THE VIRTUAL BEATLES

Ian Peel speaks to Giles Martin on the launch of The Beatles: Rock Band

Alongside the launch of The Beatles’ newly remastered back catalogue comes a whole new techno take on the band: The Beatles: Rock Band. To you and I, it’s a computer game. A high-tech karaoke for nights in with friends, plenty of drinks, and an Xbox 360. To others, like Apple Records, it’s a hyperbolic new take on the Fab Four as they ride, virtually speaking, into the 21st century. “An unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles,” as they describe it.

The game itself is available on the aforementioned Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii. But what exactly does it do? For those that haven’t played Rock Band before, it equips you with a set of electronic, replica instruments (in this case, a drum kit with classic Beatles bass drum skin, a McCartney-esque Hofner violin bass, and so on). You’re then bombarded with riffs as songs play back musically and visually, and it’s your job to keep up. There’s bonus points if you and your virtual band-mates can all play together in time. RC spoke to Giles Martin (below, left) at Abbey Road about his involvement in the project...

What was your role in the game?

I was the creative producer - I oversaw all the remixing of the …

by Ian Peel
<< Back to Issue 368

You must be a subscriber to view the full article, subscribe now for full access to all online content.

Already a Magazine Subscriber? Register now for online access.

You might also like:

Login Here

Free Newsletter


Subscribe to
our email newsletter by emailing:

anna.bowen@
metropolis.co.uk