games  anime  |  toys
Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 



Raise your hand if you want to have your mind blown first thing this morning. You do? And you, in the back, as well? Good -- Harmonix is more than happy to oblige, providing us with the most surreal game intro I've ever seen: The Beatles: Rock Band.

The intro charts the Fab Four's progress from working class Liverpool boys-next-door (circa 1963) to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"-era mysticism and tomfoolery (circa everything after 1963). It's got all the whimsy of the drug-addled 60s and 70s and the striking imagery of Hinduism, and it's simply brilliant.

In a more prosaic move, Harmonix also showed a gameplay trailer (protip: it's still Rock Band) and shot out a press release. In all, there will be 45 songs on the disc, but here's a glimpse of the first 10:

  • 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
  • Get Back

Now, I like the Beatles as much as the next guy, but I'm not sure if I really want 45 Beatles songs to play through. That's, like, a lot. I know that when they read that last sentence, Samit (huge Beatles fan) will kill me, and Nick (huge Rock Band fan) will fire me. Thankfully, they'll be too busy actually playing The Beatles: Rock Band to notice. Check back later for their first-hand impressions.

The Beatles: Rock Band will be out on September 9, 2009, for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii. The intro, new trailer, and full press release can be found after the jump.

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

New York – June 1, 2009 – Original band members Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, came together today to kick off the 2009 E3 Media & Business Summit with the world premiere of The Beatles: Rock Band. The first-of-its-kind music-based video game offers a revolutionary tour of The Beatles' music, career, and legacy. Presented by Apple Corps, Ltd., and MTV Games’ Harmonix Music Systems, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), The Beatles: Rock Band will be released worldwide on 9/9/09, as will the release of the entire, original, digitally re-mastered Beatles CD catalogue.

Unveiled at Microsoft’s E3 press conference, the game 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.

It was also announced today that “All You Need Is Love,” will be released exclusively on Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft as a downloadable song for The Beatles: Rock Band through Xbox LIVE on September 9, 2009 with all Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games and Microsoft proceeds benefitting Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, personally selected the international emergency medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971 as the beneficiary of the proceeds from the sales of “All You Need Is Love” for The Beatles: Rock Band. Doctors Without Borders provides aid in more than 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. The organization is committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.

The Beatles: Rock Band story mode will take fans on an interactive, experiential journey through The Beatles career. Along the way, venues, set lists, clothing and instruments will replicate the band’s rise to fame, represented in The Beatles' touring period from 1963 to 1966 and their studio days from 1966 to 1969.

The game begins during the band’s earliest days at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. Gamers will then travel across the Atlantic to experience the band’s unforgettable 1964 performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the sold-out concert at New York’s Shea Stadium in 1965, and conclude at The Beatles’ memorable concert at Budokan in Tokyo, Japan in 1966. The Beatles’ studio years will come to life in legendary Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios. Highlighting the studio years are inspired artistic visual expressions known as Dreamscapes, intended to transport players to imaginative environments that capture the essence of The Beatles’ genre-busting musical and fashion transformations during their later years. The game follows The Beatles to 1969 where story mode culminates with their final performance on the rooftop of the Apple Corps Headquarters. The Beatles: Rock Band will be displayed during the 2009 E3 Media & Business Summit in the MTV Games booth in the South Hall # 2023.

As previously announced, The Beatles: Rock Band will offer a new set of hardware replicas representing the instruments made famous by John, Paul, George and Ringo. Featured in the set are the Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet guitars—hailed as two of the celebrated, signature instruments played by John Lennon and George Harrison throughout their careers. Also included is a Höfner bass controller—a large-scale replica of the bass famously used by Sir Paul McCartney. Rounding out the set is a Ringo Starr inspired, Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drum set with a classic pearl finish and vintage replica Beatles kick drum head.

The Beatles: Rock Band will be available simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Xbox®360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system from Sony, and the Wii™ home videogame console from Nintendo on September 9, 2009. The game will be compatible with all Rock Band™ instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero® and other third party music video game peripherals and microphone.

The Beatles: Rock Band marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Harrisongs Ltd and Startling Music Ltd has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. The Beatles: Rock Band will be published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band. Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) will serve as distribution partner for the game. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE album project, is providing his expertise and serving as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.

About Apple Corps. Ltd.
Apple Corps Ltd. was founded by The Beatles in 1968 to look after the group’s own affairs. The London-based company has administered the catalogue of The Beatles releases of the 1960s that have sold to date more than 600 million records, tapes and CDs. Since the 1990s, Apple has piloted new Beatles projects that have become benchmarks for pioneering accomplishment and which have included The Beatles Anthology projects, the 28-million selling album The Beatles 1 and The Beatles LOVE show and CD. Further information on The Beatles’ projects can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.thebeatles.com" www.thebeatles.com.

About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B) is one of the world’s leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products. The company’s portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 350 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, LOGO, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Noggin, The N, Addicting Games, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Aton, GameTrailers and Xfire.

About MTV Games
MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.

About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of ground-breaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit: HYPERLINK "http://www.harmonixmusic.com" www.harmonixmusic.com


Continue: More video stories





prev next

27 comments | showing # 1 to 27

Havoc Fang's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 11:33
Havoc Fang
I think some Zeno Clash got in my tea.
Stahlbrand's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 11:36
Stahlbrand
Loved it, can't wait for the game. (Huge Beatles fan, huge RB fan)
falinter's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 11:36
falinter
Trippyyyy
koose's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 11:37
koose
that really is the best intro ever. the end is sublime.
Jon B's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 11:44
Jon B
I'm not a fan of the Beatles, but that intro is 15 different shades of awesome.
I also like the art direction the game has taken too, it seems that the graphics engine is more versatile than Harmonix have been using it for.
aerofan11's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 11:46
aerofan11
Loved it! I can't wait to play this.
gatorsax2010's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 12:02
gatorsax2010
If any band deserves their own game, it's The Beatles. I can't wait for this.
BlaspheMerius's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 12:29
BlaspheMerius
That's really amazing! I can't wait to play it .. but I have to be honest - they really killed any hope I had for a long term ownership of the game with the lack of interconnectivity with other RB songs. As much as I love the Beatles and I love RB, I do most of my playing at parties. It's a real deterrent to know that I'd actually have to switch out the disk if I wanted to play anything that was even downloaded.
zombiekiller13's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 12:30
zombiekiller13
Jon B stole what I was going to say. Not that I hate the Beatles...just that I'm not a fan. Also have memories of people I'd like to forget, people who were waaaaay too into the band and, well...I associate them with the Beatles. Hmmm...going a little too far into my past.

Anyway, awesome intro.
JT706's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 12:30
JT706
"Octopus’s Garden"

RINGO VOCALS FTW
RonBurgandy2010's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 12:37
RonBurgandy2010
I don't know, I really don't like the Beatles. But you know, that's just me.

The intro was pretty cool though.
Niero's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 12:43
Niero
That intro made me so happy! I can't wait to show my dad
Arch649's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 12:46
Arch649
That just makes me want the game even more.
FormerAcorn's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 12:48
FormerAcorn
Man, no Beatles love?

<<3Ringo.
<3Paul.
<3John.
<3George.
exodus1925's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 13:11
exodus1925
Best intro video ever.
Scientist tz's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 13:12
Scientist tz
I want this to be more than a Rock Band game. It sounds like they're doing their best to make it that but I'd still rather see something more like an RPG with the instrument-playing embedded.
grasslunatic's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 13:21
grasslunatic
I swore I would never get rock band. I think this will have to change.
ArcticFox's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 13:29
ArcticFox
Regarding that opening cinema: Wow.
Matthew Blake's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 14:14
Matthew Blake
As a wannabe animator, I want to make something that awesome one day. Everything after "Here Comes the Sun" literally made my jaw drop.
The Trout's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 15:02
The Trout
I love Rock Band. I love the Beatles. I LOVE HARMONIX. *HUGS*
Chronic Logic's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 15:53
Chronic Logic
That is some sexy animation.
Johnny Justice's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/03/2009 16:50
Johnny Justice
This is awesome. It's nice to see they actually have put some effort into it, as opposed to the band specific GH titles.
absolutzero's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/04/2009 00:00
absolutzero
I agree with Johnny Justice--I've been getting a nice warm fuzzy feeling knowing that Harmonix has truly done The Beatles justice with this production. In the space of time it took Activision to can and push a few band GH titles, Harmonix has crafted something that is really special :)

@ Niero -- I also would love to share this with my dad, he loves the Beatles :D
PacifismFailed's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/04/2009 06:40
PacifismFailed
how awesome would a game be if it was set in the second half of the trailer?

An upright elephant with a trumpet backpack?, now thats what i call an epic mount
Batthink's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/04/2009 15:09
Batthink
I know one person who may be interested in this, but my ability to bridge the generation gap with him is suffering a little.
Samit Sarkar's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/08/2009 06:26
Samit Sarkar
YOU'RE FUCKING DEAD, LERAY.
AgentMOO's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/10/2009 21:24
AgentMOO
I thought this game was going to just be a cheap cash in but the more I see, the more I want to buy this day one. The focus on their batshit insane drugged out period is awesome.
prev next

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 
New on Destructoid.TV play all videos

Loading
Loading Destructoid Videos


    Win this!
    Dive in! meetup+play for a chance to win a PC

    Dtoid Twitter    Got news?   tips@destructoid.com

    Reviews & Previews
    Crossfire Remote Pistol review
    Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles review
    Left 4 Dead 2 review
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex review
    Arkedo Series - 02 SWAP! review
    more reviews
    Driver
    Avatar
    GT Racing Motor Academy
    Bad Company 2 beta dishes out meaningful experiences
    Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks
    more previews


    - The Dtoid Army is 50926 strong -

    Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

    Call for entries: do the wrong thing

    New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide




     Originals
    Jonathan Holmes: Why No More Heroes HD could mean a Wii total victory





















    More Destructoid Originals




     Popular now more






















    Team Destructoid   tips@destructoid.com
    Nick Chester
    Editor-in-Chief
    Niero
    Founder, publisher
    Jim Sterling
    Reviews Editor
    Hamza Aziz
    Community Manager
    Dale North
    News Editor
    Rey Gutierrez
    Video editor & director
    Anthony Burch
    Features Editor
    Colette Bennett
    Tom Fronczak Brad Nicholson
    Ashley Davis Ben Perlee
    Conrad
    Zimmerman
    Chad Concelmo
    Jonathan Holmes Jonathan Ross
    Brad Rice Jordan Devore
    Will Maddock Matthew Razak
    Dyson Joseph Leray
    Topher Cantler Samit Sarkar
         
      Dexter
    Adam Dork
    Daniel Lingen
    Hollie Bennett
    Joe Burling
    Mikey
    Stella Wong

    Josh Tolentino




     

     
      get involved

    register or login
    post a blog
    post a forum
    enter a contest
    contribute a news tip
    suggest a feature
    be a guest editor
    support

    new member's guide
    login assistance
    tech support
    report abuse
    email our editors
    read our dev blog
    nuclear crisis?
    keep in touch

    RSS feed
    Twitter
    Facebook
    Myspace
    Flickr
    Game nights
    Meetup+play online
    seriously

    about Destructoid
    advertising
    terms of use
    privacy policy
    jobs at MM
    buy our crap
    our network

    Tomopop
    Japanator
    Despingation?




    Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
    living the dream since March 16, 2006