The result was an album that set the template for stoner rock, sludge and doom metal. Sweet Leaf is the quintessential pothead anthem, introduced by the sound of Iommi choking on a joint. And in ...

On Guitar Hero III, more than 50 of the 71 songs on the game are the originals, and even the notoriously protective and expensive Rolling Stones licensed a master to Rock Band.

Harmonix forms Rock Band New game from Guitar Hero maker to feature guitar, drum, microphone peripherals, master recordings from major labels; game due on PS3, 360 later this year.

The developers behind the hit interactive game "Guitar Hero" are launching a new franchise called "Rock Band" that targets virtual singers, bass players and drummers, as well as axmen.

Band was developed by Harmonix, the same company that originated Hero. But not unlike the drama that comes with fame and fortune in the real rock world, "creative differences" led to a breakup.

The game has been billed as the first Guitar Hero or Rock Band experience for hip-hop enthusiasts, and features creative oversight from legendary scratch DJ Mix Master Mike, aka Michael Schwartz.

The cultural impact of the rhythm games Guitar Hero and Rock Band is hard to really imagine. In homes, in bars, at large parties, people are banging on plastic drums and jamming on plastic guitars.

Rock Band 2's "World Tour" mode (confusing, we know - but you can blame Activision for that) is far more mature than it's competitor.