The developer of the blockbuster Guitar Hero franchise, Harmonix, MTV: Music Television and Electronic Arts, have just announced that Fender Musical Instruments Corporation will have their instruments exclusively featured in the upcoming music video game Rock Band. In addition, Roland Corporation and BOSS have agreed to have their brands featured within Rock Band.

Harmonix and MTV have secured an agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, (only the most respected manufacturer of electric guitars and amplifiers in the world) that will allow the Rock Band game controller peripheral to be modeled after the legendary Fender Stratocaster, one of the most enduring and iconic models of electric guitar in the world. Also, Fender guitars, basses and amps will be exclusively featured in the game.

Bill Mendello, CEO of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation stated: "Fender is pleased to be part of Rock Band and the exciting opportunity it offers passionate music fans and gamers. Our friends at Harmonix have done an amazing 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."

So, whether you want to play solo or recruit bandmates, jam side-by-side or virtually online, playing music from the greatest rock artists of all time, Rock Band is the game for you. Electronic Arts will serve as the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in US, Europe and Australia.

Recently confirmed for Harmonix's Guitar Hero III, Queens of the Stone Age will be featuring in Rock Band as well. The game will be released during this year's holiday season, for Sony's PS3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360.