Fender to Feature Their Instruments in Rock Band

Harmonix, MTV and Electronic Arts announced today that Fender Musical Instruments Corporation will have their instruments featured in the upcoming videogame Rock Band.

In the agreement, Fender has allowed the Rock Band game controller peripheral to be modeled after the Fender Stratocaster, one of the most iconic electric guitar models in the world. In addition, Fender guitars, basses and amps will also be featured in the game.

Bill Mendello, CEO of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, said, "Our friends at Harmonix have done an amazng job of capturing the power and style of legendary Fender products within the virtual gaming experience and delivering it all in the spirit of rock 'n' roll."

Also announced today was an agreement with Roland Corporation, an innovator in electronic instruments, and BOSS, a company recognized for its line of guitar effects pedals, to raise the level of Rock Band's authenticity. These companies will have their brands featured in Rock Band in-game and via co-marketing.

Dennis Houlihan, President and CEO of Roland Corporation, U.S., said, "Part of Roland's mission is to bring people closer to the music they love. Rock Band certainly fulfills that goal by bringing a deeply interactive music experience to the world, and having Roland featured in the game is a great honor."

BOSS U.S. President Paul Youngblood added, "We've worked with Fender on many projects in the past and we're honored to be sharing this experience with them."

Rock Band is slated for release on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in holiday 2007.