[Video: Rush on Bringing "2112" to 'Guitar Hero']

UPDATE - 7/21@9:52PM: The game is slated for a September 28th release and can be pre-ordered at this link.

A couple weeks ago I'd mentioned in a Friday updates post the rumor that the upcoming Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock video game would feature Rush's 2112 in its entirety. Not only has the rumor just been confirmed by Rolling Stone magazine, but the extent of Rush's involvement goes way beyond just the song being featured. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are also directly involved, providing narration for portions of the game which revolve around the storyline of 2112. From the Rolling Stone article:

It's official: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock has the most epically prog-rock finale of any music video game yet. Rush have teamed with Activision for the fall release, which features a story-based Quest Mode that includes with hero wannabes playing the entirety of "2112," a seven-part suite from the Canadian band's 1976 album of the same name. The story of the game's final segment roughly follows Rush's opus, and will be narrated by lead singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson. "In our story, the caves of 2112 are where our hero finds the lost guitar," says Lee. "This rediscovery of music is much like the Guitar Hero warriors' journey to find the Demi-God of Rock's Legendary guitar, which has been trapped in a cavern." Watch exclusive footage from the game above.

Peart, Lee and Lifeson join Kiss' Gene Simmons as Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock narrators. Simmons' contribution begins with an introduction asking players to "Come with me, and enter a world populated of Demi-Gods and Beasts. Transform from an everyday person and become the savior of rock & roll." ...

... The game retains the familiar Guitar Hero interface, with a few aesthetic changes — the imagery is filled with flames and molten lava, and the plastic guitars will come with detachable "axe wings" for gamers looking for a little more edge. The venues include Rush-inspired caves and a faithful rendering of the now-defunct CBGB. Additionally, Warriors of Rock will be the first in the Guitar Hero series to feature eight playable characters, each of whom will transform into rock warriors as players unlock subsequent challenges.

Despite added emphasis on storytelling and quest progression, however, the game remains focused on rock. "I think it's a great way to introduce people of all ages to music of various styles by all kinds of different bands," says Lifeson, "while providing a launching pad for kids who want to get into playing music."

And there's also this accompanying video previewing the game that includes interview snippets with Alex and Geddy.

Thanks to Robert S for the heads up.

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