http://www.rollingstone.c...se-of-band-hero-avatars/
In September, Nirvana fans were shocked to learn that the Kurt Cobain avatar in Guitar Hero 5 could be used to sing any other song on the game's track list, from Bon Jovi to Bush. Now No Doubt have made a similar discovery about their own avatars in Band Hero - and they're taking swift legal action. The band filed a lawsuit against the game's maker, Activision, today, for fraudulent inducement and breach of contract, among other complaints, in which they argue the group was turned into "a virtual karaoke circus act."
The band's manager, Jim Guerinot, tells Rolling Stone No Doubt were "mortified" to discover their likenesses could be used to sing songs by other artists. "They're just like, 'What? We didn't sign up for this,' " he says.
The band also charges that each member of No Doubt can be isolated from the rest of the group and made to sing songs inappropriate for his/her gender. When the band brought their concerns to Activision, they allege the company "refused to correct its actions." "An Activision executive asserted that [changing the game] would be 'too expensive' and would jeopardize their revenue," according to the complaint. Activision was preparing a response at press time.
Rock Star Avatars: Video Game Versions of Real-Life Music Heroes.
"No Doubt agreed to place avatars containing their name and likeness performing three No Doubt songs in the upcoming Band Hero," the group said in a statement, asserting the avatars' addition abilities were added "without the band's knowledge or approval."
The Kurt Cobain controversy drew criticism from Courtney Love, the surviving members of Nirvana and countless fans. Love also assumed she had granted Activision permission to use Cobain's likeness solely for the game's Nirvana songs. Even Bon Jovi protested Guitar Hero 5's use of the Cobain avatar.
Band Hero also reportedly features avatars of Taylor Swift and Maroon 5's Adam Levine.
Read No Doubt's statement below:
"Musical artists No Doubt announced that they have filed a lawsuit against Activision Publishing today, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 and are seeking an injunction and damages.
No Doubt agreed to place avatars containing their name and likeness performing three No Doubt songs in the upcoming Band Hero game of the Guitar Hero series from Activision.
Without the band's knowledge or approval Activision turned the group into virtual karaoke players by having them perform over 60 additional songs by other musical groups.
Additionally Activision allowed the groups character to be isolated into solo performances of these cover songs and placed randomly in countless variations contrary to the agreement between the parties.
Despite repeated requests by the band that Activision honor its contract Activision has refused claiming the necessary fix would be too expensive."
