Guns N’ Roses frontman files another lawsuit

Axl Rose really doesn’t want to be associated with ex-bandmate Slash… so much so that he’s just filed a big fat lawsuit against game-makers ACTIVISION for $20 million against the use of the Guns N’ Roses song WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE.

Apparently this content violated a deal not to include any imagery of ex-guitarist Saul Hudson (Slash).

In the somewhat amusing lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Rose and his Black Frog Music claim that the makers fraudulently induced Rose in to authorizing the use of the song by “informing him during negotiations that it would not feature any reference to the former member or his subsequent band, Velvet Revolver”, the quote continues below:

Activision began spinning a web of lies and deception to conceal its true intentions to not only feature Slash and VR prominently in GH III but also promote the game by emphasizing and reinforcing an association between Slash and Guns N’ Roses and the band’s song ‘Welcome to the Jungle”.

When Rose, famed for his outbursts and diva-like behaviour on stage, found out that a Slash-like character and songs by Velvet Revolver would be included in the game, he immediately rescinded the authorisation for the use of the song but Activision allegedly told some porky-pies and stated that it was just for the purposes of a trade show. Of course, GH 3 came out and its box cover featured “an animated depiction of Slash, with his signature black top hat, long dark curly hair, sunglasses and nose-piercing” according to the complainted filed earlier. In short, Slash was plastered all over it… which in turn enraged the emotionally unpredictable Rose.

Rose also claims that “Sweet Child O’ Mine” was used in an online promotion for GH III despite being licensed only for GH II. He wants $20 million in damages from sales of the popular game.

“This lawsuit is about protecting Guns N’ Roses and ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ and is about holding Activision accountable for its misuse of these incredibly valuable assets,” Rose lawyer Skip Miller says. “The relief we are seeking is disgorgement of profits and compensatory and punitive damages.”

Activision have yet to comment.