Ever since Harmonix developed the first Guitar Hero game in 2005, the goal has always been to give the feeling of performing up on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans. This idea was expanded with the release of Rock Band which allowed you to complete your band with a drummer and lead singer. The only problem left was that you were still just playing in your living room with your friends, not on a real stage in front of screaming fans. That is unless of course you had the chance to perform at The Ultimate Rock Band & Guitar Hero Competition this past weekend at The Max, hosted by Maximedia Studios.

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In the past, there have been numerous bars and clubs that have hosted Rock Band competitions, however, who better to give that true rock concert feeling that gamers were looking for than a professional recording studio. Having worked with a wide variety of artists from Jessica Simpson and Justin Timberlake to P. Diddy, Timbaland, and Lil’ Jon, Dallas based Maximedia Studios understands what it takes to make someone feel like a genuine rock star. Everything from the full bar, large open stage, computer controlled lights, and even smoke machines helped to further the illusion of a true concert. About the only thing missing was the muscle bound guys in yellow "security" shirts standing in front of the stage.

Of all the details that were done right, the one that really stood out was the drum set. While the traditional Rock Band drum set was available for use, the competitors were also given the option of using a real drum set that had been modified and wired into the Playstation 3 game system. While there was a difference between the traditional drum set and the modified real set, each of the bands drummers had no hesitation in choosing to play on the real thing. Several drummers even made comments on how difficult it was going to be going back to the Rock Band drum sets after playing on the modified set.

For the actual competition itself, each band played a three song set and was assigned a score based on game score, appearance, and showmanship, similar to the WSVG event last year. The band "Hope’s Pink Sweater" received the highest scores for appearance and showmanship, showing up looking like an 80's punk band complete with pink stripes died into their hair. For their final song, "Foreplay/Long Time" by Boston, they even brought up a fifth bandmate to play on an electronic keyboard and showcased their all-around talent by switching instruments mid-song, allowing the drummer some face time in front of the crowd as the new singer.

Even with all their crowd-pleasing antics, none of the other bands had quite the skill level of event winner "Here Comes A New Challenger." Anchored by their exceptional drummer Calin Scoggins, with Ryan King and David Chang on guitars, the band was able to breeze through their set of "Reptilia" by The Strokes, "Cherub Rock" by Smashing Pumpkins, and "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who. Talented front man David Fonner, topped off the performance with a combination of skill and stage presence that completed the illusion of a real live band performance. If it wasn’t for the large LCD displays showing the game to the crowd, you would almost think you were at a real concert.

There was a good variety in the skill of the bands that performed, but there was no doubt that everyone who set foot on stage thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Even if a band was struggling through a song, the crowd was right there singing along, and everyone was simply having fun. The event was less about the actual competition itself, and more about the experience. Fortunately, there are plans for Maximedia Studios to host more of these events in the future, and that means that even more people will have the chance to get up on a real stage and perform in front of screaming fans – just like a real rock star.

Other Links:

Ultimate Rock Band / Guitar Hero Competition Image Gallery

Videos from the Event:
Hope's Pink Sweater warming up -

Here Comes A New Challenger failing I Get By -

Hope's Pink Sweater failing Foreplay/Long Time -

Here Comes a New Challenger performs Reptilia -