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Bon Jovi Backs Nirvana Members Protest of 'Guitar Hero 5'

Jon Bon Jovi says he supports the protest made by former Nirvana members last week in response to the use of Kurt Cobain's likeness in the 'Guitar Hero 5' video game. When the iconic band's rhythm section, bassist Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, said they were "very disappointed" that Cobain's avatar could be used to play songs by other acts in the game, including Bon Jovi's 1986 pop-metal romp 'You Give Love A Bad Name,' the one-time pin-up had a similar reaction.

"I don't know that I would have wanted it either," Bon Jovi told the BBC. "To hear someone else's voice coming out of a cartoon version of me? I don't know. It sounds a little forced."

In fact, Bon Jovi -- who was promoting his band's forthcoming album 'The Circle' -- says he declined the offer to appear as a playable character in the same game. "I had the paperwork, they wanted me to be on that game and I just passed," he explained. "But no-one even broached the subject with me that I would be singing other people's stuff. I don't know how I would have reacted to that."

In a joint statement, Novoselic and Grohl said they "didn't know" Kurt's image would be used in this way and urged Guitar Hero 5 manufacturer Activision to "do the right thing in 're-locking' Kurt's character." Activision responded by claiming it had permission to use Cobain's image from the late rocker's estate. Meanwhile, Courtney Love claimed breach of contract and that she never signed a contract allowing this wide-ranging use of Cobain's likeness. If Activision doesn't make any changes to the game, Love might take legal action against them.

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Marianne

Now I'm gonna say my peace.

I have been a diehard Bon Jovi fan since I was 12 years old, I am now above the age of 35. I can honestly say I see just as many men at a Jovi show as I do women of all ages.

The unique thing about Bon jovi is you look out into the audience and they are ALL into the show, and I am talking about a fan base that now ranges over 4 generations. I see Grandma in first row....YEP FRONT ROW! and then I see a Mom and Dad that took their 6 year old daughter because she likes them too. This is not Fluff, this is not crap. There is substance to the lyrics, because if there wasn't? They wouldn't have sold over 125 million Albums worldwide in 26 years. Their Shows wouldn't sell out in less then an hour that's for sure.

Not only Jon and The band's ability to draw a crowd and write great lyrics is the ability to do great work in the community. Your talking about a man, thru his Philly Soul Foundation has funded the building of many homes for Habitat for Humanity and has also Donated MILLIONS of dollars for Hurrican Katrina Victims in the South. Has bent over backwards for local organizations in his home state of New Jersey.

Please do not Diss a Man, that DOES use what he has for the GOOD. He knows there are people out there less fortunate, he also knows that he is a very, very lucky man.

He also knows that jerks like you lot exsist. and you know what he does? He smiles about it. Misery Loves Company! Jon chooses to use his energy in a much more fruitful manner.

Just smile =)

October 26 2009 at 2:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
amber

i think that the people on this game should only be able to sing there music.. they have other people on the game to play all the songs.. you have to unlock special players like Slash and i guess now Kurt.. but if you unlock kurt you should deff only be allowed to play nirvana songs.

September 24 2009 at 2:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gangakris

Artists get duped on contracts all the time. I know of someone who got rich of James Brown by having him sign off $.25 of every dollar when Brown was struggling. What about the contract dispute that made Prince change his name for a bit? Not to mention John Fogerty! He only found out later he doesn't own any of the C.C.R. songs he wrote. The music business makes a living on duping the artists. The standard starting contract is 100% of publishing rights and 25% - 50% of writing copyrights. The main money? The publishing rights. That's for all the recorded versions of a song. I studied the music business for 3 years at Long Beach City Collage.

September 18 2009 at 12:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
whattim

So you buy someones music and you think they are greedy because they do not want thier likeness used on a game? You only say this, because no one would use your likeness on anything.
it is called show business for a reason. other wise you would be getting free music. By the way, one of you play one of your hits..
bitter little people

September 18 2009 at 12:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rick

JON BON BLOW ME!

September 17 2009 at 11:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Gil

Elvis is alive! Alive I tell ya!!

September 17 2009 at 11:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jessie

sounds to me there are just a bunch of haters out there.
Bon Jovi never did anything to any of you. leave them alone.

September 17 2009 at 11:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rick Alger

Zip it Bon Jovi....you didn't sign on because its all about $$$$....your all greedy Bastards

September 17 2009 at 10:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chad

Hey Jon...they're just "spreading the wealth around." Since you're dumb enough to support Democrats like Obama and al gore, then at least be smart enough to shut the * up! Bon Jovi is actually my favorite band...love the music, but come on.

September 17 2009 at 10:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jovigirl Jen

Hey, hey, hey-- Once a pin-up?? Jon Bon Jovi is STILL A PIN UP!!!!

September 17 2009 at 10:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply