Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has finally gotten around to being pissed off about 2007's Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. He's suing publisher Activision for $20 million for including ex-GNR guitarist Slash in the game.
According to a legal complaint obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Rose is pissed that Guns N' Roses hit "Welcome to the Jungle" was featured in the game alongside a virtual appearance from Slash. Rose claims that Slash's appearance in the music game violates an agreement that specified absolutely no references to the ex-GNR guitarist or the band Velvet Revolver in association with "Welcome to the Jungle."
The legal complaint contends that "[Activision] began spinning a web of lies and deception to conceal its true intentions to not only feature Slash and [Velvet Revolver] prominently in GH III but also promote the game by emphasizing and reinforcing an association between Slash and Guns N' Roses and the band's song 'Welcome to the Jungle.'"
Rose is further bothered that Guns N' Roses track "Sweet Child O' Mine" was used to promote Guitar Hero III, a song apparently only authorized for use in Guitar Hero II.
Rock band No Doubt sued Activision over its portrayal in 2009's Band Hero, which the act claims transformed them into "virtual karaoke players." Activision was also threatened by Kurt Cobain's widow over the Nirvana frontman's inclusion in Guitar Hero 5.
Guitar Hero III is one of the bestselling console games of all time, generating more than a billion dollars in sales for Activision.
Axl Rose Sues Activision for $20M for Including Slash in 'Guitar Hero' [THR]