American country musician Charles Daniels has said that he is “disgusted” with the portrayal of his song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in Activision’s music simulation title, Guitar Hero III.
Daniels, 71, noted that he had not granted permission for the song to be included in the title, as he had previously lost publishing rights to the composition some years earlier.
The song itself is depicted in the game being performed whilst surrounded by various images of devilry.
Speaking in a statement on his official website, Daniels commented, “I want any of you parents out there whose children have this game to know that I did not grant these people my permission to pervert my song and am disgusted with the result.”
“Unfortunately I lost the publishing rights on the song many years ago in a settlement with a former partner and the license to Guitar Hero was granted by the company who now owns the publishing.”
“I would never grant permission for some company to create a video game version of a song I wrote in which the devil wins a contest and I’m sorely disappointed with the company who owns the copyright for not policing the situation. As it is they have allowed these people to violate the very essence of the song."