Though it was just announced in early 2008, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith had been gestating for a very long time, even before the advent of the Guitar Hero series.

Interstitial videos in the game, featuring videos of the titular band, reveal points in the band’s history that clearly made the game an inevitability. Among them:

Hotel Near Madison Square Garden, December 1980

While drugged out and simultaneously being serviced by groupies, guitarist Joe Perry leaned over to a prone Steven Tyler and said, “This would make the most awesome videogame.” “Like Asteroids?” Tyler responded. “Yeah. Gettin’ our rocks off just like that,” said Perry.

Band Huddle, Dressing Room, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, March 2001

Tyler gives a speech to his bandmates before going on stage to accept the band’s induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He said, in part: “We did it, guys. We survived the drug era, put out great music, made a successful comeback and became a part of rock history with most of our dignity intact. After tonight, I say we cash out like mofos. Car commercials, Japanese liquor ads, performances at Saudi sweet sixteen birthday parties. Who’s with me?” The rest of the band agreed.

Accountant Meeting, Home of Joey Kramer, September 2007

During a serious meeting with his accountant, drummer Joey Kramer began to feel an oncoming panic attack when he saw how much it was costing to keep up a yacht, mansion and ownership of a pony. As sweat began to form along his hairline, Kramer glanced over at a nearby television, where an advertisement was airing for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. “Al,” Kramer said, “I have a fantastic idea. Let me get Steven on the phone.”