Michael Jackson has passed away, and lawyers are currently picking through his estate. Jackson owned 267 Beatles songs, the ownership of which is at risk.
Rock Band developer Harmonix has stated that the situation regarding Michael Jackson's estate will not effect the release of Rock Band Beatles. What's more, the game's track list will not be altered.
Jackson purchased the Beatles' back catalogue in 1985 — rumor has it that this caused a falling out between Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, who advised Jackson to purchase song rights.
In the wake of Jackson's recent passing, McCartney has commented on that rumor:
Some time ago, the media came up with the idea that Michael Jackson was going to leave his share in the Beatles songs to me in his will which was completely made up and something I didn't believe for a second.
Now the report is that I am devastated to find that he didn't leave the songs to me. This is completely untrue. I had not thought for one minute that the original report was true and therefore, the report that I'm devastated is also totally false, so don't believe everything you read folks!
In fact, though Michael and I drifted apart over the years, we never really fell out, and I have fond memories of our time together.
At times like this, the press do tend to make things up, so occasionally, I feel the need to put the record straight.
Jackson and McCartney collaborated on a couple of hits together, including "Say Say Say" and "This Girl Is Mine".
Rock Band Beatles Unaffected By Michael Jackson's Death [IGN via GoNintendo] [Pic]