Axl Rose Sues Activision Blizzard

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Guns N’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose has sued Activision Blizzard Inc. for $20 million over the video game developer’s use of the song “Welcome to the Jungle” in its new game “Guitar Hero III.”

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday, alleges that the Santa Monica company tricked Rose into authorizing use of “Welcome to the Jungle” in the new Guitar Hero game by promising not to use any likeness of former lead guitarist Slash, who left the band in 1996. Rose has been trying to distance the band from Slash since the split.

Rose points to the game’s inclusion of a Slash-like animated character that sports the estranged former band member’s distinctive curly black hair, top hat and dark glasses.

“‘Welcome to the Jungle’ is a highly-renowned rock song of immense popularity… (and) is regarded by fans and critics alike as one of the greatest hard rock songs of all time,” the suit said. “Activision understood the extraordinary value Guns N’ Roses and ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ could add to the Guitar Hero platform… (and) began spinning a web of lies and deception to conceal its true intentions.”

Activision has not released a response to the lawsuit. Shares on Wednesday closed up 15 cents, or 1 percent, to $11.74 on the Nasdaq.

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