
Following the success of two weeks of the Beatles‘ music on American Idol, the Fab Four’s catalog may be branching out again: Reps for the band are reportedly talking to both Activision and MTV Games about possibly releasing a Guitar Hero or Rock Band based around Beatles’ tunes. According to a source close to the negotiations, the final deal could be worth millions, but first must get the approval of both Apple Corps. and EMI. Apple Corps’ tight grip on the Beatles catalog has loosened since Jeff Jones became the company’s chief executive, as evidenced by the band’s music appearing in American Idol, Cirque du Soleil Love show and the film Across the Universe. “To my view, it’s only a matter of time before we see Beatles songs that are the original recordings in motion pictures, in television work, and yes, maybe even one day in a commercial,” said Sony/ATV chief executive Martin Bandier, who holds more than 200 Beatles copyrights. Whichever video game company wins the battle to release a Beatles-themed game, a source says a deal “could be reached in a matter of weeks.”
The Beatles Reportedly Heading to “Guitar Hero” or “Rock Band”
6/23/08, 9:15 am EST
Comments
RHCPFAN | 10/29/2008, 10:13 pm EST
So What If Kids Only Like Music after hearing it off of gh or rb? At least they are listening to instead of that Rap Shit That Is on the radio! I Hope This Allows Kids To enjoy and appreciate this great music!
Ddog | 7/14/2008, 3:46 pm EST
@Ray:
Yes, and everybody stop playing those stupid tennis video games and pick up a real tennis racket. Also, no more racing sports car video games. Everyone please get a real sports car. In fact, let’s do away with all “games”. It’s reality or nothing!
Nate | 6/25/2008, 1:55 pm EST
I think everyone who is so concerned with the “integrity” of The Beatles is hilarious. John Lennon admitted in an interview that when he and Paul would write a song, they would typically use the money they would receive as motivation, as in “Let’s write ourselves a swimming pool today.” John Lennon was a political activist, but he was also a very astute businessman, who is to say that he would not love this game and want his music to be a part of it? When The Beatles came out, the 14 year old teeny boppers were there target demographic! How does time change that?
amy | 6/25/2008, 1:06 pm EST
okay, i think it is an amazing idea. if they want to get the beatles more out there i am all for it. + stop with the whole “pick up a real instrument” deal. some people arent coordinated enough. so shut your fat blubbered up faces. i am a HUGE fan of the beatles, and i STRONGLY disagree with Anonymous. because, evidently, that fag doesnt know what he is talking about. how would it kill the beatles to get more of their music out there? + to get more people involved with them? HMM?! well if you dont know, then shut up. because no one really wants to hear your opinion if you cant stand behind it. american idol did not “KILL” the beatles. people singing their songs. it was good that they did that. because i love the beatles. i sing their songs all the time. so GET OVER IT!
Anonymous | 6/25/2008, 2:20 am EST
HELL NO!
was the thought when I first seen this.I have all of The Beatles albums on my computer before american idol,rock band,guitar hero.It would screw The Beatles so much that i will rebel and sell my guitar hero if that happens.John Lennon is rolling in his grave-right now by that idea.
I have respect for The Beatles and John Lennon. American Idol killed The Beatles songs everyone who is a beatles fan must know that.
Ray | 6/24/2008, 10:46 pm EST
Seems to be a lot of fuss over a silly game. Grow up and learn to play a guitar…you know, the kind with real strings, played by real people. Damn, I am so glad I came from the sixties generation, when music was real and so were the musicians.
noooooooo! | 6/24/2008, 4:46 pm EST
typical gamer: who are the beatles?
noooooooo! | 6/24/2008, 4:45 pm EST
typical gamer: who are the beatles?
the real Dave D | 6/24/2008, 4:38 pm EST
i swear to god, if i hear or see one more person say something about picking up a real instrument instead of rock band or whatever, i will find them and shit on their lawn…i play rock band religiously and never knew how to play guitar or had an interest to until i played rock band/guitar hero…they alone allow me to be able to pick apart songs when i hear them on the radio and now make me want to pick up a real guitar(which i did)…why are people hated for playing a game when thats what they want to do? its fun, simple, and there’s good music…do you need to shit on some1 because they dont want to play real guitar and just want to play a video game in their free time? if you feel that way then i, in return, shall shit on ur lawn
Me | 6/24/2008, 3:04 pm EST
seriously to everybody saying pick up a real instrument please shut the **** up.
Bangers-N-Mash | 6/24/2008, 1:50 pm EST
The only way I won’t care about the commercials… is if:
1. “Fixing a Hole” is used to ‘plug’ tamptons (heh)
2. “Back in the U.S.S.R.” is used in a commerrcial to promote a brand of Vodka.
3. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” is used in a commercial for California tourism… focusing on a certain new law that was passed.
p.s. the only “rock band” game I’d approve f invovling Beatles tunes, is one where the players play REAL fucking instruments… the same way that Beatles songs inspired me to pick up a guitar and learn.. not a game controller with buttons
dudeman | 6/24/2008, 1:40 pm EST
I would much rather listen to the entire White Album instead of “Through the Fire and Flames” or “Beast and the Harlot”, but these songs bring a challenge that gives the game replay value. I don’t see that happening with the Beatle’s catalog.
jesse dillon | 6/24/2008, 11:23 am EST
I hope that it doesn’t end up bieng like what michael jackson did to the beatles through nike and stuff
Renglish | 6/23/2008, 11:34 pm EST
Does anybody really think this is a great idea? The Beatles made great music but it’s not exactly anything challenging for either game.
Mason | 6/23/2008, 11:25 pm EST
I think that the rights should go to Rock Band because it focuses more on the entire band then just the guitarist.
Ted assatly | 6/23/2008, 10:58 pm EST
the beatles would be a good section but not a whole game based only on their music. its just a waste
Prance | 6/23/2008, 10:01 pm EST
geez like movies, and tv and stuff like that, but like commercials come on if John lennon was still alive things would be different. Music is not a tool for corporate advertising, like they have enough money to get some people to make there own music rather than stealing someone elses so that people will buy their crap
Sammy V | 6/23/2008, 7:25 pm EST
Look. I’m all for spreading great music around, particularly if it’s the Beatles. Of course, we’ve also had “Across the Universe”, “LOVE”, and the American Idol thing. Now, all the girls in my school say they absolutely LOVE the Beatles, but they’ve never heard any of their other songs, hell songs actually recorded BY them. If they were to be put on Guitar Hero or Guitar Hero, we’d have idiot 15-year olds parading around saying “I LOVE THE BEATLES!” when they’ve only heard one or two songs from them.
This has ruined Boston, Kansas, KISS, Aerosmith, and other classic artists for me. And I can assure you, as only a 14 year old, that if you put the Beatles in a fucking video game, their reputation will be tarnished.
I just don’t want a band like the Beatles to get the wrong sort of respect is all.
zep22 | 6/23/2008, 7:10 pm EST
uhm, well–you could always learn to play the REAL guitar. then you could attempt to play “yesterday” like a real person. computers, technology and the beatles on guitar hero? this world is going to shit. that would be like robert plant touring will fall out boy. disappointing.
bobob | 6/23/2008, 5:41 pm EST
Finally. Who cares about preserving the integrity of the songs? We all know em.
Srch | 6/23/2008, 5:32 pm EST
still love tha beatles!!!
it would be great to play those legendary songs!!
Brett | 6/23/2008, 5:00 pm EST
What does Guitar Hero have to do with corporate tyranny?
Tyler | 6/23/2008, 3:30 pm EST
i think The Beatles would be great along with Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd
the end | 6/23/2008, 2:50 pm EST
consitering the beatles stood for rebelion against corprate tryrany and oppresion of freedom and talent…bit of an oxymorron..
Costigan | 6/23/2008, 2:10 pm EST
The beatles? that would be awesome! I might actually play guitar hero if I can totally own at Yesterday…no kidding “Murdoc” =P
They Call Me...Murdoc | 6/23/2008, 2:03 pm EST
FINALLY I CAN SHRED TO YESTERDAY! YUSSS!
Skid Markie | 6/23/2008, 12:56 pm EST
Guitar Hero: The Monkees?
Dave D | 6/23/2008, 11:20 am EST
I might have to go out and buy me some guitar hero if I can get down to some helter skelter.

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