Maximo Park launch 'Rock Band' contest

Indie band Maximo Park has teamed up with Microsoft to launch a nationwide search to find the best Rock Band rockers in Europe.

Entitled Xbox 360 Presents Rock Band Live, the contest kicked off in Ibiza at the weekend, with heats due to take place in the UK, France and Germany.

Those entering the tournament will be asked to perform songs on Rock Band from a variety of artists, including David Bowie, The Clash, Jet, Radiohead and Garbage.

Maximo Park and MTV will choose the winners, with the top band scooping a VIP lifestyle with a week's holiday at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel.

Revealing what he will be looking for from entrants, Maximo Park frontman Paul Smith said: "All the best rock bands have got amazing star quality and whilst they’ve got to play their instruments well they’ve also got to have the showmanship to excite a crowd. From outrageous outfits and haircuts to amazing postural performances we are looking for a group who give us all of this and more on top!”

As part of their deal with Microsoft, Maximo Park also revealed that their next single 'Girls Who Play Guitars', taken from the last album Our Earthly Pleasures, will be released for download via Rock Band on June 10.