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WORLD PREMIERE OF THE BEATLES: ROCK BAND

Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison Come Together for World Premiere of “The Beatles: Rock Band”

Unique Experiential Journey Through The Beatles’ Career to Feature Introduction of Three-Part Vocal Harmonies, 45 Songs On-Disc and Reveal of First Downloadable Album, Abbey Road

“All You Need Is Love” To Be Released Exclusively as Downloadable Song Through Xbox LIVE on 9/9/09 with Charity Proceeds to Benefit Doctors Without Borders

Paul, Ringo, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison today came to the E3 conference in Los Angeles for the world premiere of The Beatles: Rock Band.

The game was revealed at Microsoft’s E3 press conference, and represents the first time fans will be able to experience The Beatles’ musical career for themselves. From the early touring days in 1963 Liverpool to the immortal, final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop, fans can follow in the band’s footsteps as they traverse the globe during the height of Beatlemania.

Adding to the experience is the introduction of three-part vocal harmonies to game play, allowing gamers to revel in the unparalleled vocal stylings of the Fab Four. Beatles fans will also be thrilled to hear previously unreleased authentic voice recordings from John, Paul, George and Ringo chatting between takes during studio sessions recorded at Abbey Road more than four decades ago.

Of The Beatles’ epic catalogue, 45 songs will be available on-disc. Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE album project and Music Supervisor / Creative Producer for The Beatles: Rock Band, unveiled the first ten songs that will be available on the game-disc: “I Saw Her Standing There,” “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “I Feel Fine,” “Taxman,” “Day Tripper,” “Back In The USSR,” “I Am The Walrus,” “Octopus’s Garden,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and “Get Back.” Additional songs will be announced at a later date. Along with these 45 songs, the entire Abbey Road album will be available for future download purchase, as will additional music from The Beatles’ catalogue.

A new addition of the video game Rock Band will feature the music of the Beatles. This is interesting in several ways. First of all, that the Beatles could get everyone to agree to the legal issues is amazing. Did Yoko Ono, Apple Records, Sony and Michael Jackson all have to agree? At least I think Michael Jackon is still one of the owners of the Beatles publishing rights.

Speaking of Apple Records, the have been in litigation with Apple computers for quite some time. Their agreement calls for Apple computers to stay out of the music business. But, does a Beatles computer game violate trademark law in the other direction?

In any event, it’s an amazing feat that looks like it will benefit kids in the long run. Paul McCartney was asked –

QUESTION:Can you tell me about this special Beatles edition of the Rock Band game that’s coming out this fall?
ANSWER: It will feature different periods of the band — you get early days, Liverpool, then psychedelic, and on from there. It’s very cool. And I like the idea that the game introduces kids to music, you know?