Visually speaking, how does the drummer's part in each song appear on screen?
LoPiccolo: It is based on the same 3D interface that we built into all our other music games, stretching all the way back to Frequency and Amplitude, but it also introduces a "special kick" gem so you can track multiple drum parts. You can also be Meg White. Not really.
How do you plan to "teach" players how to drum properly?
LoPiccolo: This was a fairly difficult design problem, but the team realized this going in, and we've put a lot of effort into getting it perfect. We're confident that the approach we've taken design-wise will allow someone who's never touched a drumkit to jump into this game without skipping a beat. The drumming feels totally different from the guitar simulation we've done before, and is completely satisfying and addictive. We can't wait to unleash it on the gaming public!
In your opinion who's the ultimate rock band?
LoPiccolo: The bands that have had the biggest impact on me personally, and on a lot of the Rock Band team, are probably the iconic bands of the 1970s who jumpstarted the giant concert era; bands like The Who, Queen, The Stones, Bowie and even art-rock bands like Yes and Genesis. We feel like that is the era in which rock music really matured into a giant multimedia spectacle, and we are trying to build that same buzz and breathless sense of excitement into Rock Band.
What does it take to rock? What are the five most useful rules to rocking?
LoPiccolo: I'm going to have to reach into my rock n' roll past to bring this one up. I guess the five most useful performance rules I remember are:
Rock On - A band having a good time always sounds better.
Turn It Up - Volume is like a suit of armor you wear onstage.
Play On - Nobody wants to hear you tune, or talk to your drummer. When the song is over, start the next!
Hair Control - Don't get your hair stuck in your strings. Trust me, it hurts like hell!
Be Grateful - Yes you are a rock god, but your fans make it all possible. Be sure to thank them for turning up!
For more on Rock Band, check out our recent in-depth preview.
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