No Doubt sues video game maker over 'Band Hero'

Associated Press - November 5, 2009 11:29 AM PST
Story photo: No Doubt sues video game maker over 'Band Hero'FILE - In this Sept. 25, 2009 file photo, the band, No Doubt, performs at the F1 Rocks concert in Singapore. (AP Photo/Joan Leong, file)Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - No Doubt is suing video game maker Activision for putting words in band members' mouths.

The band brought suit Wednesday against Activision Publishing Inc. over a feature in the new "Band Hero" game that allows players to control virtual band members and have them sing other artists' songs.

The lawsuit claims a feature allows players to have lead singer Gwen Stefani perform suggestive lyrics from the Rolling Stones' hit "Honky Tonk Women." The suit also notes a virtual version of bassist Tony Kanal can be made to sing his band's hit "Just a Girl," but with Stefani's voice.

The game, an offshoot of Activision's popular "Guitar Hero" series, went on sale Tuesday.

The company, which is based in Santa Monica, California, said in a statement that it engaged in extensive negotiations with No Doubt's management and have a valid written agreement for their participation in "Band Hero."

"As a result, Activision believes it is within its legal rights with respect to the use and portrayal of the band members in the game and that this lawsuit is without merit," the statement said. "Activision is exploring its own legal options with respect to No Doubt's obligations under the agreement."

No Doubt's lawsuit states the band objected to the "Character Manipulation Feature" in "Band Hero" that allows players to use No Doubt's likeness to perform other bands' songs, but Activision refused to change the game.

The feature turns the band "into a virtual karaoke circus act," the lawsuit claims.

The band is seeking unspecified damages and an order barring Activision from using band members' likeness to perform other artists' songs.

In September, the widow and former bandmates of the late Kurt Cobain said they were dismayed that the likeness of the Nirvana frontman could be used to play songs by other artists in "Guitar Hero 5." Activision said they secured the necessary rights from the Cobain estate in a written agreement to use the singer's likeness as a fully playable character.

Taylor Swift and Adam Levine are the other musicians featured in the offshoot of the popular rhythm game franchise for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii and Nintendo DS.

Previous "Guitar Hero" editions have featured the likenesses of Jimi Hendrix, Billy Corgan, Sting, Ozzy Osbourne, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash and members of Aerosmith.

___

On the Net:

"Band Hero," http://www.bandhero.com

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comments 1-10 of 12  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Jason
    I still wouldn't want them to do that to me. And I still love Gwen . She is my sweet escape.
    report abuseposted November 17, 2009 7:43 PM PST
  • Jason
    I still wouldn't want them to do that to me. And I still love Gwen . She is my sweet escape.
    report abuseposted November 17, 2009 7:42 PM PST
  • jazzy g
    can't wait to see this game...my little brother should be getting this for christmas!
    report abuseposted November 6, 2009 5:41 AM PST
  • Werdnow
    Wow, you mean to tell me that Gwen doesn't have suggestive lyrics or gestures in her own music that she performs? I mean since when has NO DOUBT turned into an evangelical group of musicians.....we didn't get that press note.....get a life Gwen.
    report abuseposted November 5, 2009 12:24 PM PST
  • Werdnow
    Wow, you mean to tell me that Gwen doesn't have suggestive lyrics or gestures in her own music that she performs? I mean since when has NO DOUBT turned into an evangelical group of musicians.....we didn't get that press note.....get a life Gwen.
    report abuseposted November 5, 2009 12:23 PM PST
  • Werdnow
    Wow, you mean to tell me that Gwen doesn't have suggestive lyrics or gestures in her own music that she performs? I mean since when has NO DOUBT turned into an evangelical group of musicians.....we didn't get that press note.....get a life Gwen.
    report abuseposted November 5, 2009 12:22 PM PST
  • B
    It's their image and I believe it's their right to dispute what they feel is in bad taste for their image. I hope band hero eats it!
    report abuseposted November 5, 2009 12:07 PM PST
  • Courtney
    I adore No Doubt, but this is %@!*#ing stupid. and a little disappointing. I didn't take them for one of those uppity bands that gets upset over trivial %@!*#.
    report abuseposted November 5, 2009 10:36 AM PST
  • Courtney
    I adore No Doubt, but this is %@!*#ing stupid. and a little disappointing. I didn't take them for one of those uppity bands that gets upset over trivial %@!*#.
    report abuseposted November 5, 2009 10:36 AM PST
  • Valo
    i flat out refuse to believe that activision wouldnt have told them that they were going to do that. seriously.
    report abuseposted November 5, 2009 10:34 AM PST
comments 1-10 of 12  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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