SANTA MONICA, Calif., Apr 17, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) - Rock heavyweights Def Leppard have partnered with Activision Inc.'s (Nasdaq:ATVI) Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock on an epic three-song track pack that will give fans an exclusive opportunity to sample the band's #1 new radio single, "Nine Lives," five days before their upcoming studio album Songs from the Sparkle Lounge releases on April, 29, 2008. The single is the result of Def Leppard's groundbreaking collaboration with country music legend Tim McGraw, and will be featured on their highly anticipated upcoming record Songs from the Sparkle Lounge, the band's first new studio release since 2006's YEAH, which begins yet another remarkable new chapter in the band's 30-year recording career.
The track pack also features live versions of "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages," two of Def Leppard's most beloved chart-toppers from their multi-platinum Pyromania album.
"Being involved with Guitar Hero is very exciting for us and adds a whole new layer of appreciation," says Joe Elliott, lead singer, Def Leppard. "I know from personal experience how much more you get into the music by playing the game - which is why we were keen to explore this opportunity. Guitar Hero is extremely popular with all kinds of music heads, which includes a lot of our fans, and we think releasing 'Nine Lives' this way first is just fantastic!"
"We are extremely thrilled to be partnering with Def Leppard, who are true rock icons," said Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for RedOctane. "The band's participation in offering 'Nine Lives' to fans exclusively via Guitar Hero III downloadable content before their album hits store shelves, before the single is available for purchase on iTunes, demonstrates the level of commitment these legendary artists are making to Guitar Hero and how the franchise is transforming the music landscape."
The track pack will be available for Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and in the PLAYSTATION®Store for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system on April 24, 2008.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now available and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.