No Doubt Sues Activision



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No Doubt is displeased by the way the group members' avatars are used in Band Hero, judging by pending legal action aimed at Activision.

No Doubt is "mortified" that their Band Hero avatars can be made to perform the songs of other artists, according to band manager Jim Guerinot.

In a statement given to Rolling Stone, the members of No Doubt confirmed that they had begun legal action "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," reads the statement. "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 [sic] to be isolated into solo performances of these cover songs and placed randomly in countless variations contrary to the agreement between parties."

"Despite repeated requests by the band that Activision honor its contract Activision has refused claiming the necessary fix would be too expensive," concludes the statement.

Activision's response, however, claims that "Activision has a written agreement to use No Doubt in Band Hero - an agreement signed by No Doubt after extensive negotiations with its representatives, who collectively have decades of experience in the entertainment industry."

Activision's statement continues: "Pursuant to that agreement, Activision worked with No Doubt and the band's management in developing 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."

It sounds a bit similar to the Kurt Cobain case, which saw Courtney Love unhappy with the way Cobain's avatar could be used to perform the songs of other artists, and which got support from other quarters of the music industry - notably ex-Nirvana members Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, as well as Bon Jovi.