AC/DC does a double with Walmart and MTV

Walmart goes a step further in strengthening its foothold on the music industry, by tying up for an exclusive agreement with AC/DC, with an exclusive album which involves getting its first major exclusive video game to go with it.

MTV plans to announce on Tuesday that it has made a deal with the band and its label, Columbia Records, to create an AC/DC version of the channel’s popular Rock Band video game that will be sold in the United States only at Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Web site (walmart.com).  So, considering the band has two of the best in retail and music teaming up with it, there’s a lot for the band to look forward to.

MTV of course stands to gain a lot between the band and the retail brand, to promote AC/DC’s forthcoming album, “Black Ice.” Wal-Mart will create a special area in each of its stores to display the new album and the new game, as well as the band’s other CDs, DVDs and T-shirts and other licensed clothing.

MTV and Wal-Mart are also exploring the idea of setting up temporary shops to sell the game and the album in Manhattan and Los Angeles, where the retailer has no stores.

“They rock hard, and that still works for our audience,” said Van Toffler, the president of the MTV Networks’ Music and Logo Group. “It comes down to getting really great marketing, because Wal-Mart is so meaningful in terms of sales if they get behind something.”

The game, which will be available for all consoles in early November, will cost less than most new games, about $40 instead of about $60. That’s exciting for Walmart, considering it beleives that lower prices drive demand.