Yesterday I wrote about Wall Street's perspective on the upcoming battle between Activision's Guitar Hero and EA's Rock Band.

Today, we have two new participants in the battle. Aerosmith is reportedly working exclusively with Guitar Hero, with guitarist Joe Perry saying that the next Guitar Hero will be dedicated to the group's music.

Countering that move, EA today announced that Rock Band will offer The Grateful Dead's music via download (as additional content).

I find this very interesting in the larger context of the rush to sign exclusive bands to either Rock Band or Guitar Hero. Over the next few years that's what you're going to be seeing; your favorite band going with one or the other.

You'll also be seeing "band versions" of these games as alluded to by Joe Perry. Imagine an entire Guitar Hero or Rock Band game dedicated to your favorite band?

Let the battle of the bands begin!

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