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Cambridge, Mass. – July 22, in the year of our Lord 2010 – Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that for the first time, Spanish-language tracks will be available in Rock Band, as Latin music superstar Juanes debuts next week in the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™.

“I am thrilled to be the first Spanish-language artist in Rock Band,” Juanes said. “I’m excited for my fans to connect with the songs right in their living rooms and to bring Latin Music to new fans as well.”

Juanes has become the world’s leading all-Spanish language music artist in terms of both critical respect and global commercial success. Both an electrifying guitarist and gifted songwriter, the Colombian rockstar is often mentioned alongside artists such as Bono and Bruce Springsteen for his belief in the possibility of social change through music. With multi-platinum worldwide sales of over 12 million albums, a Grammy® and record-setting 17 Latin Grammy® awards after just his first four records, it is evident that millions of fans have adopted the songs of this poetic rocker as representative anthems of Latino pride, prayers for peace, and the strength of eternal love.  With record-setting chart runs for multiple No. 1 albums and singles, it is no wonder that Billboard recently declared Juanes as Latin Music’s “Star of The Decade”.

Showcasing the beginning of Juanes’ trademark fusion of rock with elements of traditional Colombian music such as vallenato, his intensely dark and introspective debut album Fíjate Bien (2000) won three Latin Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. Juanes quickly broke through to global success with his multi-platinum second album, Un Día Normal (2002) – which in the United States alone spent two straight years on the Billboard Latin album chart, including a record-breaking 92 weeks in the Top 10.  Powered by the landmark single “A Dios le Pido”and a string of other chart hits, the album went on to sweep the Latin Grammy Awards – with Juanes winning all five awards for which he was nominated, including Album Of The Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

Juanes’ impact grew even more significant with the 2004 release of his third album, the socially and emotionally relevant Mi Sangre.  The album not only debuted at No. 1 throughout the Spanish speaking world (quickly reaching multi-platinum status in numerous countries), but also found Juanes continuing his Latin radio dominance with three consecutive singles claiming the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s “Hot Latin Songs” chart – for a combined total of over six months at No. 1.  With worldwide smash “La Camisa Negra” transcending language barriers and topping charts all across Europe, Mi Sangre and its multiple hit singles went on to reach No. 1 on album and/or singles charts in 32 countries.  By the time he returned with his fourth album, La Vida...Es un Ratico (2007), Juanes had developed such a global fan base that Universal chose to release the album in 77 countries, marking the largest ever worldwide release for an all-Spanish language artist. Propelled by record-setting digital downloads for the long-running No. 1 smash single “Me Enamora”and the likewise No. 1 follow-up “Gotas de Agua Dulce”, La Vida...Es un Ratico topped iTunes Latin music sales for the year and lead Juanes to yet another sweep of the Latin Grammy Awards. 

With Juanes set to return with a highly-anticipated new album this fall, lead by new single “Yerbatero,”which was recently unveiled at the World Cup in South Africa, six representative tracks spanning the full career of this leading Latin Music ambassador will debut next week in the Rock Band Music Store.  Juanes’ relationship with Rock Band fans will continue later this year with the inclusion of smash single “Me Enamora”in the October 2010 release of Rock Band 3.

“Harmonix and MTV are proud to have the opportunity to bring this first taste of Spanish-language music to the Rock Band platform,” said Paul DeGooyer, SVP, Electronic Games and Music, MTV. “We're delighted to be working with Juanes to help ensure that a whole new group of music fans can discover these incredible songs for themselves, in the most engaging and impactful way possible."

With more than 400 artists, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, AC/DC and Green Day, who are exclusive to Rock Band, as well as more than 1,550 songs available through the Rock Band platform and 70 million songs sold through its download store alone, Rock Band is the undisputed sales and content leader in the interactive music space, providing the deepest and best selection of artists, songs and albums.

Available on Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3 system (July 27): 

·         Juanes – “A Dios le Pido”

·         Juanes – “FíjateBien”

·         Juanes – “Gotas de Agua Dulce”

·         Juanes – “La Camisa Negra”

·         Juanes – “Mala Gente”

·         Juanes – “Yerbatero”

 (All tracks are original master recordings)

(These tracks will be available in Europe on PlayStation 3 system July 28)

These tracks will be available for purchase as “Juanes Pack01” as well as individual tracks, on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system, and as individual tracks only on Wii.

Price:            
$1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points) per track

$9.99, £4.99 UK, €7.99 EU (800 Microsoft Points) for Juanes Pack 01

$2.00 USD (200 Wii Points™) per track

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

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