It's no surprise: I'm a Rock Band addict. Sure, I'm currently in the process of testing out Guitar Hero World Tour, and am enjoying it quite a bit (despite a bum orange crash cymbal that will require a tuning kit). But I've always been partial towards Harmonix's music masterpiece.

Of course, with the release of Rock Band 2 last September (on the 360 at least, the PS3 and Wii would have to wait a month longer) MTV wanted to promote the Rock Band franchise even further, and in doing so they announced the Rock Band Live tour. I had a chance to attend last Friday's live concert at the Patriot Center in downtown Washington D.C., and despite not knowing a lot about most of the bands in attendance, I was able to enjoy myself.

The main headliners in the show included Dashboard Confessional and Panic at the Disco, whom I remember from playing their song "Nine in the Afternoon" on Rock Band 2. In addition, both the CAB and the Plain White T's performed in the opening acts, and all proved to be quite entertaining for the crowd in attendance at the arena.

But of course the show was not just about the four bands that performed, it was also a chance for fellow Rock Band aficionados to get together and partake in the game they enjoy playing. Around the venue were several Xbox 360 stations set up to play all the songs from Rock Band 2, complete with the new line of instruments, including the new Fender Precision Bass guitar.

I had a chance to try out the new bass, and while it will not replace my current Rock Band 1 Wireless Strat, I might work out better for some other guitarists, although the double strum bar might take some getting used to.

I admit, because of not knowing the bands real well, I enjoyed my time more playing with fellow band members attending the show. The only problem was that I wasn't able to get three others to play on a regular basis, because if I was able to, I would have had the chance a few rare individuals got: the opportunity to compete live on stage in front of a massive crowd and play Rock Band 2. And considering how bad some of the other bands played, even on the easier difficulties, I could have easily been a sure winner!

Ironically the DC Rock Band Live show occurred on Halloween night, so as a result it was one of the best Halloween parties I had attended in the last few years.

For Rock Band fans this is a must attend series of concerts, so be sure to check it out when it swings by your area. This is especially true if you are a fan of the four bands on the main lineup.

Rock Band Live will be at the University of Miami's BankUnited Center this evening (November 7th), followed by the University of Central Florida the following two days. From there it will be heading to Texas for three shows. I encourage anyone in those areas to attend.

For more information on Rock Band Live, or to purchase tickets, go to http://events.rockband.com/event.php?id=32.

Currently Playing: Guitar Hero World Tour (Xbox 360-How Ironic?) LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

Should be playing at time of posting: Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360, and no FedEx screwups this time. I've seen my copy on hold!)

Waiting for: Mirror's Edge (Xbox 360)