Nirvana’s surviving former band mates do not approve of Kurt Cobain’s avatar in Guitar Hero 5. Neither Krist Novoselic nor Dave Grohl have any legal say in the matter, but they were two people who knew Cobain very well. What the pair appear to be most upset about is that players can use Cobain’s avatar to perform in songs other than Nirvana tracks.
In a joint statement, the pair said, “While we were aware of Kurt’s image being used with two Nirvana songs, we didn’t know players have the ability to unlock the character.” Adding, “This feature allows the character to be used with any kind of song the player wants. We urge Activision to do the right thing in ‘re-locking’ Kurt’s character so that this won’t continue in the future.”
Meanwhile, Cobain’s widow Courtney Love has responded to a statement yesterday from Activision. Love, like Grohl and Novoselic, was upset when she learned Cobain would be featured in GH5. Through Twitter she claimed she was going to sue Activision, and called the company bullies.
Activision responded later in the same day explaining that the company did secure the necessary licensing right from the Cobain estate. That written agreement was signed by Courtney Love, allowing Cobain’s likeness to be used as a fully playable character in GH5.
Love’s attorney, Keith Fink, Esquire, provided a statement about the situation to VG247.
“You are correct in stating that Ms. Cobain is extremely upset at Activision’s use of Mr. Cobain’s image in a video game allowing him to sing songs of others. Kurt’s songs have a unique and special meaning to his fans and his image and legacy is extremely important to Ms. Cobain.
“Activision’s statement is not accurate in suggesting that they were given an unfettered use of Kurt’s name and likeness. The agreement Activision has with the trust doesn’t grant them the right to use his name and likeness in ways that denigrate his image.
Many Nirvana fans were upset to learn that Cobain would be featured in GH5, mostly for the same reason his former band members and Love were upset – Cobain could sing songs other than his own. What started as a couple quick comments on Twitter has blown up into a mainstream media dispute. At the very least, it’ll be interesting to see if Activision agrees to Love’s demands and lock’s Cobain to only Nirvana songs. This could set precedence for the use of future rockers avatars.