Harmonix, developer of the popular video game “Rock Band,” has announced plans to release a new disc for rock star wannabes that will feature 20 classic rock tracks.

The new disc, entitled “Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock” will include 20 songs from classic acts like Boston, Jetrho Tull and Rush. Gamers can expect to find the new release available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. Owners of PlayStation 3 Xbox 360 will be able to download the new tracks to their set list.

This is another fine example of how music in the digital age is actually contributing to the preservation of classic rock music that is most likely old enough to have serenaded most gamer’s parents on their first date.

Although there was – and probably continues to be – fear among music industry fat cats and some musicians that the age of the digital download would kill off the music business, developments like this just prove that progress on the technology front always has room for those who are forward-looking and ambitious enough to profit from it.

Instead of whining about music downloads and trying to hunt down internet users grabbing free tunes, music industry execs should have adapted to the new environment and started working on things like “Rock Band.” It was noted recently that the Guitar Hero’s release, “Guitar Hero: Aerosmith” sold more than three times as many units as the group’s most recent album. At about $20 each (at Amazon.com), that’s not bad.

Living room rock stars can expect to see “Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock” on store shelves and online retail locations on May 19 in North America. It is set to retail for $29.99.

Here’s a peek at the tracks that will be included on this new release:

1.  Boston – “Peace of Mind” (1976)
2.  Boston – “Rock and Roll Band” (1976)
3.  Dead Kennedys – “California Uber Alles” (1987)
4.  Dead Kennedys – “Holiday in Cambodia” (1987)
5.  Free – “All Right Now” (1970)
6.  George Thorogood & the Destroyers – “Bad to the Bone” (1982)
7.  James Gang – “Funk #49” (1970)
8.  Jethro Tull – “Hymn 43” (1971)
9.  Lenny Kravitz – “Let Love Rule” (1989)
10. Pat Benatar – “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” (1980)
11. The Police – “Can’t Stand Losing You” (1978)
12. The Police – “Truth Hits Everybody” (1978)
13. Rush – “Closer to the Heart” (1977)
14. Rush – “Red Barchetta” (1981)
15. Siouxsie and The Banshees – “Kiss Them For Me” (1991)
16. Steve Miller Band – “Take the Money and Run” (1976)
17. Steve Miller Band – "The Joker” (1973)
18. The Stone Roses – “Love Spreads” (1994)
19. The Who – “Baba O’Riley” (1971)
20. The Who – “Behind Blue Eyes” (1971)