'Guitar Hero' fans wanted for stage concert

RedOctane, developer of the best-selling Guitar Hero II, is offering fans of the series the chance to play live on stage at Donnington Park this June with the best performers winning Epiphone Les Paul guitars.

The 2007 Download Fesitval will hold Guitar Hero performances on the Third Stage every night from June 7 to 10, between 22.00 and midnight, at the same venue which has previously staged concerts by the likes of rock gods Iron Maiden.

Individuals or double acts will have the opportunity to perform on stage, using the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II, while using the game’s distinctive X-Plorer controllers. Performers will be able to pick from the game's 40 licensed songs along with the track packs which have been made available on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

The two-hour sessions will see Guitar Hero players perform in front of up to 3,000 moshing fans, with the idea being to genuinely experience what it’s like to be a rock star.

A spokesman for RedOctane said: "Each night’s best performer – as voted for by the crowd – will pick up a brand new Epiphone Les Paul guitar."

Simon Byron, organiser of Guitar Hero at Download, said: “Donington Park has been home to some of the greatest rock performances of all time, and we’re delighted to be able to offer Guitar Hero players the greatest stage of them all at Download 2007. Guitar Hero has always been about becoming a rock star – those attending Download Festival have the opportunity to take that to another level and perform in front of up to 3,000 fans.”