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Axl Rose Says Use of Guns N Roses Songs in Guitar Hero Was Unauthorized

posted Dec 28, 2008 at 10:45 AM by deathbringer.  (51 Comments)

Photo of Guns N Roses

Band Photo: Guns N Roses

Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has issued an open letter to the makers of Guitar Hero saying the use of songs such as Welcome To The Jungle and Sweet Child O' Mine in the hugely popular game were "unauthorised".

However the singer didn't mind ex-bandmate Slash being associated with it.

"[Slash] being in Guitar Hero is fine, but not when Activison is using Welcome To The Jungle unauthorized," wrote Rose. "I wasn't broadsided I read about it as it moved along but Activision continually denied it right up to the release. That's some low life chicanery on all their parts."

"Yes, Slash was in Guns and on Welcome To The Jungle and he has rights to perform it," he continued. "But not to be represented in this context in association with Guns. And since they weren't granted the license it'll take some sorting."

Source: Kerrang.com

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51 Comments on "Use of GNR Songs in Guitar Hero Was Unauthorized"

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Jackrum's avatar

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1. Jackrum writes:

to the tune of Judas priests turbolover

"i just want more money... please give me some money.. i demand some money.. just give me more doller..."

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 11:30 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
metalheaddrummer101's avatar

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2. metalheaddrummer101 writes:

epic...fail...

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 11:35 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
3. yomomma writes:

what a d***. these games have been out for a while, gh2 for like 3 years now, why even bother b****ing about it now? axl is a ginormous d***hole

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 11:56 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
4. Old Yeller writes:

You know that old movie, "Old Yeller", where the boy's dog goes nuts and so the father has to put it down. Well, that is Axl Rose. Since re-emerging on the national scene all he has done is whine like a little toddler about how he wants this or that. Why? Probably for another $10 to get some donuts. Someone, please, take this tubby chump to the woodshed.

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 12:10 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Jackrum's avatar

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5. Jackrum writes:

i expect nothing les from axl rose..

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 12:38 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
6. Axl Pose writes:

People are sick of hearing you Axl, just die already. The new Guns album is pure crap too.

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 12:51 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
7. bananaterracottapie1 writes:

What a f***in douche! This guy is the definition of absolutely f***in pathetic!

"But not to be represented in this context in association with Guns. And since they weren't granted the license it'll take some sorting."

Note the above lines and how thoroughly calculated and professional they were^. Nothing short of what a businessman would say.

Np : Pig Destroyer - Gravedancer

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 1:12 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
8. biggusdiggus writes:

So i guess being drunk, stoned and other intoxicated habits playing guitar hero isn't really what GnR rode or represent with one half decent album? Not played the game.. but I'd like to see RATM and see what you have to do with both feet and hands with Tom Morello.

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 2:31 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
MetallicPunk's avatar

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9. MetallicPunk writes:

To me if Slash is allowed to play it live and was on the songs then I say he has all the rights in the world to let them use the songs on GH besides its not like Axl will lose any money over it.

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 4:35 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Fuck_A_Name's avatar

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10. Fuck_A_Name writes:

^it's not that he's concerned about LOSING money, he just wants more of it.

What a f***in douche

Now Playing: Pantera- Walk

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 4:43 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
11. TimW writes:

Its amazing how the greed of Gene Simmons seems to get a pass, but when Axl wants to get paid for his intelectual property, he gets damned for it. Gene Simmons wants to get paid for anything and everything up to and including breathing......Axl actually has something thats his own and we break his balls for wanting whats his.....

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 4:55 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
IrishMetal's avatar

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12. IrishMetal writes:

Gene Simmons gets as rough a time here as Axl. Check the history threads if you don't believe me

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 5:14 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Netromancer's avatar

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13. Netromancer writes:

Gene gets no pass from me. I think we all know what type of person he is. And to just now bring this up after the game has been out for over a year? We can see what type of person Axl is too.
Sad part is, Axl owns the songs. Slash can appear all he wants in any form, just not playing the songs Axl has the rights to.

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 5:22 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
14. MetalChris writes:

I think Axl is still upset about getting b****slapped by Tommy Hilfiger. Maybe suing people helps him cope w/ it.

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 6:11 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
bbristowe's avatar

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15. bbristowe writes:

"I wasn't broadsided I read about it as it moved along but Activision continually denied it right up to the release. That's some low life chicanery on all their parts."

That paragraph pretty much tells it all. Publicity, publicity publicity. If you didn't want them using it, you should have said something. But now it's too late, slash has equal rights. You won't get anything out of it besides an angry mob of guitar hero fans.

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 6:49 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
16. KoRNBoY writes:

rAfAfA@! AxL g0t OwNeDeD !!@ ;D

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 7:03 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Emo_Hunter175's avatar

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17. Emo_Hunter175 writes:

Wow... I guess Chinese Democracy didn't sell enough copies to please Axl, so now he will resort to taking some money off of Activision for not getting "authorization." If he would of complained about it upon release of the game, that would be one thing, but how long has Guitar Hero III been out? Almost a year if not more? Pathetic is the only word to sum up Axl Rose.

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 8:06 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
18. gene simmons writes:

i invented air and breathing and that little devil horn thing you kids nowadays like to use so much, even though dio seems to think his haggy ol granny started it, it was me

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 11:25 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Emo_Hunter175's avatar

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19. Emo_Hunter175 writes:

Haha good one Gene. It's funny because he thinks its true.

# Dec 28, 2008 @ 11:27 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
XWigglesX's avatar

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20. XWigglesX writes:

Duh. The new album cost too much and he needs to get out of the reds.

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 12:11 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
21. KoRNBoY writes:

bRaCe y0u SeLf eMo !@!@ BeF0 i eMPtY mUh uZi iN y0 FaCe wUt BiAtChiZZnEzZ!@ eY y0 s0n yE bRuH yE ;D;;D

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 1:19 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
SvenDorian's avatar

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22. SvenDorian writes:

I could take a guitar hero guitar , and just break it in half and throw it at Mr. Axl Rose. He can have it.

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 1:39 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
23. jimmy j. writes:

f*** axl rose. who many of you guys would love to see pantera on guitar hero.

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 1:40 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
24. Kali writes:

Jimmy, I think Pantera was on the first Guitar hero. I could be wrong though. I am not a gamer.

Sven, I would pay to watch you tear Axl a new arsehole! That would be a quick show, but so worth it!

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 1:45 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
25. bananaterracottapie1 writes:

^lol... Potential sellout!

Np : Opeth - Ghost Of Perdition

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 1:55 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
26. Kali writes:

Banana, my brother Sven is ARMY trained too! Man could take down Axl faster than Paris Hilton does a mountian of crack!

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 1:59 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Netromancer's avatar

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27. Netromancer writes:

Im pretty sure "Cowboys From Hell" was on the first Guitar Hero. Pantera was on GH before GnR.

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 2:34 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Netromancer's avatar

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28. Netromancer writes:

Sorry, Kali. Missed your post. You are correct.

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 2:45 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
29. Kali writes:

I thought so! Could have sworn I heard Pantera was on it, and heard Pantera while people were playing Guitar Hero in Game Crazy. Glad my memory is still pretty sharp!

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 2:57 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
30. George writes:

I think Axl is getting funny.

BIG LOL

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 3:54 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
XWigglesX's avatar

Reviewer

31. XWigglesX writes:

What the f*** is wrong with KoRNBoy?

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 4:02 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
32. Kali writes:

Where do you want to start, Wiggles? Furthermore, it would take days to explain everything wrong with Kornboy!

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 4:16 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
wilco's avatar

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33. wilco writes:

f*** axel again
think his problem is he hangs out to much with gene thinking well who can we sue today

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 4:58 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
34. jimmy j. writes:

yeah your right pantera was on the first one just like to see more

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 11:01 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
That_One_Guy's avatar

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35. That_One_Guy writes:

Shame, Axl. Shame on you!

Now playing: GWAR - "Saddam A Go-Go"

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 11:14 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
deathfreak's avatar

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36. deathfreak writes:

what the hell the game has been around for what a year. what a d***.


NP six feet under - america the brutal

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 12:39 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Twitch_HateCrew's avatar

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37. Twitch_HateCrew writes:

Oh look. Thats news worth... Axl Rose b****es yet again. Law suits to follow. Blah blah blah. So much for trying to let some kids be able to play his music on Guitar Hero. Honestly who gives a rat's a$$ that it's on a f***ing video game?! I can only imagine what would happen if a band released an album that had one of "his" precious songs as a cover or live version on it.

Heil Axl.

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 4:19 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Txmetalhead's avatar

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38. Txmetalhead writes:

Post 18 - Gene, that is fukkin' funny, man! hahaaa
I invented air and breathing...LOL..

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 4:33 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
DrummingforDarkness's avatar

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39. DrummingforDarkness writes:

Shut the fu#k up Axl, Slash is a god, for all i care u and ur cornrows can burn in hell, stop b****8n and quit already jst cuz Chinese Democracy sucked after 45 yrs of recording doesnt mean u have to bit5ch and moan bout ti. Go get ur a$$ kicked by tommy Hilfigure again

# Dec 29, 2008 @ 11:06 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
metalheaddrummer101's avatar

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40. metalheaddrummer101 writes:

30 posts later and still I say-epic fail.
Kornboy is also a fail...
Pantera is so much better than GnR.
Gene(the poster, not the actual Gene) is awsome \m/ metal hailz to you:)

# Dec 30, 2008 @ 11:35 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrunoHockalugie's avatar

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41. BrunoHockalugie writes:

Good! I usually hate lawsuits, but sue this game for all it is worth! It makes a mockery of rock and roll and it is evidence that the Apocaypse is near! For a second I thought it might be a cool idea, until I heard that the songs are not even performed by the actual bands! Don't support this sh**!
GUITAR QUEER-O is for homos!

# Dec 30, 2008 @ 11:47 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Blindgreed1's avatar

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42. Blindgreed1 writes:

I have given this some thought since it posted and I have to say that Activision dropped the ball on this one. What made them think they could use the song without Axl's permission? This is Axl Rose we're talking about here. He co-wrote the song with Slash, and thus one would need his permission to use it and make $$$ off it. I don't respect Axl as a human being, but he's got a point.

# Dec 30, 2008 @ 12:19 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
metalheaddrummer101's avatar

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43. metalheaddrummer101 writes:

Bruno-Thanks for saying I'm gay*angry*(Just kidding:)
They get alot of coverage. I don't think as many people would know about Dragonforce now as they did before GHIII came out...

# Dec 30, 2008 @ 2:40 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Netromancer's avatar

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44. Netromancer writes:

It's actually only a small percentage of the songs that are covered by session artists. Most of the songs are the original recordings by the artists themselves. Alot of bands are happy to have songs on these games as it is simply another form of exposure. And while I have a problem with the idea that Guitar Hero is in any way indicative of musical talent, I have seen alot of kids (my nephew included) who were introduced to some good music and went on to actually learn to play real instruments (guitar and piano in his case). I do actually own Rock Band 1 and 2 and have a great time playing the game when friends come over for drinks. I also am one of the only people in my circle who can play the fake drums well because I actually have some experience behind a real kit. Also Rock Band has a much wider range of music, running the gauntlet of rock from Grateful Dead to Abnormality (Jam Bands to Death Metal). Like them or not these games will simply get bigger and more complex as time and tech move on. Not trying to put down anyone's opinion or argue. Just clearing that up. And, hey, just because I enjoy something doesnt mean everyone else has to as well :)

# Dec 30, 2008 @ 2:55 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrunoHockalugie's avatar

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45. BrunoHockalugie writes:

MetalheadDrummer- I don't think you are gay dude, just wanted to share a fun story with you. Even if you were gay it would be all good :)

Netromancer- I hear you, but when I was a kid somehow I found out about all the great bands I enjoy with out video games or the internet. How you ask? My father took an active role in my upbringing and said, "Check this out. This band is called Led Zeppelin. I saw them at the Great Western Forum when they recorded How the West Was Won. You may like this group." and BAM I was hooked. I think this video game is just one more example of parents letting the television do their job of raising their children. I don't think it will turn kids into musicians. I don't think this game will revive rock. If anything, I think it caters to a generation that already doesn't respect music and assists in detearating the sacred art form known as heavy metal. Yeah, some rockers play it but most of the target audience mockingly throws up the devil horns with a limp wrist, laughing at the absurdity of what they view as behavior of a brain dead metalhead moron.

No disrespect dude, just my two cents.

# Dec 30, 2008 @ 3:18 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Netromancer's avatar

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46. Netromancer writes:

Well, I guess all we can do is take your father's role with the kids in our own families. I try to pass on some of my music to my neices and nephews. Games are games, but the person who was active and influential in your upbringing means alot more.

# Dec 30, 2008 @ 3:30 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
47. warlock writes:

Hey I get it!! Axl Rose & Gene Simmons: Twins seperated at birth. Both were born a**holes and still growing!

# Dec 30, 2008 @ 6:03 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
metalheaddrummer101's avatar

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48. metalheaddrummer101 writes:

Bruno-That was a joke, okay?:)
Warlock-that...was...epic

# Dec 30, 2008 @ 6:07 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrunoHockalugie's avatar

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49. BrunoHockalugie writes:

MetalHeadDrummer- Right on dude, no worries.

Now playing- megadeth- She Wolf

# Dec 30, 2008 @ 6:25 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
50. myke buechele writes:

I would quit complaining if i were axl,he should feel lucky to have his music on the worlds hottist selling video game considering most bands from guns and roses time era cant afford to even buy the game.

# Jan 5, 2009 @ 6:07 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
51. warlock writes:

The G'N'R World Tour brought to you by Dr. P*cker......uh....Dr. Pepper.

# Jan 5, 2009 @ 10:43 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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