The Beatles Inspire New Music Video Game; Apple Corps Ltd., MTV and Harmonix
Come Together for Unprecedented Deal
NEW YORK, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
Exclusive Agreement Set to Bring The Beatles Music to Fans for the First Time
in Interactive Form Here, There and Everywhere in 2009
The Beatles' extraordinary music and phenomenal legacy is set to rock
across the universe in the form of a video game through an exclusive
partnership between Apple Corps Ltd., Harmonix and MTV Games, a part of
Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).
This partnership 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. Published by MTV Games and
developed by Harmonix, the world's premier music video game company and
creators of the best-selling Rock Band(R), the game will be an unprecedented,
experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of
The Beatles. 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."
"It's cool. I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the
young generation for many decades," said Yoko Ono Lennon.
"People are having so much fun playing Rock Band. Combined with The
Beatles tracks, it is a great way to either listen or participate," said Olivia
Harrison. "If you like the music, it doesn't take much persuasion to get you
to play."
"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."
"Many of us have been part of a generation that has long enjoyed an
enduring love affair with The Beatles and now we're looking to extend that love
affair for future generations to enjoy," said Van Toffler. "Our inspiration
for this project comes from a keen sense of history and a place of utmost
reverence and respect for the band, their music and their heritage."
"The impact of The Beatles is forever ingrained in the hearts, minds and
souls of millions the world over," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO of MTV
Networks. "The Beatles are the reason many of us are WHERE we are, and some of
us are WHO we are."
"We are honored to be part of this new way for people to discover the
timeless music and art of The Beatles -- the most creatively and commercially
successful, critically acclaimed, and influential band in the history of
popular music," stated Paul DeGooyer, MTV's Senior Vice President of Electronic
Games & Music.
"By presenting their music and artistry through the creative filter of a
groundbreaking video game, we are giving legions of fans and music lovers all
over the world a profound, new way to experience The Beatles," said Alex
Rigopulos, CEO and Co-Founder, Harmonix. "This game will be a celebration of
the Beatles undeniable legacy."
A replay of today's Apple Corps and MTV announcement will be available
beginning at 1:30pm ET through Tuesday, November 4. To access the replay, dial
1-888-203-1112 (U.S.) or 719-457-0820 (International) and enter the passcode
7847158.
A satellite feed with art and video assets will be offered today from
12:00pm - 12:30pm ET.
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About Apple Corps Ltd.
Apple Corps Ltd. was founded by The Beatles in 1968 to look after the
group's own affairs. The London-based company has administered the catalogue of
The Beatles releases of the 1960s that have sold to date more than 600 million
records, tapes and CDs. Since the 1990s Apple has piloted new Beatles projects
that have become benchmarks for pioneering accomplishment and which have
included The Beatles Anthology projects, the 28 million-selling album The
Beatles 1 and the The Beatles LOVE show and CD. Further information on The
About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the
world's leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and
connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual
worlds and consumer products. The company's portfolio spans more than 150
television channels and 350 digital media properties worldwide, and includes
MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Noggin, The N,
AddictingGames, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Atom, GameTrailers
and Xfire.
About MTV Games
MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality,
innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and
complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.
About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995,
is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix
was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent
new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making
music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more
(c) 2008 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harmonix, Rock
Band, Rock Band 2 and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix
Music Systems, Inc., an MTV Networks company. Rock Band and Rock Band 2
developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. MTV: Music Television, MTV Games and
all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of
Viacom International Inc All other marks are the property of their respective
owners.
SOURCE: MTV
CONTACT: For MTV Games / Harmonix - U.S. Media:
Jeff Castaneda,
+1-212-846-6774,
jeff.castaneda@mtvstaff.com, or
Mariana Agathoklis,
+1-212-846-5755,
mariana.agathoklis@mtvstaff.com;
For Apple Corps Ltd. - U.S. Media: Shore Fire Media:
Matt Hanks,
+1-718-522-7171,
mhanks@shorefire.com, or
Brendan Gilmartin,
+1-718-522-7171,
bgilmartin@shorefire.com;
For Apple Corps Ltd. - UK / International Media: MBC PR -
Moira Bellas,
+44-(0)207-483-9213,
moira@mbcpr.com, or
Barbara Charone,
+44-(0)207-483-9268,
bc@mbcpr.com
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