Rock Band 3 hits stage October 26

Those about to rock…will have to wait a little while longer, as Harmonix today announced that the third core installment in the Rock Band series will arrive on October 26 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo's Wii and DS.

Along with Rock Band 3's release date revelation, Harmonix's statement today announced various retailer-specific preorder bonuses.

Faux-instrument wielders who preorder at Wal-Mart will score a $10 e-gift card. Those who wish to place their money down at Amazon will receive an exclusive in-game guitar. And living-room rock gods and goddesses who reserve Rock Band 3 at GameStop will be able to download three songs for free at launch: "My Own Summer" by The Deftones, "Blue Monday" by New Order, and "Burning Down the House" by Talking Heads.

Rock Band 3 will ship simultaneously globally in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and "other territories." The game is the first in the series to employ a piano as a playable instrument and will come with a Pro mode, where those with high-end MadCatz peripherals can literally play along with any given song.

For more on the newest entry in the rhythm-game series, check out GameSpot's interview (embedded below) with former Harmonix designer Dan Teasdale and a hands-on preview.