AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack on Nov. 2 at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club [update]

by Justin McElroy { Sep 30th 2008 at 8:40AM }

Update 2: The "Track Pack" has been confirmed by Harmonix and MTV Games and will be available exclusively at Walmart and Sam's Club beginning in November*. The AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack will be available in the U.S. on Nov. 2nd for Xbox 360, PS3 and PS2 and on Nov. 16th for Wii. The disc will retail for $39.88 for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii and $29.88 for PS2.

The AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack will also be available at most major retailers in Europe, Australia and New Zealand in early December. All tracks from the disc will be available for play in Rock Band and Rock Band 2 by entering a special export authentication code for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions.

*AC/DC's forthcoming album, Black Ice, will be available exclusively at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club on Oct. 20th for $11.88, as well as on the band's website.

(Full track listing and original post after the break!)

Master recordings from various live performances (remixed by Mike Fraser; 99 mins.):

"Thunderstruck"
"Shoot to Thrill"
"Back in Black"
"Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be"
"Heatseeker"
"Fire Your Guns"
"Jailbreak"
"The Jack"
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"
"Moneytalks"
"Hells Bells"
"High Voltage"
"Whole Lotta Rosie"
"You Shook Me All Night Long"
"T.N.T."
"Let There Be Rock"
"Highway To Hell"
"For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)"

Original: The New York Times is reporting that MTV has signed a deal with AC/DC to add an expansion pack with 18 of the band's songs exclusively to Wal-Mart stores in support of the group's new album "Black Ice." The disc, officially titled AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack, will be released for all the consoles and will retail for, according to the Wal-Mart site, "from $29.88." The songs are taken from the DVD "AC/DC Live at Donnington," you can find a track list after the jump.

... So, at what point during all the Rock Band fans freaking out about being able to import songs into Rock Band 2 was this confusing? No one wants a bunch of Rock Band discs lying around their house! We really thought this was an area where EA "got it" and Activision had lost the plot, but it seems we were wrong.

For now, the only ones that will be affected are AC/DC fans, and they were probably too busy rushing out to get their schoolboy outfit dry cleaned to read the second graph. But we really, really hope this isn't the start of a trend.

Update: A couple of our commenters have spotted this in the fine print: "Go Beyond the Disc! - The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions ship with a code on the back of the game manual that lets you import all of the songs into the Rock Band or Rock Band 2 game environment (Internet connection required)." Sounds great! But the 360 is listed for $39.88. Isn't that still way pricey?

[Thanks, Daniel]

Tags: acdc, acdc-live, breakingnews, rock-band, rock-band-2

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

doubleofive @ Sep 30th 2008 8:50AM

I didn't even realize that I liked so many AC/DC songs. I wouldn't mind another piece of plastic hanging around my living room if I could import all of those songs into my RB2.

JPN @ Sep 30th 2008 9:17AM

I interpreted Engadget interpreting this as saying that you'd need the disc to play the songs, but I could be wrong.

jsn @ Sep 30th 2008 9:28AM

it's clearly mentioned in the walmart link that it has a code so you can download them into the 360 or ps3 versions of the game.

T @ Sep 30th 2008 8:51AM

To the author of this article, check out the official Wal-Mart page: http://soundcheck.walmart.com/acdc/#/game

Most noteably the phrase: "also be available for play in Rock Band and Rock Band 2".

Either the content will be released simultaneously as DLC and a disc, or the disc will allow for exporting (as with RB1)

Quite frankly I wouldn't be surprised if Wal-Mart only got exclusive rights for the disc based released (to go with their exclusive rights to distribute the CD). Meanwhile the content will go out as normal to all 360/PS3 owners.

We really shouldn't be jumping down HMX's throat when hte official annoucmeent hasn't even been made yet.

If they come out and say "Disc only" and "no export" then we can light the torches.

copa @ Sep 30th 2008 9:05AM

Read that as a timed exclusive to Wal-mart. AC/DC is not going to pass up the monster revenue of having all of those singles available in the Rock Band Store.

mietha CAG @ Sep 30th 2008 9:18AM

Why not? They pass up all "the moster revenue" of I-Tunes. It probably will be disc only, but if you can export it, that will make them FAR less money than if they sold it through the XBLM. Then again, if they're dumb enough to pass up the free money of mp3 sales...

GoonieGooGoo @ Sep 30th 2008 10:11AM

iTUNES sucks

xx Beta Max xx @ Sep 30th 2008 9:07AM

Can i get an ACDC beta code?!?!

FSK405K @ Sep 30th 2008 9:12AM

So for the price of 1-and-a-half retail audio CDs, or for the price of three digital albums, I can get one album for Rock Band? ...are any of these even their greatest hits, or just new shit?

jsn @ Sep 30th 2008 9:19AM

If you don't know their catalog better than that, why even post like it matters.

Doug @ Sep 30th 2008 8:23PM

Have you ever listened to any ANY radio station EVER? Have you ever watched any action movie made in the last 20 years? I don't even like AC/DC (and I don't like them because they are so overplayed) but I know a good 80% of those songs. You can't miss them, as long as you aren't deaf. They're everywhere. However if you answered no, you are forgiven.

coolcool23 @ Sep 30th 2008 9:20AM

Do you even know who AC/DC is? By the way, compared to single prices on the Rock Band store, this is a good deal. You essentially get three of the songs for free.

DBoyFlex @ Sep 30th 2008 9:27AM

AC/DC Live is a classic album. It has been out for a long time and is basically a greatest hits, but live. I remember listening to it 10 years ago in high school. If you like ACDC it is a great chunk of songs, but seems kinda pricey cause I like them, but not 30 bucks worth. I would buy maybe like 6 songs on it, and save some cash, assuming we can download them later.

FSK405K @ Sep 30th 2008 2:59PM

Wow, I get comment-bombed for ASKING whether these are good songs. What a way to educate people, people. 'This guy doesn't know every famous band's catalog backwards-and-forwards! He must be stoned to death!'

doug @ Sep 30th 2008 9:26PM

Correction. You didn't ask if they were good songs, you asked if they were their greatest hits. On the internet, where all you have are words, you should chose your words carefully. You asked a question and we responded.

Now, if they're good songs or not is a different question. I'd say no, but that's just my opinion. But they are hits in the fact that they made millions of dollars and are world-famous.

coolcool23 @ Sep 30th 2008 9:18AM

Don't worry, most likely this will be just like the OXM bonus disk. It allowed you to import the songs onto your 360 immediately. Why joystiq is assuming that this is a "separate game" or something is sort of weird. Personally I think it's a great way to partner up with businesses. Even if it is...Walmart *shudder*

mewoks @ Sep 30th 2008 9:19AM

Hopefully that isn't the boxart.

baby sea tuna @ Sep 30th 2008 10:04AM

Ugly, sweaty, topless Englishmen not your cuppa tea, eh?

Haggard (steam: haggard_dawn, PSN: HaggyWaggy) @ Sep 30th 2008 10:51AM

Scottish or Australian depending on which way you look at it.

RavenPaul @ Sep 30th 2008 9:19AM

I would buy a few individual tracks. Not $30 for a disc though.

Mr Khan @ Sep 30th 2008 9:21AM

Disc releases make sense, though they could net more individual sales putting it up on the store, the disc releases can reach those parts of the market that either lack an adequate internet connection or don't have the storage to host the songs

Rock Band wants to compete with Guitar Hero, and they'll need to start appealing in the same way that Guitar Hero is, though they've cornered the savvy DLC-consuming market

doubleofive @ Sep 30th 2008 9:22AM

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2432480

It's a standalone game AND DLC. Awesome.

The following content was provided by the publisher.

AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack is a fully-featured, standalone extension to the multi-million unit selling, genredefining, cultural phenomenons Rock Band and Rock Band 2, the ultimate social music game experiences. AC/DC Live lets you and your friends relive AC/DC's epic 1991 live performance at Donington, UK, through the eyes of Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams, and Chris Slade.

AC/DC COMES EXCLUSIVELY TO ROCK BAND!
Harmonix, developers of the blockbuster Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises, are delivering AC/DC LIVE, a continuation of the Rock Band platform that lets audiences of all ages interact with music in an all-new way - collaboratively, competitively, or in single-player - to experience the majestic power of AC/DC. Features Include :

* Play your favorite hard-rockin' classics, or jump right in and conquer the entire 18-song set! - All of your favorite modes return - solo and band tours, tug-of-war, score duel, and even practice mode.
* Rock Band's trademark guitar, bass, drums, and vocals put you right onstage where the action is! - You can use your Rock Band or Rock Band 2 peripherals to create the ultimate music game experience - you can tap out guitar solos with the 2nd set of frets at the top of your guitar neck, freeform drum fill your way through drumming sections, or use freestyle vocals to express yourself while belting out AC/DC classics.
* Go Beyond the Disc! - The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions ship with a code on the back of the game manual that lets you import all of the songs into the Rock Band or Rock Band 2 game environment (Internet connection required).

coolcool23 @ Sep 30th 2008 9:30AM

See, that makes sense. Of course for the Wii/PS2 it will be a separate game just like the track packs, and the disk comes with a code for online enabled systems to make the transfer. The world is in balance now.

Nate @ Sep 30th 2008 10:39AM

Where does that say it will be DLC? You just get the code included to import the songs, but you still have to buy the disk. This is just retarded. HMX already has the ability to do full albums as DLC. For this one, you have to buy a physical disk, and oh by the way, you're screwed if you maybe just wanted to get only 5 or so songs. It's all or nothing.

Kizzle @ Sep 30th 2008 9:28AM

Only thing that sucks is they are live versions. I know this is actually a pretty good live album in terms of sound & performance quality, but it still doesn't measure up to the studio versions...this is especially upsetting in regards to the older (pre-Brian Johnson) songs.

baby sea tuna @ Sep 30th 2008 9:34AM

It's a copyright thing. You may notice rhythm games doing it more and more nowadays, when they can't get access to/afford the original masters.

Hey, at least it beats crappy cover versions, right?

jsn @ Sep 30th 2008 9:39AM

I don't even think it's a matter of not being able to afford masters, especially in this case. AC/DC does not do greatest hits, compilations or singles yet, period. If they couldn't get complete masters from any specific album that they wanted, this is the best way to get their best songs and still do it the way the band wants it done.

There are only really two albums in their entire catalog that, to me, are worth a full album treatment. So this really is the best route to take. Though I'd much prefer Bon on his songs, but hey, gotta do what you gotta do. It Won't be any less fun!

PhoenixAvatar @ Sep 30th 2008 9:28AM

Joystiq fail. I thought they were smarter than this. Kotaku had the story up 8 hours before them and had the track import facts right.

jsn @ Sep 30th 2008 9:34AM

c'mon, it's not like joystiq is a reputable news outlet. I love the site but they never pass on an opportunity to create unrest among game fans by conveniently leaving out details that couldn't have been missed if they had only read the source article.

baby sea tuna @ Sep 30th 2008 9:35AM

Obligatory "Fuck Walmart" comment.

Anotherbobhead @ Sep 30th 2008 9:37AM

I'm all over this if I can play Back In Black, Thunderstruck, or Highway to Hell

GazzaScotland @ Sep 30th 2008 9:55AM

Hopefully we see this over in Asda over here in the UK. Since Donington is the home of Rock/Metal in the UK.

ToRo @ Sep 30th 2008 10:20AM

Can someone answer me this please , will the tracks be available in the music store? Individually?

jeff @ Sep 30th 2008 10:23AM

why is the chili peppers album 1600 points but this is double. Its the same number of songs almost.

Jeremy @ Sep 30th 2008 1:58PM

Give it away, Give it away, Give it away now...

Deezul @ Sep 30th 2008 10:43AM

What if I don't WANT all those tracks, and I'm only interested in 4 or 5?

wes @ Sep 30th 2008 2:19PM

Ac/Dc does'nt do singles...Its either all or nothing,Although I have a hunch you'll be able to delete certain songs once you import the disk...On the 360 anyway...Cant do it on Ps3.

Lloyd @ Sep 30th 2008 10:51AM

i love ac/dc but 40 bucks for that? i think not. gouging on the rush album was enough for me to not pick it up and just get the few songs i really want.

i hope they offer it up as DLC at some point, because thunderstruck is one of the greatest guitar rock songs of all time with that intro.

T @ Sep 30th 2008 11:20AM

How did they gouge on Rush? Wasn't it the same price per song (or thereabouts) as all the other albums?

ScottG13 @ Sep 30th 2008 10:54AM

I'm fine with retail track packs. As long as its importable into Rock Band 1/2, Harmonix is living up to the "platform" promise.

brad77 @ Sep 30th 2008 10:56AM

That was a most interesting comment. Perhaps the most interesting in the world.

Perhaps.

brad77 @ Sep 30th 2008 10:55AM

We'll see about availability. According to my local Walmart, Rock Band 2 isn't even out yet.

DCBlack @ Sep 30th 2008 12:08PM

Your local Walmart would be right, if they're referring to any console other than the 360...

brad77 @ Sep 30th 2008 3:19PM

That's correct, and I'm sure that fact contributed to their confusion, but that isn't what I asked for.

dark_inchworm @ Sep 30th 2008 10:56AM

If you're doing well, does it play the crowd cheering included in the actual live recording, or omit it if you're playing poorly? That'd be pretty fucking clever.

(while I am a fan of AC/DC, I'll admit that I've never heard this disc, so forgive me if there just so happens to be no cheering at all)

J.Goodwin @ Sep 30th 2008 12:34PM

Play the live tracks from the "The Who" DLC, that should give you a pretty good idea what to expect.

Alzheimers @ Sep 30th 2008 11:15AM

Could they make this ANY more confusing?

Mo @ Sep 30th 2008 11:33AM

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but did I just read that you get 18 tracks for $39.88? That's a bigger rip off than Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. Although AC/DC's songs are way better, they're not $2.22 per song better. Of course, putting in those terms I realize that this averages about 178 MS Points per song, which is only slightly higher than the standard 160 MS Points for DLC. Nevermind. I just talked myself out of this comment.

Hafk @ Sep 30th 2008 6:03PM

Yeah, but when you buy Around 18 songs in a pack, it is usually at higher value.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers album, is $32 if bought individually, but $20 if bought in a pack

Where as ACDC Live is $40 if BOUGHT IN A PACK. Just imagine if we were to get these outside of a pack. I am guessing $2.50-$3.00 a song out of pack, if we even get the choice.

Horrible, horrible pricing.

RBACDC: $2.22 a song
GHA: $1.40 a song

And couple this with the fact you have to buy it at whore-mart only, and this became a no-buy.