The demo includes Sweet Emotion and Dream On by Aerosmith, as well as Walk this Way by Run DMC and I Hate Myself for Loving You by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Say what you will about artist-themed Guitar Hero games, at least you’re getting four free songs out of the deal.

Update: Seems that the official press release announcing that the demos was a bit premature. Back to playing regular old non-Aerosmith-infused Guitar Hero.

1) Newton’s Dirty Little Secret: It’s a Sixaxis.
2) Check Out This Rad PS3 Casemod for Your Xbox 360!
3)’Intense’ Driving Motion Controls Introduced to Metal Gear Solid 4 Cutscenes
4) MGS4 Now Supports Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Peripherals (lower right)
4) Sony Confounded by Standard DVD Players Kept as Heirlooms (console, under the small speakers)

I’m sure you’ve got your own ideas. Put ‘em in the comments.

Yes, Honkin’ On Bobo. Who would’ve thought that catchy title wouldn’t have the kids lining up?

Unsurprisingly, Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford says that “We’re the first band of many” to get the titular treatment. Not hard to believe that established musicians might want to make a few millions by licensing their songs, likenesses and name to such a cash cow.

We know that a Guitar Hero: Metallica is in the works and have heard casual mention of bands like Van Halen getting top billing, but who’s next?

Kai Huang, president of RedOctane is quoted as saying “There’s actually just a handful of bands that have this really deep catalogueof music that people would have a lot of fun playing”. That might include acts like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, but we’re sure bands that might have a more shallow discography will be fighting tooth and nail to get their own Guitar Hero games.

We’re hoping for a Guitar Hero: Spin Doctors announcement very soon.

Rock Games Battle for Bands [Rolling Stone]

One of the artists that continues to elude both Activision and Harmonix is Led Zeppelin. It’s been chalked up to a lengthy licensing process, but a recent write-up from the Wall Street Journal helps shed more light on the British band’s absence.

According to their management, the band isn’t “comfortable” giving up access to its master tapes, the very thing required to edit these things down to Rock Band and Guitar Hero ready formats.

“It ain’t about the money”, says Peter Mensch of Q Prime Management who handles Led Zep’s interests.

In better news, the Wall Street Journal writes that hold outs like Van Halen, Steely Dan and Guns N’ Roses all have “deals in the works to bring more music to gamers. In far, far worse news, so are the Eagles.

Aerosmith Stars In Guitar Hero Videogame [WSJ - thanks again, Max!]

So, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith dropped this weekend in North America. What does that have to do with me getting completely smashed at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square and totally hitting on Steve Tyler?

Hit the jump for the full adventure.

The picture you see at the top of this post is the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square here in New York City, where I headed Friday evening to attend Activision’s launch event for Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. Media check-in was a couple hours prior to when the event was slated to start; Aerosmith themselves were to give a press conference, so security was tight. While I waited outside, I saw lots of tourists lining up hopefully around a large bus which they assumed belonged to the band.

Alas, it was merely a mortal tour bus; when its doors opened, the crowd began to scream and ready their cameras, but the only person to emerge was a uniformed driver vaguely bewildered by all of the attention.

At about 2:30 PM, I was allowed in alongside an unjustly panicked swarm of mainstream television reporters – the band’s press conference wasn’t scheduled until 4:00 – who hit me with their large camera equipment, stepped on my toes and yelled at the door staff. Me, I calmly meandered in to the huge fancy bar area around the stage.

Stations with the game were set up all around the inside of the cafe – all PS3s, if anyone’s keeping score. I’m a pretty competent fake guitarist – no Expert, mind you, but pretty solid on Hard, so I confess I was excited to show off, amid bewildered media and VIP who needed Activision reps to explain to them what the colours were all for.

It was not to be. I’ve got an old wired controller at home, and these were all the Gibson-style wireless. The buttons were just different to me, and I’m not sure whether I didn’t need to press so hard or wasn’t pressing hard enough, but I was always about one second behind the note. I played poorly and petulantly blamed the controller – but come on, it makes a difference, right? Am I crazy?

After playing for about fifteen minutes, I still had about an hour left before Aerosmith was slated to take the stage. Time to kill plus open bar equals I drank a lot of margaritas, drowning the sorrow of my Guitar Hero failure. Oh, suddenly I was having a super fun time, socializing with just about everybody.

I happened to meet some Sony merchandising managers – ah, that was why it was all PS3s there – and we all hit it off. Turns out they had special “Meet and Greet” passes to visit with the band, and they let me come with them to a special area where several folks with similar passes would have the chance to meet Aerosmith. No autographs, warned high-strung staffers.

I’m not a particularly huge Aerosmith fan, but it was still super cool to see a band that huge walk right by me. By this point, the margaritas were catching up to me, so I was especially excited when it was my turn to come up and meet them.

I ended up drunkenly flirting at Joe Perry, hanging on Steven Tyler and putting my business card in his pocket. I have no regrets.

After the meet and greet, Aerosmith took the stage following some big screen trailers of themselves in-game, while the crowd packed into the restaurant just went wild. Thoroughly sauced, I shouted so loudly that the lady standing next to me warned me not to ruin the sound bites.

The band held an informal Q & A with the crowd, talking about the experience of building the game, both “amazing” (getting back some old memories) and “annoying” (wearing the mocap suits). Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Joe Perry noted that he “pretty much sucks” at Guitar Hero.

Just about all the band’s members said their kids were fans of video games in general, and that they’d bonded over the fact that Dad is now in Guitar Hero – as if it were a bigger deal to the band’s kids to see their fathers in a video game than have their fathers be Aerosmith.

I swear this is an actual picture of the band on stage, but this is as close as the staff would let me get, seeing as I lacked proper huge equipment for injuring, jostling or photographing.

The success of music games, said Tyler, is “showing the way the music business is going”. The band discussed how important Guitar Hero and its ilk have been to artists like themselves who are searching for ways to stay relevant to a new, younger audience.

Video games are to musicians now, said Perry, “as important as albums used to be”.

I know they said a lot of other stuff – like the game’s musical parts being based on real multi-track recording, that Tyler’s favourite song of theirs in the game is “No Surprize”, and that being mocapped for Guitar Hero reminded the band of being on The Simpsons – but honestly, my notes on the press conference degenerate into loopy sauce-scrawl from there, and so does my memory.

Lurching through Times Square in the back of a cab while the scenery swam in my frame of vision put me quite firmly in mind of GTA IV – in case you’ve never ridden through New York City completely wrecked in the back of a yellow cab, yes, it is exactly like that.

I had one of those three-day hangovers, but it was all worth it. I’m still waiting for Aerosmith to call me, by the way.

Not a huge fan of Aerosmith, but I don’t hate them, so, there’s no real do-want moment here for me — except then I see “She Sells Sanctuary”, which has been an air-guitargasm going back to the days of velcro sneakers. But I’ve already got carpal tunnel coming on like a heart attack, and I’d probably spaz before getting to The Cult’s classic.

The game releases August 6 in Australia. Full list after the jump:

Tier 1: “Getting the Band Together” (Nipmuc High School)
1. “All the Young Dudes” by Mott the Hoople (cover)
2. “Draw the Line” by Aerosmith
3. “Dream Police” by Cheap Trick
4. “Make It” by Aerosmith (re-recorded)
5. “Uncle Salty” by Aerosmith

Tier 2: “First Taste of Success” (Max’s Kansas City)
6. “All Day and All of the Night” by The Kinks (cover)
7. “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett
8. “Movin’ Out” by Aerosmith (re-recorded)
9. “No Surprize” by Aerosmith
10. “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith

Tier 3: “The Triumphant Return” (The Orpheum)
11. “Complete Control” by The Clash
12. “Livin’ on the Edge” by Aerosmith
13. “Love in an Elevator” by Aerosmith
14. “Personality Crisis” by New York Dolls (cover)
15. “Rag Doll” by Aerosmith

Tier 4: “International Superstars” (Moscow)
16. “Bright Light Fright” by Aerosmith
17. “King of Rock” by Run-D.M.C.
18. “Nobody’s Fault” by Aerosmith
19. “She Sells Sanctuary” by The Cult
20. “Walk This Way” by Run-D.M.C. featuring Aerosmith

Tier 5: “The Great American Band” (Half Time Show)
21. “Always on the Run” by Lenny Kravitz
22. “Back in the Saddle” by Aerosmith
23. “Beyond Beautiful” by Aerosmith
24. “Dream On” by Aerosmith (re-recorded)
25. “Hard to Handle” by The Black Crowes (cover)

Tier 6: “Rock N Roll Legends” (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
26. “Cat Scratch Fever” by Ted Nugent
27. “Mama Kin” by Aerosmith (re-recorded)
28. “Sex Type Thing” by Stone Temple Pilots
29. “Toys In The Attic” by Aerosmith
30. “Train Kept A Rollin” by Aerosmith
31. “Guitar Battle vs Joe Perry” by Joe Perry

Bonus Songs (The Vault)
32. “Combination” by Aerosmith
33. “Kings and Queens” by Aerosmith
34. “Let The Music Do The Talking” by Aerosmith
35. “Mercy” by Joe Perry
36. “Pandora’s Box” by Aerosmith
37. “Pink” by Aerosmith
38. “Rats In The Cellar” by Aerosmith
39. “Shakin’ My Cage” by Joe Perry
40. “Talk Talkin” by Joe Perry
41. “Walk This Way” by Aerosmith

All 41 Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Tracks Revealed [VideoGamesBlogger]

Here’s a dash of good. Guitar Hero World Tour will support your existing GH III downloads, which begs the question “Why would you buy Guitar Hero: Aerosmith?”

“I love video games and actually have versions of Guitar Hero that I play on my bus and at home. To have Target, Activision and Aerosmith on my car for the New Hampshire race is pretty cool,” said Franchitti. “Who doesn’t love Aerosmith’s music? It’s perfect for getting ready for the side-by-side, non-stop action of NASCAR racing.”

In addition to the co-branded race car, Target stores will also be selling a special Wii bundle for GH: Aerosmith that includes 2 wireless controllers and a tour book for $AU 158.69. You might as well just buy the damn game before Activision starts marketing on you. Believe me, it’s extremely difficult to breathe in a full vinyl wraparound.

Target and Activision Partner with Chip Ganassi Racing to Feature Guitar Hero: Aerosmith on No. 40 Dodge
Wrapped Car Will Run in New Hampshire NASCAR Race on June 29; Target to Offer Exclusive Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Wii Bundle

CONCORD, N.C.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today it has partnered with Activision and its long-time sponsor Target® to feature the latest version of the Guitar Hero® series, Guitar Hero®: Aerosmith®, on Dario Franchitti’s No. 40 Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) on June 29.

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, which will be released June 29, is the latest installment from the Activision franchise that was the top-selling video game in 2007. The game puts players in the shoes of Joe Perry (guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar) and Tom Hamilton (bass), as they rock out alongside front man Steven Tyler and drummer Joey Kramer. Gamers will experience Aerosmith’s GRAMMY® winning career, from their first gig to becoming rock royalty while jamming to the band’s top songs.

With the launch of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Target stores will carry an exclusive bundle for Nintendo’s Wii that includes the game, two wireless guitar controllers and a tour book. The ultimate rock experience, whether cooperatively or head-to-head, can be had right out of the box on June 29 for $149.99.

“The marriage of Nintendo Wii and Guitar Hero makes a lot of sense for the Target guest,” said Steve Eastman, Vice President, Target. “The music of Aerosmith bridges generations, just as the Wii has done. Everyone in the family can share that experience with this bundle.”

Franchitti will be making his debut in the Sprint Cup Series at New Hampshire in the fading yellow to red Target/Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Dodge. The 2007 IndyCar champion has eight starts this season in his rookie campaign in the Cup Series and currently sits 39th in the 2008 point standings.

“We’re very excited to have Guitar Hero bring together two great American traditions, rock ‘n’ roll Aerosmith style, and NASCAR racing,” said Dusty Welch, head of publishing Activision/RedOctane. “Fans at the event will get a double treat, watching their favourite drivers race and competing for a chance to face off against one of them on Guitar Hero: Aerosmith.”

The Guitar Hero consumer bus will be parked in the display area behind the main grandstands at NHMS all weekend for fans to take a sneak peak at the game and try their hands as a guitarist from Aerosmith. Franchitti and Target driver Reed Sorenson will make an appearance at the bus on Sunday to showcase their talents on the guitar before strapping into their Dodges for the 301-lap race.

“I love video games and actually have versions of Guitar Hero that I play on my bus and at home. To have Target, Activision and Aerosmith on my car for the New Hampshire race is pretty cool,” said Franchitti. “Who doesn’t love Aerosmith’s music? It’s perfect for getting ready for the side-by-side, non-stop action of NASCAR racing.”

Any fond memories of Aerosmith from my childhood are directly attributable to Run DMC’s cover of “Walk This Way”. To this day I am disappointed nearly to tears if I hear that opening riff without DMC’s vocals immediately following them. Purists be damned, this is one of those rare songs that rap actually made better.

Slurpee® Rocks the Store with Guitar Hero May Promotion Aimed at Music-, Game-Savvy Consumers

DALLAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—To promote its new Full Throttle Frozen Blast Slurpee® drink this May, 7-Eleven, Inc. has partnered with Coca-Cola, Activision, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. in a marketing and public relations blitz designed to reach music-loving, videogame-playing, techno-savvy, 18- to 34-year-old males.

Online and radio contests, grassroots events and travelling street teams will call attention to 7-Eleven’s promotion of Activision’s highly anticipated Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. The Guitar Hero videogame franchise has sold more than 14 million games worldwide since its introduction in 2005.

In an online contest at www.slurpee.com, visitors can enter codes found on specially marked 22-ounce Guitar Hero-branded Slurpee cups for a chance to win a copy of the new Guitar Hero: Aerosmith videogame, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, or Microsoft Points to purchase content from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace. One copy of the new Guitar Hero: Aerosmith game will be awarded every hour throughout the month of May, for a total of 744 games. In addition, 10 lucky winners each will receive a prize package that includes an Xbox 360 console along with a copy of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. Finally, more than 711,000 Microsoft Points will be awarded.

“The sweet spot of the core Slurpee customer is between 18 and 24 years old,” said Jay Wilkins, brand manager for Slurpee and Big Gulp® beverages. “Our goal is to keep Slurpee as cool today as it was to teens and young adults in the 1960s when it was first introduced.”

Today, that means partnering with hit movies, videogames, popular music and extreme sports … and reaching out to teens and young adults where they are – online and on the street. To that end, 7-Eleven has planned some non-traditional approaches to this month’s promotion in addition to unconventional advertising:

Getting Ripped – Giant tear-off pads of posters featuring art from Guitar Hero and Full Throttle Frozen Blast Slurpee will be posted at 484 outdoor locations near schools, transit stations, theatres, skate parks, beaches, etc., in eight major metropolitan areas.1 (See below for participating markets.)
Mobile Screens – Media vans, each with a 6- by 12-foot video screen, will visit select 7-Eleven stores where visitors can play a version of Guitar Hero live.
Pickin’ Slurpee – More than 10,000 custom guitar picks printed with Full Throttle Frozen Blast on one side and the slurpee.com website address on the other will be distributed at special events.
Hot off the Press – College students still read newspapers – their own. Full-colour ads including Slurpee coupons will run in 21 college and university newspapers in 7-Eleven major markets.2 (See below for participating markets.)
Slurpee Nation – A revamped Slurpee website is the hub of all the activities, including featured contests, Slurpee trivia games and the 4-1-1 on upcoming special events.
“Every month this summer – every week even – something new will be buzzing around Slurpee,” Wilkins said. “Stay tuned. Slurpee is ready to rock!”