Get In The ring Motherfucker/I’m Gonna Kick Your Ass. So said Axl Rose 19 years ago on his band’s song ‘Get In The Ring’ and he hasn’t calmed down since. This time he’s taken umbrage at video game maker Activision Blizzard – who makes the popular games Warcraft and Guitar Hero – and is suing them for $US20 million.
Axl reckons they’ve committed fraud and breach of contract relating to the company’s bogan favourite Guitar Hero III game. Axl’s lawyers have thrown the book at them, alleging unjust enrichment, arguing that he is the majority owner of the trademarks and licensing associated with the Gunners. Guitar Hero III apparently fell foul of Axl for not seeking to use ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ amongst other Gunners tracks and using imagery of former band mate Slash.
Axl ranted “Activision breached the contract when it released GH III which prominently features Slash imagery in direct connection with the use of ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ exploits the prior association between (former band member) Slash and Guns N’ Roses, promotes Slash’s and VR’s (the band Velvet Revolver) separate interests and includes VR tracks as available downloads, all of which was and is directly contrary to the contractual obligations of Defendants.”
