Fender To Equip Rock Bandtm – The Upcoming Music Videogame From Harmonix

press release:

Harmonix, developer of the blockbuster Guitar Hero™ franchise, MTV: Music Television, a division of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), and Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) will have their instruments exclusively featured in the upcoming videogame Rock Band™, an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to experience and connect with music. In addition, Roland Corporation and BOSS have agreed to have their brands featured within Rock Band.

To deliver the ultimate interactive music experience in Rock Band, Harmonix and MTV have secured an agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, the world’s most respected manufacturer of electric guitars and amplifiers, that will allow the Rock Band game controller peripheral to be modeled after the legendary Fender Stratocaster, one of the most enduring and iconic models of electric guitar in the world. In addition, Fender guitars, basses and amps will be exclusively featured in the game.

“Fender is pleased to be part of Rock Band and the exciting opportunity it offers passionate music fans and gamers,” said Bill Mendello, CEO of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. “Our friends at Harmonix have done an amazing job of capturing the power and style of legendary Fender products within the virtual gaming experience and delivering it all in the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.”

To further raise the level of Rock Band’s authenticity, Roland Corporation, the world’s leading innovator in electronic instruments, and BOSS, recognized for its line of guitar effects pedals, have agreed to have their brands featured in Rock Band in-game and via co-marketing.

"Part of Roland's mission is to bring people closer to the music they love. Rock Band certainly fulfills that goal by bringing a deeply interactive music experience to the world, and having Roland featured in the game is a great honor," stated Dennis Houlihan, President and CEO of Roland Corporation U.S.

“Like the Fender Stratocaster, BOSS effects pedals have a long distinguished history,” states BOSS U.S. President Paul Youngblood. “We’ve worked with Fender on many projects in the past and we’re honored to be sharing this experience with them. Having the Strat® in Rock Band is going to take the virtual world by storm and when it does, we’ll be proud to have the BOSS name and pedals right there with it.”

“The Stratocaster has been the weapon of choice for many of the world’s legendary guitarists. Giving players the opportunity to rock out using a guitar peripheral modeled after the Strat really adds to the authenticity of the experience,” said Alex Rigopulos, president and co-founder of Harmonix. “Many of the staff here at Harmonix play Fender and Roland instruments and use BOSS effects pedals in their own bands, so we are thrilled to be able to work with these companies.”

Rock Band will allow players to play solo or recruit bandmates and jam side-by-side or virtually online, playing music from the greatest rock artists of all time. Built on unprecedented deals with the world’s biggest record labels and music publishers, the music featured in Rock Band will span all genres of rock and include many master recordings.

The title is slated for release on PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® in holiday 2007. For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockbandgame.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.