The long awaited release date for the UK version of Rock Band on the X360 has been announced. And that all-important day for your diary is May 23rd.

If you're not familiar with Rock Band, it's basically a meatier version of Guitar Hero which lets you and some friends form a complete group. Three people can tackle the campaign mode, as the game comes with a guitar peripheral, drum kit, and a microphone for some rock karaoke style singing. And if you purchase an extra guitar, a fourth person can play bass.

Rock Band features 58 tracks, although nine more have been added for the European release, including Beetlebum (Blur), Rock 'n' Roll Star (Oasis) and Hysteria (Muse). A further 70 songs will be made available for download on May 27th, costing 160 Microsoft Points each.

The other key issue, the price, is still to be confirmed, although online retailers appear to be suggesting it will weigh in at just under the £150 mark.

Tags: rock band guitar hero microsoft points beetlebum hysteria musical ensemble playstation 3 wii