Billy Joel 12-Pack Coming to Rock Band 3!
Looks like one of the first artists lusted after shortly after the reality of a keyboard in Rock Band 3 was announced may soon be coming to Rock Band as DLC. According to a just published USA Today story on Billy Joel, this happened:
One more new project has Joel venturing into virtual competition. A dozen of his hits will be downloadable for the video game Rock Band 3, out Tuesday. “I’ve never allowed my music to be used in a game before,” but an Entertainment Weekly review of NBC’s The Office changed his mind.
Alluding to an episode in which characters mention a Rock Band featuring Billy Joel, “the critic wrote something like, ‘God forbid that ever should happen.’ So I called my people and said, ‘Get me (on) that Rock Band game.’ Then I wrote the critic, saying that every time I get a check, I’ll give him a little nod.”
While the wording above is somewhat awkward, I don’t believe a 12-pack would ALSO be out next week, but rather I wouldn’t be surprised to see it coinciding with a new greatest hits compilation coming out on November 9th.
And yes, I would personally like to take credit for helping to get Billy Joel in to Rock Band based on my enthusiasm and excellent commentary here! (Laugh it up, fuzzballs.)
UPDATE: Harmonix has now officially confirmed Billy Joel coming EXCLUSIVELY to Rock Band on December 14th, along with some of the songs that will be featured in the DLC pack below:
- Big Shot
- Captain Jack
- It’s Still Rock N Roll to Me
- Movin’ Out
- Only The Good Die Young
- Piano Man
- Pressure
- Say Goodbye to Hollywood
- The Entertainer
- The Stranger
NOTE: There “should” be 12 songs coming to Rock Band per Harmonix, although the press release only listed the 10 above. Will update once I find out the final two.
[USAToday via Alex, Thanks!]
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Awesome, I hope it has ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’.
Fuck. Yes.
Riggy Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Fuck. Yes. +1
I’d say it will come Nov 2nd, between two other awesome greatest hits from The Doors and Bon Jovi, So excited that BIlly Joel is finally in Rock Band!!!
Rab Reply:
October 19th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
You’re mistaken. The Doors and Billy Joel have probably 30-40 greatest hits. Only Bon Jovi has two. (Prayer, Wanted…and Blaze of Glory is actually a solo song).
Of course, I kid. Sort of. It’s bad enough they were nominated for the R and R Hall of Fame, when most respected music critics consider them on Nickelback’s level.
I’m conflicted. This probably won’t be too exciting on drums or guitar, but will be perfect for pro keys. I’ll probably end up getting it.
RockBandAide Reply:
October 19th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
And harmonies, too!
That story is badass. Billy Joel is badass. Greatest “Fuck you,” to a music game hater ever.
It helps that his music is awesome too.
Polite Reply:
October 19th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
I don’t think i’ve ever heard anyone describe Billy Joel as badass before.
Croq Reply:
October 19th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Billy Joel = badass
If there is any justice in this world, three of the twelve songs included will be Sometimes A Fantasy, You May Be Right, and All For Leyna.
Wow! The good stuff just keeps on comin’.
wow, Harmonix has really been preparing for RB3
The Doors, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel. Whats next? :O
Xzyliac Reply:
October 19th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Beck. Specifically Where It’s At. Because it should’ve been on-disc.
Ozone Reply:
October 19th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Only if they allow support for the DJ Hero turntable. The song requires two turntables and a microphone.
LoopyChew Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 7:37 am
It’d make great DLC, because the Pro Guitar chart would be kinda meh and not necessarily doable (since most of it is noise). I do agree that thanks to the keyboard it’s a necessity, though.
Miles Rose Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 1:01 am
I’m hoping for some Genesis
gladiatory2k Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 1:17 am
I am actually thinking Fleetwood mac is in our future….now they can chart all the instruments. I’d be fine with a full album download of Rumors.
Miles Rose Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 4:27 am
I’ve always wanted The Dance album’s version of Tusk for drums
Sorixas Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
I want the full album of The Dance. That would be awesome.
Malacandra Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 2:27 am
Genesis would be wonderful. I’d prefer a chunk of Gabriel-era, but my guess is that the more popular stuff would be the later stadium rock era.
Miles Rose Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 4:29 am
I love both but I prefer the Collins-era. It would make my month to see Jesus, He Knows Me.
The Sound Defense Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Original “Land of Confusion” anyone?
Also we need “Mama”.
Dorkmaster Flek Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 6:07 am
Yes. Because they’re on-disc already, and more Yes from the Anderson/Bruford/Wakeman/Howe/Squire era would be freaking incredible.
Taker Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
This. Very much this.
Game!Ov3r Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 8:06 am
I see a big pile of Beach Boys tunes coming in the near future… I can feel it.
Andre Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 8:23 am
I’m getting good vibrations too.
That second paragraph makes an already cool Billy Joel a million times cooler!!!
I am going to need a second job at this rate!
Very very VERY glad for this!!
So, the odds of Rush coming in the week after is practically 100% now isn’t it?
grace.pressure Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 2:38 am
drew Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
how ’bout a twelve pack of rush!!
Lotr rocks 0 Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
How about a 21-twelve pack?
This would be so amazing if it happened.
I literally put my arms up. And shouted “Yes!”
Nick Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 12:14 am
I literally put my arms up and said oh my god. I hope “Only the Good Die Young” is in the pack
I was about to go to bed when I was flipping through my favorited links one last time and saw this story on here. Now I’m going to be too excited thinking of the possibilities to sleep. Only the Good Die Young better be one of these tracks. Big Shot is also one of my favorites but that is regularly neglected in his greatest hits.
Now we just need some good Elton John and we’ll be set. Crocodile Rock is ok, and I’m not a huge fan of Saturday Night’s…, but I want some Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, and Bennie and the Jets. Also, Ben Folds. Keys ftw
Dan Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 3:38 am
Ben Folds. Yes.
“Piano Man” is the obvious choice. Everything after that is irrelevant.
WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE! And, you know…a bunch of other awesome songs. XD
I soo want River of Dreams!
OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD
OH MY GOD THANK YOU THERE IS A GOD! The only guy who I think I like more than godly RUSH is….Billy fucking Joel!
Lotr rocks 0 Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
You must be a very happy person then, with Rush all but confirmed to be coming soon after Billy Joel.
RockBandAide Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 7:35 am
I’m confused… How to you get to future Rush DLC based on a Billy Joel announcement?
Lotr rocks 0 Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 10:11 pm
In the IGN Poll a few weeks back, they asked the website goers which band they thought would get the 2000th song in Rock Band. There were 6 options: REM, Jimi Hendrix, Stone Temple Pilots, the Doors, Billy Joel, and Rush. For proof of this, Sayburr over on the Rock Band forums mirrored the IGN poll here: http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197369&highlight=2000th
I think you can see already where I’m going with this. The week this poll was made, REM got an 8 pack. The following week, Jimi Hendrix got the 2000th song with his Are You Experienced? album. After that, the Stone Temple Pilots got a 6 pack. Then the Doors get a 12 pack on launch day. Now we have confirmation of 12 Billy Joel songs coming in the near future. That leaves only Rush on the list of IGN bands who have all gotten substantial packs since the poll was made.
That’s where I got rush from
RockBandAide Reply:
October 22nd, 2010 at 9:59 am
Well that definitely answers THAT question! Thanks for enlightening me!
Even though Billy Joel was ANNOUNCED (his pack doesn’t come out for a few months still), I guess I’m on board with a Rush announcement soon, as well!
Also, the only required song for me is Goodnight Saigon, but…..anything Billy Joel is awesome.
We’re gonna spend more on dlc for the rest of the year than we will on bundles next week at this rate!
What`s next for december, rush, meatloaf, guns n roses……..
Brilliant work Harmonix, keep the good news comin’!
Sans Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 7:58 am
The full duet of I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” would be a must!
Nice job guys. You just sold another $80 keys peripheral and $20 worth of DLC.
They could easily do Billy Joel 01 and Billy Joel 02 12-packs, and I would instabuy both of them.
Honestly, when I saw this I let out a groan because I don’t always see eye-to-eye w/ Billy Joel when it comes to music. But upon further reflection, playing “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “Uptown Girl” and “River of Dreams” would be DAMN fun songs to play on Rock Band 3.
I agree with the other poster who says we need more Elton John as well. We do!
Now if only a Lady Gaga full album was announced
Keys and harmonies would be fun
Xzyliac Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 9:10 am
The Fame PLZ!!!
I was surprised, out of all the amazing guitar tracks in The Fame, that Harmonix picked NONE of them in the GaGa Pack. That was a fucking shame. I’m actually a little pissed about that. Coulda shut the haters up real quick.
Someone suggested “The Longest Time,” which would be AWESOME, and wouldn’t require All Instruments Mode to play.
Great reaction to this DLC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TpZXfv0onI&feature=sub
With keys now being inRB3, Supertramp would make an excellent addition to the library
HELL yes! I’m hoping for “Piano Man”, “Just The Way You Are”, and “Goodnight Saigon”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greatest_Hits_%28Billy_Joel_albums%29
Track list guesses?
Piano Man
Uptown Girl
We Didn’t Start The Fire
…are all almost definites. I’d also expect to see:
Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
You May Be Right
It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
…but outside of those, your guess is as good as mine. “Glass Houses” is one of my favorite albums, so I’d be thrilled with anything off of that, but I’m sold on this pack already.
Yes! Doors, Billy Joel, and hopefully Rush is next!
Doom-878 Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
God bless that would be great. I’ve been listening to Permanent Waves a lot lately and would love to have Entre Nous on there.
CHRIST. I almost forgot how unbelievably hot Christie Brinkley was back in 1985.
“Captain Jack” just HAS to be there…
Movin’ Out plz.
Awesomeness!
hmmm no uptown girl?? sorry but that is just FAIL
Kinetic Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
hard to choose songs for the first pack and Im betting there will be more packs and Im sure uptown girl and we didnt start the fire will be included
so no not fail just paitience….
RockBandAide Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Yup, you probably should have read what I wrote first:
NOTE: There “should” be 12 songs coming to Rock Band per Harmonix, although the press release only listed the 10 above. Will update once I find out the final two.
My guess/hope: “Uptown Girl” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire”
SneakyMacD Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Ah, you kids are thinking small time… “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is incredible, but I’d gladly take some “Tell Her About It” or “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” over “Uptown Girl” ANY day.
Antwon Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
I would LOVE “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant”. I’m not holding out that much hope that it’d be one of the last two tracks, but hey, a boy can dream.
(‘Course, I’d also love to see “Vienna”; not sure even my dreams have THAT much optimism packed into ‘em.)
Hell Yes!!!! Good Stuff and a great selection of songs for the first of Billy Joel’s Songs between this and the Doors DLC and the free doors songs and the on disc set list RB3 is setting it self up to be the masters of the video game Universe ooh wait they already are the masters…. lol
One of the remaining two songs better be We Didn’t Start the Fire D:
There are some pretty good songs in there. I’d like to buy this eventually, but I’m already pretty behind on DLC and I need to save up for the keyboard/cymbals.
And let’s face it: pro keys is the reason these songs are coming to Rock Band. Without a keyboard, there’s no reason to have them in my library.
Uptown Girl makes the most sense for harmonies. That song and “…Fire” are probably his biggest hits leftover. I would’ve loved For the Longest Time but it’s acapella. Just the Way You Are brings back memories. Sigh
Hi…first time poster long time reader. I also read that there will be a second Billy Joel pack in the Spring called “Piano Challenge”. Here’s the link for proof.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/legacy-recordings-sets-stage-for-monumental-2011-billy-joel-reissue-project-with-release-of-billy-joels-the-hits-on-tuesday-november-16-105380288.html
Lookin forward to RB3…keep up the good work RockBandAide!!!
Zaphod42 Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 4:06 am
Another “Piano Challenge” by Billy Joel? That’s fantastic! ! ! When I saw the 10 songs already announced as DLC, my excitement was a little bit lowered, as my favourite Billy Joel songs seem to be those that are a bit heavier on the Piano-side, such as Vienna, Angry Young Man, Leningrad, She’s Got A Way, She’s Always a Woman, or even Root Beer Rag, and I’m sure, all these will fit the “Piano Challenge” perfectly.
But for now Harmonix (again) did a fabulous job picking tracks that actually include all instruments. Really hoping, this sells like mad, so we’ll see more Billy Joel in the future! ! !
RockBandAide Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 7:30 am
Hey! Thanks for visiting and posting! Feel free to use the Contact Us page in the menu at the top for tips. Thanks, and welcome!
I think that Piano Man is a pretty cool guy. Eh takes the **** out of TV critics and doesn’t afraid of anything.
Alternatively…
I think that Billy Joel is a pretty cool guy. Eh didn’t start the fire and doesn’t afraid of anything.
Seriously, I’m very excited for this. Pretty much the perfect artist for the five-man band setup.
And I can’t wait to sing “We Didn’t Start The Flamewar”. (http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1907543)
So basically somebody on a show needs to show off a Led Zepellin Rock Band, then somebody write in a newspaper how that will never happen & then that will make Jimmy Page pissed & thus Led Zepellin will be in Rock Band.