LONDON, 16 June 2008 - Today Microsoft launches a new Facebook application – myRockBand - to support the ‘Xbox 360 presents Rock Band Live’ campaign. The summer long series of promotional events in the U.K., France and Germany celebrates the exclusive availability of the videogame Rock Band on the Xbox 360 console.

The myRockBand application, developed by digitaloutlook, mirrors those aspects of the videogame that make Rock Band such fun. Rock Band on Xbox 360 brings friends and family together and challenges players to tour for fame and fortune by mastering lead guitar, bass, drums and vocals. On downloading the application, Facebook members create their ultimate band choosing the name, their position and, from the friends list, band mates. Their friends can interact with the application and, just like a bonafide band, fans can action ‘scream “you rock”’, ‘fling your knickers’, ‘show them rock horns’ and ‘crowd surf.‘ The critics amongst them can ‘boo the band’ or ‘put your fingers in your ears.’

Wannabe band members can also audition to join the band, challenging any band member for their position. This action launches a flash game that sets off a sequence of notes that have to be memorised and replicated by the player. If their score is higher than the original band member they will assume pride of place in the band. Every action is reported in the newsfeed of the community’s home page.

“Want to immortalise your rocker moment? Then join myRockBand on Facebook to share in our real-world Xbox 360 Presents Rock Band Live events and loads of music stuff! It’s your Rock Band destination to share, explore and invite your girlfriend or mates – it’s just like the videogame but even better,” explains Stephen McGill, Head of Gaming & Entertainment, Entertainment & Devices Division, UK.

Xbox 360 Presents Rock Band events will be held in a number of different locations in the UK, France and Germany. Fans will have the opportunity to perform songs from a variety of artists including David Bowie, The Clash, Jet, Garbage and Radiohead. Performances will be filmed with the best being loaded onto Xbox.com/rockband. Winners will be chosen by MTV and celebrity judges Maximo Park and will be treated to a week-long VIP trip to Ibiza.

Direct link to application: http://apps.facebook.com/rockbanduk/