Imagine this: John Lennon’s 70th birthday is coming up this Saturday. The fans will be gathering around the globe in special tributes planned for his birthday. The events are being planned in New York, England and throughout the world to honor the music that he created and the man that he was

In Lennon’s hometown of Liverpool, the Peace Monument will be unveiled on his birthday.

In New York, fans will gather, as they usually do every year on his birthday and on the anniversary of his death, at Strawberry Fields to sing and remember Lennon. Strawberry Fields is the 2.5-acre memorial is in New York’s Central Park, across the street from the Dakota, the building where Lennon before his death, in 1980.

During the evening, there will be a free Central Park screening of “LENNONYC,” a new film by Michael Epstein with concert footage and home movies documenting Lennon’s life in New York after the breakup of the Beatles. The film will air nationally on PBS as part of the American Masters series on November 22.

This year is considered as a big one for Beatles fans as well. It’s been 50 years since the band was formed, 40 years since they split up, 70 years since Lennon was born and 30 years since he was assassinated.

According to ABC news, Lennon’s wife and artist herself, Yoko Ono, 77, commented regarding the Lennon’s death and his legacy, “Well, it was very hard because it was a sudden thing that happened, he wasn’t ill for a long time or anything, it’s just, we were talking before that you know, and, it was very hard. I think I am getting over it in a kind of way, in my own unique way, but it’s still lingering. It’s very interesting, you know, that songs like ‘Gimme Some Truth’ mean a lot now, and of course ‘Give Peace a Chance’. … ‘Imagine’. All his political songs really have a lot of meaning right now for people.”

Fountains of Wayne guitarist Jody Porter recently released his debut solo record, "Close to the Sun." Fans of his primary group will be delighted by the catchy power pop of first single "Aurora," but as a whole, Porter touches on a broader spectrum of influences with this record than he ever has with Fountains of Wayne. The guitarist-turned-frontman recently chatted with Blast about the record, the pros and cons of branching out on his own. And longtime Fountains devotees, have no fear — though he’s focusing on his solo gig this summer, Porter assured us that the band is still going strong and are even in the process of finalizing a new record.

Blast: Was a solo career something that was always in the back of your mind? What finally prompted you to get the ball rolling and put this album out?

Jody Porter: A solo career was nothing I wanted to ever do, but it just became something that I ended up doing. I’d been in bands back in England that I wrote for and sang and fronted, and that was in the ‘90s, so as far as being a writer and all that, I’ve already kind of been there and done that. I’ve always liked playing in a band, but this is turning out to be a blast, too.

What’s the status of Fountains of Wayne?

JP: We’re still working on Fountains of Wayne. We have a record that’s being mixed right now. You know, there have been periods where I’ve gone off to do my own thing. And this is just an in-between thing. We’re definitely still doing the Fountains.

Are your Fountains of Wayne bandmates supportive of you going solo?

JP: Yeah. I mean, we all do different things on the side. It’s kind of the order of business from day one with that. It does probably lend itself (to side projects) for Fountains of Wayne to take three years in between things, you know? We’re good for a record every three years basically, is our work ethic. Plenty of time to do stuff in between.

Can you discuss the pros and cons of being a solo artist as opposed to a band member? Which do you prefer?

JP: A lot of times, you kind of have to do a little bit more production stuff just to get things rolling (as a solo artist).  I’m not much of a micromanager. Being in Fountains … day to day, there’s not a whole lot of stuff to do. This project I’m doing now is a little more DIY. So we do have some managers involved, but I find myself having (to make) a lot more decisions than I’m used to. Just kind of scheduling stuff, you know, studio stuff, even down to interviews. (In a group), if we’re all sitting around or something, it’s a lot easier to have a direction for what’s going to happen with the next bunch of shows or the next recording. I think it’s probably a little less intimidating.

Are you happy to have the Fountains of Wayne recognition, and a built-in fanbase behind you? Or would your rather people just discover your solo material on its own merits?

JP: You know, it really doesn’t matter to me. I think (my involvement in Fountains of Wayne) is probably just a footnote. (The solo record) is completely independent of Fountains of Wayne and probably a little more like my first band, The Belltower, in England. It’s a little bit more rock ‘n’ roll and it’s more of a psychedelic approach than a straight ahead power pop approach. For me, coming out of Fountains of Wayne, it’s such a departure that I feel like it’s almost just like a new thing completely, rather than being a solo record.

Who are your musical influences? Are there any artists who you feel you were able to tap into more now than you did with Fountains?

JP: Yeah, I’d say so. You get 100 percent freedom (as a solo artist). It’s just one of those things, I guess, that gives you a little bit more vision and room to move with it. As far as my influences go, they’re more obscure than Fountains of Wayne’s probably would be. You know, those guys are totally influenced by a different sort of realm of music than I am. I’m more into stuff like (English blues-rockers) The Pretty Things. I guess we kind of share a common love for the British Invasion stuff, obviously The Beatles and all, but I don’t think either (Fountains of Wayne songwriters) Chris (Collingwood) or Adam (Schlesinger) are particularly big Stones fans, and that was obviously a big part of my influence.

What are some of your favorite tracks on the record, or ones you’re most proud of?

JP: As far as just a verse, chorus, pop song approach, I think that "Aurora" is a good one. "A Beautiful Life," that was in the film “The Messenger.” (The film crew) just kind of approached me as, looking for something that was a little paradoxical or slightly cynical, but uplifting at the same time. "Cars on the Motorway," more of the edgier stuff, some of the louder songs, are really fun to play live.

Do you have any favorite solo artists who have branched off from bands and done their own thing?

JP: I’m really a big Pulp fan, and I think Jarvis (Cocker) has made the transition (well). Going back to The Beatles’ stuff, I think Lennon’s records were still amazing after The Beatles.

You’ve collaborated with a number of artists, including Juliana Hatfield, Jesse Malin and The Strokes’ Albert Hammond, Jr. Is there anyone you haven’t worked with whom you’d like to?

JP: A lot of the people I’ve worked with are just kind of friends. I’ll get a call and just drop by because I’m in the neighborhood or whatever, and it just ends up being kind of spontaneous. With Juliana, that was a gas, because I went in just to do maybe one or two songs and ended up being on pretty much the whole record. And it went really quickly. That was a fun collaboration. I can just grasp at straws and say I really like Primal Scream. A lot of British bands. Maybe (Oasis’) Noel Gallagher, whatever he’s doing now.

What was the first album you were obsessed with?

JP: I had a pretty groovy father who had been a musician. He was a folkie on RCA in the late ‘60s.  The first record that he bought me was probably on my fifth birthday, and I had already scratched and worn out all his vinyl, like spinning it around with my hand when I was a wee toddler. So he had to re-buy a bunch of things, but I got for my fifth birthday "Sergeant Pepper." I was kind of basically shown the light.

So, is this going to be a one-time solo thing? Do you see yourself releasing more solo material down the road?

JP: I think I’m going to be proactive with it. I mean, so far it’s gotten really good response, and I have a fairly big backlog of songs that I didn’t put on the record and a lot of new ones that were kind of thrown together.

Jody Porter plays Boston’s Lizard Lounge on August 14.

More Beatles tunes are on the way for enthusiasts next week as Harmonix and MTV Games today announced the 1965 “Rubber Soul” album is on its way, in its entirety to the Rock Band Music Store next week.

Beginning Dec. 15 anyone with a copy of The Beatles: Rock Band can download the album, or singles from it, from Xbox Live, The PlayStation Network, and the Wii Shop Channel.

Here’s the album’s entire list of tunes, in case you’ve forgotten, or just aren’t aware ( like me)

• “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”
• “You Won’t See Me”
• “Nowhere Man”
• “Think For Yourself”
• “The Word”
• “Michelle”
• “What Goes On”
• “Girl”
• “In My Life”
• “Wait”
• “Run For Your Life”

$17.99/1440 MS Points for the entire album or $2 individually. The choice. Is yours.

“Rubber Soul” joins “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club” and “Abbey Road” as full albums already available in the Music Store. So if you’ve got a twinge for The Beatles, you’re probably loving this news.

I’m currently contemplating handing over my copy of The Beatles: Rock Band to GameStop for credit, as I only purchased it to impress a girl, which, uhh, didn’t work out.

Both “Rolling Stone” and “Time” magazine have touted The Beatles as the most influential music group of the 20th century. The truth is that every person America hears a Beatles song almost every day, even if they aren’t conscious that the fab four were the ones who penned the tune. In honor of the release of Beatles Rock Band, Blast has put together a list of the 10 Best Beatles Songs of All Time. With 13 albums containing the highest number of Billboard Hot 100 singles in history, picking 10 was like pulling teeth or choosing a favorite child, but we tried our best. Taking from most notable, to critically acclaimed and a smidgen of personal preference here is our list, but don’t hesitate to comment with your own.

10 “" “Let It Be” The title track from the last of the Beatles studio albums. Paul came up with the song after a dream he had a dream about his mother visiting him. Hence “When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me speaking words of wisdom, “Ëœlet it be’ and in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me/”

9 “" “All You Need is Love” Possibly one of the most commercialized songs in the history of the world. Sure, most of the younger generations associate this song with Chevrolet, they still know the words. “All You Need is Love” represents the poppier side of The Beatles catalog but a classic nonetheless and a good message, “There’s nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you in time. It’s easy. All you need is love, all you need is love. Love, love is all you need.” If only life were really that simple, huh?

8 “" “Yellow Submarine” There might be an argument that this might actually be the worst song The Beatles wrote, but here at Blast we think Paul never got enough credit for writing this. Okay, so it’s on the simple side, and doesn’t really make sense but you can blame the acid for that. “Yellow Submarine” never fails to put us in a good mood thus it makes the list.

7 “" “In My Life” Rumor has it that John Lennon wrote “In My Life” about his childhood after a journalist’s suggestion. Paul added to the song afterward and it became one of the songs they argued over rights to when the band split up in 1970. Despite the controversy over it later, it is lines like “Though I know I’ll never lose affection for people and things that went before, I know I’ll often stop and think about them. In my life I love you more” that put “In My Life” on our list.

6 “" “Helter Skelter” McCartney wanted to experiment with the loudness and symbol sounds on the song after reading a review of a The Who record and wanted to out-do Pete Townsend. As a result “Helter Skelter” became known as one of the greatest guitar pieces in music. The song embodies how The Beatles pioneered new sounds in music with their rabid curiosity and willingness to push “the norm” to new limits.

5 “" “Come Together” “Come Together” is the first song off of 1969′s Abbey Road. Lennon began writing the song as a campaign anthem for Timothy Leary’s California campaign against Ronald Reagan. Lennon was sued by Chuck Berry and his management for stealing lyrics. The court case was settled out of court and Lennon agreed to record three of Morris Levy’s (Berry’s music publisher) on his solo record after the break-up of The Beatles.

4 “" “Yesterday” “Yesterday” is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most covered song in history “" which means that those of us at Blast are not the only ones that love it. The acoustic ballad shows a softer side of The Beatles. In fact, the recording is a McCartney solo piece of work, accompanied only by a string quartet. Since the song relied so much on just one member of the band, The Beatles were hesitant to release it as a single.

3 “" “Hey Jude” “Hey Jude” was written for John Lennon’s older son Julian by Paul McCartney during his parents’ divorce. Originally recorded at over seven minutes, “Hey Jude” spent nine weeks at number one, which is the longest of any Beatles single. It was also the first single released on Apple Records. The song also appeared as #8 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs” list, which helps us think it deserves to be #3 on our list.

2 “" “Strawberry Fields Forever” The song comes from the fab four’s infamous “psychedelic rock” period “" using a mellotron (a tape recorder flute type instrument) to create the dream-live overtones.. Strawberry Fields refers to a Salvation Army children’s home that Lennon used to play at as a child in Liverpool. Though formally credited to the Lennon/McCartney, most sources credit the song solely to Lennon. Central Park thought enough of the song their Lennon memorial after it, and Blast agrees so much that “Strawberry Fields Forever” ranks in at #2 on our top ten Beatles list.

1 “" “Eleanor Rigby” Fun fact about “Eleanor Rigby” is that none of The Beatles played instruments on it. John Lennon and George Harrison performed back-up vocals but the main instrumentation is a string arrangement played by professional studio musicians. “Eleanor Rigby” is at the top of our list because for Blast it represents the middle of the road between the early Beatles pop stages and their later endeavors into psychedelic rock. “Eleanor Rigby” stands out as a purely classic Beatles song.

By the way: Because of a reporting error, we incorrectly stated that Ringo write “Yellow Submarine.” It was Paul.

The Beatles have been out of commission for decades but that won’t stop Harmonix from finally releasing the hotly hyped “The Beatles: Rock Band” on home consoles this Wednesday, 9-09-09. We’ve played the bejeezes out of it, loved it, and highly recommend it. Read our 9.0 review here.

Other notable titles debuting this week are Fallen Earth for PC and Dirt 2 for consoles. The former, a FPS/MMO hybrid, which we played and loved, and the latter a sequel to a fantasic racing title.

Have a look at the week’s full release schedule below and let us know what you’re buying!

Monday (Sept. 7)
ColorZ (Wii)
War Leaders: Clash of Nations (PC)

Tuesday (September

Ant Nation (DS)
Arcade Zone (Wii)
Black College Football Experience – The Doug Williams Edition (360)
Darkest of Days (PC, 360)
Dirt 2 (DS, PC, PS3, PSP, Wii, 360)
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days (PSP)
Fallen Earth (PC)
Hardy Boys: Treasure on the Track (DS)
Heroes Over Europe (PC)
IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey (PS3, 360)
Imagine Detective (DS)
LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year Edition (PS3)
Mini Ninjas (DS, PC, PS3, Wii, 360)
Obscure 2 (PSP)
Platinum Hits Triple Pack (360)
Qubed (360)
Raiden IV (360)
Time of Shadows (PC)
Trine (PS3)
Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga (Wii)

Wednesday (Sept. 9)
The Beatles: Rock Band (PS3, Wii, 360)
My Virtual Tutor: Reading First to Second Grade (DS)
My Virtual Tutor: Reading Kindergarten to First (DS)
My Virtual Tutor: Reading Pre-K to Kindergarten (DS)
Sonic & Knuckles (360)

Thursday (Sept. 10)
Women’s Murder Club: Twice in a Blue Moon (PC)

MTV Games and Harmonix have revealed 19 more songs which will be featured on The Beatles: Rock Band. Of the 45 songs available on the game, 44 have been announced leaving one mystery song.

The game allows fans to experience the Beatles’ catalogue of music for themselves and play their way through the band’s extraordinary career. From 1963 Liverpool to the final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop, fans can experience the entire career, while also utilizing the three-part vocal harmonies to revel in the vocal styling of the Fab Four.

For those who feel that 45 songs are not enough, fear not. Abbey Road will be available as a future download purchase. On September 9, All You Need Is Love will be released exclusively through Xbox LIVE.

The release of The Beatles: Rock Band has been timed in conjunction with the release of the original, digitally re-mastered Beatles CD catalogue on Sept 9^th, 2009. It will be available around the world simultaneously for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii. Fans who pre-order any version of the game at a participating retailer will be given an access code to officially join the Pre-Order Club. Club members will gain access to breaking news and exclusive behind-the-scenes elements. To learn more, visit the Pre-Order Club website.

The Beatles: Rock Band 19 New Songs Revealed With Featured Venues:

• “Boys” / Cavern Club
• “A Hard Day’s Night” / Ed Sullivan Theater
• “I’m Looking Through You” / Shea Stadium
• “Ticket to Ride” / Shea Stadium
• “Drive My Car” / Budokan
• “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• “Getting Better” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• “Good Morning” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• “Hello, Goodbye” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• “Hey Bulldog” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• “Dear Prudence” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• “Helter Skelter” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• “Something” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• “Come Together” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• “Don’t Let Me Down” / Rooftop Concert
• “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” / Rooftop Concert
• “I Me Mine” / Rooftop Concert

Got an idea about what the mystery song will be? Post it in the comments.

No matter what age, if you are a fan at a Paul McCartney concert it is guaranteed that you will be reduced to a hysterical 13-year-old the moment that man steps on stage. McCartney’s first ever appearance at Fenway Park took place on a balmy, August evening, and did he ever make it a memorable one.

Some concert-goers milled about as early as 5 p.m. to take their seats facing the enormous stage erected in center field. The stadium looked in pristine condition as usual, complete with McCartney’s name spelled out in the score box at the bottom of the Green Monster.

Techno-rock group MGMT took the stage at 6:30 sharp to a barely half-filled park. There was some trouble balancing their sound at first; too much treble and the singing sounded awfully distorted. Technical issues aside, they played a decent if unremarkable set to a crowd that had never really heard of them and were waiting impatiently for a Beatle. When they launched into the familiar opening bars of “Time to Pretend” a lot of people turned in their seats to companions with a, “hey, I’ve heard this song before!”

The anticipation set in once MGMT completed their 40-minute set. It was a feeling akin to being a child on Christmas Eve. Will it be as magical as I imagine? Will it really live up to the hype? McCartney delivered the goods, and then some.

Not once during the two and a half hour set (plus two encores) did McCartney ever appear tired, not even for a second. The ever dapper musician is 67-years-old, although if you ignored the giant screens, from where I sat one would think he was still that young cherub-cheeked lad from Liverpool.

From the instantly recognizable opening of “Drive My Car” to the final resounding notes of “The End” there were predictable, nostalgic and some surprising song choices. A multitude of Beatles’ hits went down including “Got to Get You into My Life” “Back in the USSR” and “Let it Be.” Whatever McCartney’s doing to preserve his vocal chords is working — he can still belt out “I’m Down” and “Helter Skelter” with no trouble at all.

The tears really started to flow when he got behind that piano and sang “The Long and Winding Road.” Other tear-inducing moments included “Here Today” McCartney’s tribute song to John Lennon and a beautiful ukulele version of George Harrison’s “Something.” Of course he played “Hey Jude” (seriously, mascara was a huge fail on my part) and led the entire happily obliging crowd in some “na na na naa’s!”

McCartney dipped into his Wings catalogue for a few numbers like “Jet” “Band on the Run” and “Live and Let Die” during which some serious fireworks and pyrotechnics went off. Particularly pleasing were his songs from his solo work, especially the two tracks off 1997′s “Flaming Pie.” The title track came with a killer keyboard solo from Paul “Wix” Wickens and McCartney brought out the acoustic guitar for the sweet “Calico Skies.”

Between delivering songs old and new, McCartney interacted with the audience and lived up to his reputation as the cute, charismatic Beatle. When his band left him alone on stage for an acoustic portion, McCartney cheekily said, “Now they’ve gone and left me here alone with you. I kind of like it.”

But you do have to give credit to the band. Guitar players Rusty Anderson and Brian Ray made sure the guitar solos were ripped expertly and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr was a force of nature behind his kit.

Like the performer himself, the night was magical, unforgettable and legendary. The music was rocking, the Prudential Center lit in the backdrop, and the moon was bright and full as McCartney crooned “Ëœwhat’s the use of worrying?’ We were all right there with you, Paul.

It has been days since the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has passed away, and the future surrounding the estate of his fortune remains a mystery.

What is known is the fate of his children. In a statement to the Associated Press, Mr. Jackson’s mother, Katherine, was granted temporary guardianship of the three Jackson children by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff earlier this morning. This action is the first step by the Jackson family in order to secure the stability of the youngsters. An official determination of the guardian status will be held later in the summer on August 3.

The division of Mr. Jackson’s property and finances are most likely headed for probate unless an official will is presented soon. Probate is a legal process for heirs like Jackson’s children to obtain the title to the properties entitled to them by law. Without a specified will it shall be the court’s judgment as to how everything will be settled, not the wishes of the departed. The first consideration will be for his children and immediate family. Yet this complicates things further as Mr. Jackson’s mounting debts are suspected to be in the approximate range of $400 million dollars.

There are many details in need of resolution where Jackson’s finances are concerned currently. Despite the recent sale of The Neverland Ranch and its items, which were auctioned out, the high-end lifestyle of the icon continued to eat away at his bank account, especially with his last residence which cost $100,000 per month. The recent explosive sellout of Mr. Jackson’s discography may just change everything. While ticket sellers for Jackson’s now defunct British concert tour are assuring buyers proper refunds, all other merchandising of the icon remains at an all time high. Again, who stands to inherit the bulk? Since the news of Katherine Jackson’s guardianship of her grandchildren, members of the Associated Press recently noted the Jackson Matriarch has also filed to serve as an administrator of Michael Jackson’s estate to secure his three children future entitlements. So whatever benefits remain from clearing current debts will go towards the children. Deborah Rowe, the mother to two of Mr.Jackson’s children, has not disputed any course of actions thus far.

The pop star’s investments are famous, such as the partial ownership of The Beatles musical catalog which is at an estimate worth of almost half a billion dollars, and another investment of Mr. Jackson includes shares of Sony which is also valued at a high figures as well. Yet what seems like a windfall of money becomes shadowed by the immense costs for lawyers fees and settlements which Mr. Jackson made several years ago during his child molestation trial. While the singer has been acquitted of all charges the firestorm of attacks to his image cost the singer a slump in sales, and seclusion.

However, the current status of his brand name and sales generates a comeback not seen since the 80s during his “Thriller” days. The comeback which Mr. Jackson sought for the summer has manifested in a different way. It seems though his death, the unanswered questions to the controversies of his life, Mr. Jackson will become financially as much of a brand as Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean.

Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games, the duo responsible for a little game called Rock Band revealed today two signature Beatles instruments available when The Beatles: Rock Band hits shelves in September.

The Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet will be available as standalone wireless instruments priced at the gargantuan and downright scary $99.99 price tag.‚  Dropping a Benjamin on a plastic guitar, I don’t think I could do it. However, die-hard Beatle-heads probably won’t even think twice, but for the rest of us?

The new double shot of replica instruments join the Paul McCartney signature Hoffner bass guitar and the Ring Starr inspired drum kit and of course will be compatible with every old title.

If you’re thinking about ponying up the cash to pre-order this bad boy, a pre-order club went live today promising constituents access to breaking news and behind the scenes goodies.‚  But c’mon, really?‚  Blast has the info as soon as it drops and stops at nothing to keep you in the loop, dedicated reader!

The Beatles are receiving the Rock Band treatment later this year and in the same way they took America by storm with their sweet tunes and lovable personalities, the fab 4 are also hitting the video game sector with unrelenting force.

Electronic Arts and Harmonix announced a premium bundle at a price point of $250 last month much to the bewilderment of fans everywhere.‚  What could possibly warrant such a lofty cost you ask?

Video game retail giant GameStop today revealed that the premium bundle is to include a Hƒ¶fner Bass guitar, a Ludwig branded drum kit complete with a metal kick pedal and drumhead even Ringo would be proud of and a microphone with a stand.‚  Additional “special content” is also to be included, hopefully referring to anything greater than Beatles stickers.

The Beatles: Rock Band premium bundle hits shelves 9/9/09 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii for 250 big ones.

Harmonix, Apple Corp. LTD, and MTV games today officially announced The Beatles: Rock Band, the highly anticipated and first band oriented expansion of the hit music and rhythm game, set to release globally 9/9/2009 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii.

The expansive catalogue of songs in the title will take players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career ultimately leaving them with that top of the world feeling.‚  Screaming fans, packed stadiums, global success, rockin’ guitar solos, epic drum fills, and the smooth, smooth vocal tendencies of Lennon andMcCartney await you in this monumental music game.

Craving that authentic feeling?‚  John and George both played Fender Stratocasters back in the day, but the current plastic facsimiles look nothing like the real thing.‚  Fear not for The Beatles: Rock Band will offer a number of new hardware choices modeled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr throughout their career.‚  To dial the authenticity up to 11 you’ll have to play lefty as McCartney and work on that accent.

The Beatles Rock Band will be available on Sept. 9^th; $60 will get you the game alone, $100 for the new standalone guitars, and $250 for the limited premium bundle.

The Beatles: Rock Band will be compatible with all Rock Band instruments and “other current music-based video game peripherals,” which can only mean the Guitar Hero goods.

Like freebies? Apple Corp, MTV Games, and Harmonix are promising exclusive content to those who pre-order the title.‚  More details in the coming months.

Keep an eye on The Beatles: Rock Band official site for new and exciting information regarding this monumental title.

About Harmonix, Apple Corp, MTV Games:

APPLE CORPS LTD., MTV AND HARMONIX ANNOUNCE “THE BEATLES: ROCK BAND”, WORLDWIDE RELEASE SET FOR 9/9/09

5th March 2009

New York, NY – March 5, 2009 – Apple Corps, Ltd., Harmonix and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced the 9/9/09 worldwide release of The Beatles: Rock Band (http://www.thebeatlesrockband.com). The music-based video game, an unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles, 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 and Wii home videogame console from Nintendo.

The Beatles: Rock Band will allow fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. In addition, The Beatles: Rock Band will offer a limited number of new hardware offerings modeled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr throughout their career.

The Beatles: Rock Band will be offered as standalone software and hardware as well as a limited edition bundle. The game will be compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers and other current music-based video game peripherals.

Available on 9/9/09:

• The Beatles: Rock Band Software – Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii: $59.99 MSRP
• The Beatles: Rock Band Standalone Guitars – Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii: $99.99 MSRP
• The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle: Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii: $249.99 MSRP

Please note: Pricing outside of the US to be announced at a later date.

The Beatles: Rock Band marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, 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 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.

Exclusive content created by Apple Corps, MTV Games and Harmonix will be made available to fans over the next few months who participate in a pre-order campaign through major retailers. More details on The Beatles: Rock Band game and pre-order will be revealed in the coming months.

Please visit thebeatlesrockband.com.

Rumors have persisted for months that perhaps the biggest band in the history of music will be making their way to either the Rock Band or Guitar Hero franchise, finally — the wait is over and we have an answer.
Kind of.

In a teleconference‚ Apple Corps Ltd., Harmonix and MTV Games announced an exclusive partnership to bring the music of The Beatles to the world in a new interactive form sometime in 2009. The currently unnamed title will take players through the band’s storied career, from first album to last. Though it has been confirmed that the title will use interactive instrument peripherals, it was stressed during the teleconference that it is not a Rock Band title.

“Introducing the genius of The Beatles to a whole new generation of music lovers through original and inspired ways is extremely exciting to us at Apple Corps,” stated Jeff Jones, CEO, Apple Corps. “We are truly pleased to be working with the innovative forces at MTV and Harmonix as they embody our mutual passions for music and creativity.”

The new partnership marks the first time that either Apple,‚ EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, or Sony/ATV Music Publishing have agreed to present the normally highly protected Beatles music license in interactive format.‚ The game was creatively conceived with input from Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, and enjoys their full blessing. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE project, will provide his expertise and serve as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.

“The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out,” Sir Paul McCartney said

“It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and Harmonix / Rock Band partnership,” said Ringo Starr. “The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles’ legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence.”