The release date for rock and/or roll simulating video game Guitar Hero 5 has been locked: Mark your calendars for September 1st, when GH 5 will make its multi-platform debut.

The game's official site revealed the launch date this morning, as well as allowing gamers to register for Guitar Hero 5's unique online scavenger hunt style contest that unveils the names of participating music artists through websites, TV shows, blogs and online media sites. Winners get a set of 5 tickets to 5 different concerts in a major metropolitan area venue near their hometown. Check the official site for details.

The game will feature 85 artists, including over 30 who have never appeared in a music game before. Confirmed tracks right now are:

• "A-Punk"  Vampire Weekend
• "All Along the Watchtower"  Bob Dylan
• "Blue Orchid" The White Stripes
• "No One to Depend On" (Live)  Santana
• "Ring of Fire"  Johnny Cash
• "Runnin' Down a Dream"  Tom Petty
• "Sex on Fire"  Kings of Leon
• "Superstition"  Stevie Wonder
• "Sympathy for the Devil" Rolling Stones

Although other artists are mentioned in various sources.

 Interesting choice on the release date, eh folks? Putting out your competing music game little more than a week before The Beatles: Rock Band drops takes some cojones. Things are going to heat up in the music game space this holiday season, eh, folks? Who do you think will come out the winner in this battle of the titans?