Harmonix sends word that the stand alone drum set for Rock Band is headed to North American store shelves today, Canadian’s will have to wait at least two more weeks however.

Harmonix, one of the world’s leading developers of music-based games, and MTV Games, part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that individual drum peripherals for Rock Band™ have now started shipping to U.S. and Canadian* store shelves. The Rock Band Drum Kit (Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system) has a suggested retail price of $79.99.

With standalone drum peripherals being made available, drummers have the opportunity to enjoy the full Rock Band experience by competing in the challenging “versus” modes, “Score Duel” and “Tug-O-War.” These exciting modes can be played locally or online and work with all Rock Band downloaded song tracks. In order to play downloadable content for online head-to-head matches, all players must own the same downloadable track.

Standalone Rock Band game software is currently available, as well as the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle featuring a Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, an electronic drum kit, real drum sticks, a microphone and software. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2 system bundles also come with a USB hub for easy plug-in access for all instruments.

Rock Band is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

Note: The Rock Band PlayStation drums work for both PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems.
* Rock Band will be shipped to Canada over the next 2-8 weeks.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems, please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com