Die-hard enthusiasts of the Rock Band video game can flaunt their air guitar chops at the first-ever Rock Band: Battle of the Bands fundraiser on Saturday, October 4, at Electronic Arts Gaming Studios in Vancouver. However, this time the crowds, judges, and prizes will be all very real.

From this preliminary round, 10 bands will be selected from 400 contestants to perform at The Roxy on November 6 in front of 1,000 fans and a panel of celebrity judges, including The Beat’s DJ Flipout.

“We’re going to bring in the players and treat them like stars,” event chairman Amir Novin told the Straight. “There’ll be paparazzi on either side of the velvet rope. They’re going to get on-stage at one of the most coveted rock venues in the city where a lot of bands have got their start.”

In addition to being a rock star for a night, there is more than $5,000 worth in prizes available.

Gamers of all ages and skill-levels are eligible to register, but it will take more than just tasty licks and bumping beats to be crowned Vancouver’s Rock Band Champions.

“It’s sort of like American Idol,” Novin said. “You’ve got three judges and after every performance you’re going to be critiqued. So you better bring your A-game.”

All proceeds from the event will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of B.C. and the Yukon. Novin hopes to raise between “$30,000 to $50,000”.

For more information on Rock Band: Battle of the Bands and to register, visit www.rockbandvancouver.com/