Harmonix and MTV Games today announced an official launch date for the highly anticipated Rock Band 3, which promises to deliver additional gear to the peripheral driven franchise.

According to a press statement the title will ship in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and “other territories” on 26 October.

Rock Band 3 will also “be compatible with all Rock Band and The Beatles: Rock Band peripherals, as well as most Guitar Hero and third-party instrument and microphone controllers.”

“The Rock Band platform stands next to none in music content, with 2000 songs scheduled to be available at the launch of Rock Band 3, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, AC/DC and Green Day - all exclusive to Rock Band. With more choices for fans than any other music-based videogame, Rock Band is, without question, the industry leader in providing the best selection of interactive musical content, songs and artists” added Harmonix.

Rock Band 3 will reportedly deliver a ‘keytar’ peripheral option as well as MIDI interface compatibility for more serious musicians.