Axl Rose sues Activision for $20m for contract violation

Guns N’ Roses singer Axl rose is suing Activision Blizzard for $20m (£12.6m), alleging the company violated the usage terms of the band’s song Welcome To The Jungle in the Guitar Hero III game.

Rose has licensed the track for use in the game but insisted that it was not connected with his former band members, notably guitarist Slash.

The suit alleges that the game’s developers promised Rose that Slash would not appear in the game – either musically or visually. Slash did, however, appear in the form of an avatar in connection with a Velvet Revolver track, which was also licensed into the game.

Rose also alleges that the Guns N’ Roses song Sweet Child O’ Mine was used to promote Guitar Hero III online despite only being licensed for use in and around the Guitar Hero II game.

Rose’s lawyer Skip Miller told Reuters, “This lawsuit is about protecting Guns N’ Roses and Welcome To The Jungle, and is about holding Activision accountable for its misuse of these incredibly valuable assets. The relief we are seeking is disgorgement of profits and compensatory and punitive damages.”

Source: Music Week