No Doubt sue Activision over “Band Hero”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - No Doubt does not like the idea of other people’s music coming out of their mouths, no matter how funny it may be. No Doubt is suing Activision because its “Band Hero” game allows players to use the band’s avatars to sing other musicians’ songs. The suit says Gwen Stefani’s avatar can perform the suggestive lyrics of “Honky Tonk Woman,“ and bassist Tony Kanal can be made to sing “Just A Girl” in Stefani’s voice. No Doubt say they objected to the game’s “Character Manipulation Feature” but Activision refused to change the game. They want unspecified damages and an end to the feature. Activision says it has a valid written agreement with No Doubt and it’s within its legal rights to use the band members’ likenesses in that way. In September, Courtney Love objected to the game allowing Kurt Cobain’s likeness to be used to sing other artists’ music.