Aristocrat Leisure has finally moved to quell concerns that its pokie machines have been largely responsible for killing off the live music scene across Australia.

The company has invented a new contraption that will allow pub rock bands and gambling machines to co-exist: a pokie machine based on one of the country's iconic pub rock bands, the Angry Anderson-headed Rose Tattoo. ''We are confident that our Rose Tattoo game will be a hit in pubs across Australia,'' blurted Aristocrat's managing director for Australia, Trevor Croker, before today's official unveiling of the machine at the Australasian Gaming Expo in Darling Harbour.

''The striking red and black colour scheme will make a statement on the gaming floor [and] patrons will enjoy the experience of playing along with some Rose Tattoo classics," he said.

Aristocrat's website describes the game as ''Reel Rock 'n' Roll''. ''Rose Tattoo multi-game is guaranteed to rock your venue,'' the company claims. The chief executive of the embattled pokie machine maker, Jamie Odell, however, is not expected to make a live appearance at what is the biggest annual event for the pokie industry.

There have been rumours (and grumbles) Odell will be on holidays in Queensland.