Prince: 1, Guitar Hero: 0

[arniejolt]

Activision may be able to throw their fat rolls of cash at bands like Metallica and Aerosmith, but there's one man who was approached by the company and turned them down: Prince.

Yes, the man who is perhaps the greatest living American says in an interview with Tavis Smiley that Activision once approached him over the series (presumably for downloadable content), offering cash money in return for licensing rights.

And Prince said no dice.

"I ain't mad at them. I hear it made, like, $2 billion and they came to us and offered us a very small portion of that. But I just think it's more important that kids learn how to actually play the guitar", he told Smiley.

"It's a tough instrument — it's not easy. It took me a long time, and it was frustrating at first. And you just have to stick with it, and it's cool for people who don't have time to learn the chords or ain't interested in it, but to play music is one of the greatest things."

"To create something from nothing is one of the greatest feelings, and I would — I don't know, I wish it upon everybody. It's heaven."

Don't get mad. It's Prince.

From Kotaku:
http://kotaku.com/5233753/prince-turned-down-guitar-heros-diamonds--pearls

[mimic]

Ignorant douche.

I play real guitar. These games are an interactive way to listen to music. Maybe someone should have sent him the memo. :rolleyes:

[xXjAmEZXx]

Ignorant douche.

I play real guitar. These games are an interactive way to listen to music. Maybe someone should have sent him the memo. :rolleyes:

this only insert a used to in front of the play.



how can he not understand ITS JUST A GAME

[Starfleet_Rambo]

Prince is the man!

I didn't buy a REALZ bass guitar until after playing and loving Rock Band!

These silly games are good for nuthin'! Go Prince! :rolleyes:

[StormEagle]

You do realise that this means that HMX most likely won't get Prince either?

[Magnet]

I've never been fond of Prince's music. I don't know why, but it just doesn't appeal to me from what I've heard.


"I ain't mad at them. I hear it made, like, $2 billion and they came to us and offered us a very small portion of that. But I just think it's more important that kids learn how to actually play the guitar", he told Smiley.

While I certainly don't doubt that Activision offered very small portions of money, I think it's important to recognize that these games are what's driving many kids to become interested in learning how to play real guitars. To dismiss that connection completely seems silly.

[kiggidykev]

Didn't Nickelback say the same thing, and they had a song come out the next week?

[killer_roach]

Didn't Nickelback say the same thing, and they had a song come out the next week?

Ever since Prince became a Jehovah's Witness, it has become exponentially more difficult to buy him off. He's definitely gone off into the aether of "make music for the sake of art and put your reputation on the line to promote new artistic talent", or something like that.

[moose39]

Ever since Prince became a Jehovah's Witness, it has become exponentially more difficult to buy him off. He's definitely gone off into the aether of "make music for the sake of art and put your reputation on the line to promote new artistic talent", or something like that.

I would know. My grandma's a Jehova's Witness. She doesn't celebrate her birthday anymore, since she says everyday is a celebration!

I told her, "Hey grandma, let's get some balloons and have a party. It's Tuesday."

I love Prince's music. Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, that'd be amazing in Rock Band--especially Purple Rain--if when he says "Come on everybody raise your HANDS" it starts raining purple water. THAT'D BE SOOOOO SICK.

[Runesmith]

DAMNIT.

Prince is on my list of "Top Ten Artists That Need To Be In A Rhythm Game"...talk about dissapointing. This probably means he won't appear in RB, either.

At least he didn't outright insult the players of GH/RB like Chad Kroeger did.

[moose39]

DAMNIT.

Prince is on my list of "Top Ten Artists That Need To Be In A Rhythm Game"...talk about dissapointing. This probably means he won't appear in RB, either.

At least he didn't outright insult the players of GH/RB like Chad Kroeger did.

Prince = a man so badass and so feminine, he's masculine. At a point in his life, guys wanted to be him and girls want to be with him. He makes amazing music and everyone knows it. He's like the Sean Connery of the music business.

Chad Kroeger = a female dog. Hasn't anyone ever seen the FailBlog video of rocks being thrown at him?

[Nuff_Said]

prince is too elitist for me.

[HeavyMetalKing]

I don't like Prince's music. I could go into why, but I get the feeling it would piss a lot of people off, so I'm going to just stick with saying I don't like it. So, overall, the idea of him not being in music games is no disappointment to me.

[HMXThrasher]

I've never been fond of Prince's music. I don't know why, but it just doesn't appeal to me from what I've heard.



Blasphemy! I'm totally going to fight you now.


Prince = a man so badass and so feminine, he's masculine. At a point in his life, guys wanted to be him and girls want to be with him. He makes amazing music and everyone knows it. He's like the Sean Connery of the music business.



This. FTW. I will high five you.

[Renrock]

I love my rhythm games , but he makes a good point.

Sucks we'll probably never see his work in Rock Band though.

[Magnet]

Blasphemy! I'm totally going to fight you now.

Feel adrenaline rush
Jump into the pit
Kicking as you push
Braced for the hit!

[jayou521]

Aw man. :(

There goes my hopes for Purple Rain full album DLC... "Computer Blue" would be amazingly fun

[Banky71]

Underrated guitar player. So Mr. Prince sir if this is the only comcern you have with these games why not use the proceeds from said music games to buy guitars for the people whom can't afford them.

[Mex]

... the man who is perhaps the greatest living American...

What?!! lol

[Zeleii]

Didn't Nickelback say the same thing, and they had a song come out the next week?
Chad "Tool" Kroeger said 'Rock Band and Guitar Hero are the reason kids are making bad music nowadays."

[Banky71]

Chad "Tool" Kroeger said 'Rock Band and Guitar Hero are the reason kids are making bad music nowadays."


Is that really what he said? That is so awesomly ironic.

[Mex]

I had a discussion with a friend of mine recently who is a songrwiter and aspiring musician. He sort of rolled his eyes a bit when I mentioned Rock Band and when I asked what his beef was he said that he was afraid kids would think that playing on these plastic instruments was making music and that they wouldn't learn how to play for real.

I could actually understand what he meant, from the perspective of someone who has never played a rhythm game. I pointed out that we need to give these young kids some more credit, I'm pretty positive that even at a young age they realise they are not playing a real guitar or drums. Just like I knew I wasn't really driving a car when I used to play Outrun at the Arcade.

I also mentioned that RB and GH have brought older classic music to a younger generation and newer music to an older generation.

I don't see anything negative about rhythm games and the future of real musicians.

EDIT: Also, if RB can inspire me at age 30 to learn how to play real drums, I can only imagine how many youngters are getting that same inspiration.

[timmay9]

I dropped the RB guitar for a real one, and now exclusively play drums, even though I'm slowly started to only play real drums as well. Once you get good at a real instrument, I think sometimes the game loses its effect. I know plenty of classmates who quit guitar lessons because it was too "hard". I still play RB at parties with large groups of people, but I no longer play just by myself.

[Mex]

I dropped the RB guitar for a real one, and now exclusively play drums, even though I'm slowly started to only play real drums as well. Once you get good at a real instrument, I think sometimes the game loses its effect. I know plenty of classmates who quit guitar lessons because it was too "hard". I still play RB at parties with large groups of people, but I no longer play just by myself.

I kinda know what you mean. Recently I've been messing around on my buddy's real drum kit. What a rush, kind of addicting. So now my RB drums seem....a little less....shiny.

[Zidane]

Shouldn't it be Prince: 1 Guitar Hero and Rock Band: 0? This isn't good news at all.

[Renrock]

lmao @ whoever made the Prince symbol in the tags. :D

[FastSolo.]

Prince is the ''LRN2PLAY REAL GUITAR'' commenter on youtube.

[toymachineSH]

Screw Prince!

that pompous ass covers Radiohead - Creep and won't even let Thom Yorke see it because none of his material can be available anywhere online.

[RedBaron45]

Chad Kroeger = a female dog. Hasn't anyone ever seen the FailBlog video of rocks being thrown at him?

Link?

[Insane3]

Don't get mad, most people don't understand video games. They are afraid of it. Seriously. They think that video games are creating a generation of freaks. Ignorance is the basis for prejudice.

[HeyRiles]

Probably for the best. I'm sure somehow, someway, a phallic symbol would unwittingly make its way into the game. Then a situation of GTA:San Andreas would be played out

[Jorm]

It's his music, he can do with it as he wishes. I think his opinion is uninformed, but it's his call.

I wouldn't be all that interested in his catalogue, anyhow. I'd pick them up for the party value, though.

[moose39]

This. FTW. I will high five you.

Yes! *high five*

Thanks so much! A HMX employee has never quoted me before.

[thesicklyill]

Who is smiley?

[Avatar_Ko]

He has no idea what he's talking about. Tons of people have started to learn an instrument thanks to Rock Band. I'm in week 5 of my class right now, just need to decide whether to play Stand By Me or Love Me Do for my midterm.

[Lockheed]

Too bad, I could get down to some Prince. Come on HMX tip his scale, lol.

[xXjAmEZXx]

Chad "Tool" Kroeger said 'Rock Band and Guitar Hero are the reason kids are making bad music nowadays."

no

Nickelback are the reason for bad music

[jeronemitchell]

You do realise that this means that HMX most likely won't get Prince either?

And therein lies my sadness. :(

[jeronemitchell]

Aw man. :(

There goes my hopes for Purple Rain full album DLC... "Computer Blue" would be amazingly fun

THIS!

"Computer Blue" slowly became my favorite track on "Purple Rain"... I OVE the entire album, but that was the ONLY song that was not played out in New Orleans radio during that time frame. I am not being metaphoric. Every other track hit the radio except that.

MAN... I can't go into how much I would have paid for "Purple Rain" (or "Diamonds and Pearls") as full album DLC...

[leftover_crack]

hes also shooting down hmx by the reasons he gave

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

ITT: Ignorant fanboys attack an artist with an opinion.

[comedyhour]

So Prince turned them down....big freaking deal....as if that clown is even relevant anymore..........

[kibblesand123]

well for once someone makes a good descicion in this country...

T_T

[toymachineSH]

ITT: Ignorant fanboys attack an artist with an opinion.

Bull****- the man is insane.

[travmeatwad]

He has no idea what he's talking about. Tons of people have started to learn an instrument thanks to Rock Band. I'm in week 5 of my class right now, just need to decide whether to play Stand By Me or Love Me Do for my midterm.
Love Me Do.

[Stratikeo]

Looool. I thought Prince was the lead singer for Queen.
(but seriously, LOL Activision.)

[AxlVanHagar]

So Prince turned them down....big freaking deal....as if that clown is even relevant anymore..........


Considering his latest album is his fourth album in a row to be Top 3 selling album in the US I'd say he's still pretty relevant.

[cromartie90000]

ITT: Ignorant fanboys attack an artist with an opinion.

Ha ha, I was going to say something like that. I think Prince is just fine, a lot of the people who post on these forums are pretty extreme about their feelings about this game. "SOMEONE DOESN'T LIKE THIS GAME?! THEY MUST BE STUPID!!"

He didn't say he HATED the games, he just said he wasn't willing to sell his music to Guitar Hero. He's not a mean, BAD, man.

He probably just doesn't want to whore his music out.

[Runesmith]

Ha ha, I was going to say something like that. I think Prince is just fine, a lot of the people who post on these forums are pretty extreme about their feelings about this game. "SOMEONE DOESN'T LIKE THIS GAME?! THEY MUST BE STUPID!!"

He didn't say he HATED the games, he just said he wasn't willing to sell his music to Guitar Hero. He's not a mean, BAD, man.

He probably just doesn't want to whore his music out.

I agree. Now, as a pretty big Prince fan I'm not happy about his decision, but he's entitled to it. I'm just glad he didn't insult the games or the people who played them, like Chad Kroeger did.

He'll probably turn around eventually, especially once he sees how successful The Beatles game is. Prince loves The Beatles.

[toymachineSH]

He doesn't want his music to be anywhere but on his website/his CDs/his DVDs he's insane- you guys give him too much credit.

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

He doesn't want his music to be anywhere but on his website/his CDs/his DVDs he's insane- you guys give him too much credit.

He's insane for not whoring out his music? You're really overreacting.

[Transbrak]

All HMX has to do is invite him over for pancakes and a game of basketball......I would love to have some Prince

[Ultimatum]

Shirts vs Blouses.

[FloodOne]

He probably just doesn't want to whore his music out.

Super Bowl 41

It doesn't get much more whore-y than that

[AxlVanHagar]

Super Bowl 41

It doesn't get much more whore-y than that


Only if your name is Aerosmith and perform your biggest hit with NSYNC, Britney Spears and Nelly.

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

Or if your name is Jimmy Page and you let P Diddy rape your baby.

[AxlVanHagar]

Or if your name is Jimmy Page and you let P Diddy rape your baby.

But...but...Page said Diddy's version was even better than the original. :rolleyes:

[toymachineSH]

he's insane for not whoring out his music? You're really overreacting.

he doesn't own the rights to the song creep
it's not his song

[HeavyMetalKing]

Or if your name is Jimmy Page and you let P Diddy rape your baby.

I thought the Leona Lewis thing was even worse. "I'm not going to sing this part because it might ruin my image." Really now? Then why in the hell would you agree to sing with Page in the first place if you were going to whine about the lyrics? I personally would have told her to screw off, but I guess money's too tempting even when you've got enough to live the rest of your life without ever lifting a finger again.

I don't know, maybe I'm just too protective of the things I create.

[AxlVanHagar]

he doesn't own the rights to the song creep
it's not his song

Oh let it go. Agreed it was silly of him to get all goofy over the performance being posted to places such as YouTube. He is overly paranoid about being "exploited" , has been for years ever since Warner screwed him over with bad contracts. Ultimately his fault for sigining them but I can understand the frustration he has over it. I wish he wasn't so paranoid but he is.

[Ledgo2]

Eh. Oh well.

To the people who are mad/angry at prince, his music, he doesn't HAVE to put it in there.

[xXjAmEZXx]

Eh. Oh well.

To the people who are mad/angry at prince, his music, he doesn't HAVE to put it in there.

yes he does

[cromartie90000]

I like how most of the people complaining in this thread have said they don't like his music, but continue to complain about Prince not letting Guitar Hero have any of his songs, as if anyone is ENTITLED to them.

Throwing tantrums because you can't have something you don't even want. Silly. Selfish too.

Shame on him for not being desperate for attention like other dinosaur bands are.

[playmike]

so using his logic...

i should go street racing instead of playing Need for Speed

or join the army instead of playing Call of Duty?

:confused:

[DethTung]

I've got a way to get him to allow a song in. If anyone wants to hear it, respond.

Too late, I'm doing it anyway!

How about allowing Prince to help with development in exchange for a song being in there?

[maryryanbogard]

so using his logic...

i should go street racing instead of playing Need for Speed

or join the army instead of playing Call of Duty?

:confused:
It's like I said in the other thread that got closed (and, stupid me, I didn't know this thread already existed at the time):

So I should put down "Super Smash Brothers Brawl" and beat the crap out of real people and things with real weapons ranging from the silly (like pinball bumpers, banana peels, and turnips) to the actually quite dangerous (like swords, motion sensor bombs, and sledgehammers)? Pick up a real broom and fly around on it instead of playing "Quidditch World Cup"? Is playing the old school Mario games what prevented me from going in and out of real pipes, stomping on real turtles, and freeing real princesses from real dungeons? Maybe my dad should put down "Warhawk", "Bad Company", and all other games of that type he owns and re-enlist in the real military. Maybe my roommate should get rid of all her Pokemon games (of both the video and card persuasion) and go put some real animals in little balls to be summoned at will.

Speaking of my roommate, she has played a real guitar, and a real violin. Both my siblings have/still do play real instruments of some kind (guitar and otherwise)- in fact, my brother is currently working towards a BA in music. And little known fact: playing RB or GHWT/GHM as a vocalist requires one to actually sing.

Say, has a sports figure refused their name and likeness to appear in Madden or any other sports game? Since we all know that prevents kids from playing real sports. :rolleyes:

Overall, what I'm trying to say is: Prince's logic=fail.

[Ferocious Q]

At least he didn't outright insult the players of GH/RB like Chad Kroeger did.

what did that douche say?

[trench762]

k, a little off topic but anyone heard the new prince album yet? I saw a commercial for it a while back and it looked pretty amazing, not sure if it's been released or even leaked yet though.

[DethTung]

lotusflow3r is out.

[trench762]

just read a harsh review of it, apparently it's not worth 12$ for 3 discs even for prince fans, of course i don't trust anything but my ears, the artwork on the album alone looks worth 12$, but I'd like to hear some feedback if anyone's heard it.

[AxlVanHagar]

just read a harsh review of it, apparently it's not worth 12$ for 3 discs even for prince fans, of course i don't trust anything but my ears, the artwork on the album alone looks worth 12$, but I'd like to hear some feedback if anyone's heard it.


Frogwash I say! The albums are great. Especially if you're a fan of his old school 80's sound, it's back in spades especially on the 3rd album MPLSOUND. The electronic drums, his Camille voice the whole 9 yards right down to the song wrting/structure as well. The first track sounds like it could have been a leftover from 1999 and there are others that sound like they would fit in perfectly on Purple Rain or Dirty Mind. The 2nd album in the set is good mix of his old school sensabilities coupled with his currwent jazzier sound. His cover of Crimson and Clover mixed with Hendrix's cover of Wild Thing is brilliant! Haven't listend to the other album in the pack as I tend to not give a **** about whatever his current protege is doing. IMO best and most solid effort from since Sign O' The Times.

[cromartie90000]

so using his logic...

i should go street racing instead of playing Need for Speed

or join the army instead of playing Call of Duty?

:confused:
That wouldn't be using anyone's logic at all, it would be ABANDONING logic.


Prince's logic=fail.

Not as bad as yours I'm afraid. :/

[mimic]

That wouldn't be using anyone's logic at all, it would be ABANDONING logic.



Not as bad as yours I'm afraid. :/

He could have given a reason of not wanting his art form being used in a video game. Hell he doesn't even need to give a reason, but he did and that reason just makes him look ignorant/stupid.

[maryryanbogard]

He could have given a reason of not wanting his art form being used in a video game. Hell he doesn't even need to give a reason, but he did and that reason just makes him look ignorant/stupid.
Thank you!

Frankly, I don't care that much if we get Prince DLC or not. However, this "blame the games" attitude of society in general gets to me.

[cromartie90000]

He could have given a reason of not wanting his art form being used in a video game. Hell he doesn't even need to give a reason, but he did and that reason just makes him look ignorant/stupid.
I don't think NOT taking a video game seriously is enough say someone is ignorant or stupid. I don't take Rockband seriously, I know musicians who have said they'd never want their music in Rockband because they would feel like they're selling out.


Thank you!

Frankly, I don't care that much if we get Prince DLC or not. However, this "blame the games" attitude of society in general gets to me.
Lot's of things get to me but I don't go around acting like an idiot because of it.

[maryryanbogard]

Lot's of things get to me but I don't go around acting like an idiot because of it.

So expressing an opinion you don't agree with is "going around acting like an idiot"? :rolleyes:

On-topic: I ask again, did a sports figure turn down use of his name and likeness in Madden or any other sports game because he thought sports games meant no one would want to play/learn to play real football, baseball, or whatever? If so, who was it and link to the article/interview/whatever please.

One last thing: I'm suprised that (as far as I know) no one's posted this link (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3171507) yet.

[Transbrak]

I don't think anyone read the OP, he doesn't bash the game.

He just gave an opinion and decided not to give his songs out...last I checked he has that right....and everyone calls him ignorant and greedy.

[mimic]

I don't think NOT taking a video game seriously is enough say someone is ignorant or stupid. I don't take Rockband seriously, I know musicians who have said they'd never want their music in Rockband because they would feel like they're selling out.

See now that is a good reason. Like I said though, he doesn't even need to give a reason. The one he gave doesn't make sense and just shows his ignorance. I never said I take rock band seriously. I'm in the minority on the polls for "do you sit or stand when playing guitar" cause I pick sit. I'm not pretending to be a rock star. For me these games are just an interesting and interactive way to listen to music.

If I want to play guitar I will. It has nothing to do with rock band. He assumes kids are playing these games INSTEAD of learning an instrument. That's just not the case. It's actually the opposite. Never have I heard of someone who was interested in learning an instrument say "I was going to, but guitar hero is pretty much the same so I'm not going to bother now."

[AxlVanHagar]

On-topic: I ask again, did a sports figure turn down use of his name and likeness in Madden or any other sports game because he thought sports games meant no one would want to play/learn to play real football, baseball, or whatever? If so, who was it and link to the article/interview/whatever please.
.

Plenty of "old timers" don't though that's more of a money issue. Not that it matters, I can easily look up who played on the 1977 Montreal Canadians and edit the names. :D

In any case there's a surprisng amount of musicians who dislike these games, I don't get it and I don't agree with it. Hell even if it doesn't inspire someone to go out and pick up a real instrument they should be looking at it as an alternative way to sell their product and promote their music wether it's new or back catalog. Whatever , there's more than enough bands that do support these games to keep me happy.