No Doubt sues company over video-game feature

No Doubt sues company over video-game feature

LOS ANGELES — No Doubt has sued video-game maker Activision for putting words in band members’ mouths.

The band sued Activision Publishing Inc. over a feature in the new “Band Hero” game that allows players to control virtual band members and have them sing other artists’ songs.

The lawsuit claims a feature allows players to have lead singer Gwen Stefani perform suggestive lyrics from the Rolling Stones’ hit “Honky Tonk Women.” The suit also notes a virtual version of bassist Tony Kanal can be made to sing his band’s hit “Just a Girl,” but with Stefani’s voice.

The game, an offshoot of Activision’s popular “Guitar Hero” series, went on sale Tuesday.

The company, which is based in Santa Monica, Calif., said in a statement that it engaged in extensive negotiations with No Doubt’s management and have a valid written agreement for their participation in “Band Hero.”

Today’s birthdays

Country singer Guy Clark is 68. Actress Sally Field is 63. Singer Glenn Frey is 61. Singer Corey Glover of Living Colour is 45. Actor Ethan Hawke is 39.