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

Rock Band Goes Grammy!

by Sean Baptiste / February 13, 2008

Rock Band parties at The Grammys with Herbie Hancock, Taylor Hawkins, and others. Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: rock-band-news, herbie-hancock, the-police, foo-fighters, no-doubt / 1 comment

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

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

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

Regis' Wig & Other Rock Band Appearances

by Brett Milano / January 8, 2008

Lots of Rock Band love from Conan, Carson and Regis. Read full post »

Filed under: Announcements / Tags: rock-band-news / 0 comments

Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Black Crowes & Rush DLC

by Brett Milano / January 2, 2008

It’s all-Southern rock this week, featuring two classic Dixie bands and one from the Southern part of Canada. Read full post »

Filed under: DLC News / Tags: lynyrd-skynyrd, the-black-crowes, rush, 1970s, southern-rock, 1990s, rock, 1980s, progressive / 34 comments