Sex Pistols re-record 'Anarchy in the UK' for GH III
The Sex Pistols Re-Record 'Anarchy in the U.K.' for Guitar Hero(TM) III:
Legends of Rock
Famous for Kick Starting a Musical and Cultural Revolution, Original
Members of The Sex Pistols Enter the Studio for the First Time in 30
Years
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sep 25, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Activision, Inc.
(Nasdaq:ATVI) announced today that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees
The Sex Pistols, who famously turned down the award, recently returned
to the studio to re-record "Anarchy in the U.K.," which will be included
in Guitar Hero(TM) III: Legends of Rock as a master track. Now, fans can
perform their own live version of the punk anthem in the next
installment of the #1 best-selling music and rhythm video game
franchise.
The Sex Pistols were an obvious choice for Guitar Hero, having
established themselves as the definitive punk band of the 1970s. Unable
to locate the original multi-tracks for inclusion in the game,
Activision invited the band back into the studio to re-record a couple
of songs including "Anarchy in the U.K." Original members John Lydon on
vocals, guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook re-teamed with
producer Chris Thomas, utilizing the original analog sound desk (circa
1969) that was built for George Martin at Air Studios, London, England
in order to maintain the classic sound.
Thirty years ago this fall, the song was first included on The Sex
Pistols' only studio album, "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex
Pistols" which will be re-issued on vinyl on October 29, 2007, in its
exact original format, including poster and Submission 7". The single
'Anarchy In The UK' will also be re-issued on vinyl on October 1, along
with three other classic singles throughout October. Celebrating this
milestone, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will be sponsoring the
historic Sex Pistols show at The Brixton Academy in London taking place
on November 8, 2007.
John Lydon stated that "Re-recording them (the songs)--what a stress you
put on us but we rose to the occasion I think...admirably!" Adding that,
"a bit of anarchy in a video game is alright by me."
"It was great for Guitar Hero to, in a way, get us back in the studio. I
wasn't sure how it was going to turn out but it actually turned out
great and I think everyone held their own," said Steve Jones. "I like it
(Guitar Hero) because my friends' kids like it. And I like what kids
like."
"Guitar Hero fans have been requesting more punk rock in the game since
its first iteration," said Tim Riley, Activision worldwide executive of
music. "We are honored that The Sex Pistols went into the studio after
30 years, so that we could have a song from the most renowned punk band
of all time in the game."
"We are proud to have joined forces with such a legendary and
influential band as The Sex Pistols for Guitar Hero III: Legends of
Rock," said Kai Huang, president and co-founder of RedOctane. "We are
very excited to partner with them on their 30th Anniversary and expose
them to an entirely new generation of fans through the game."
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will include explosive new content and
features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling
boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually
stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer game modes will also
allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true legendary
rock status. For the first time ever, Guitar Hero fans will also be able
to thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for
each platform. The game will feature a star-studded soundtrack including
master tracks by such legendary artists as Guns N' Roses, The Rolling
Stones, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam as well as
original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. The sequel also
will offer a vast array of downloadable content including songs from
some of the most popular European bands.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, published by RedOctane(R) and
developed by Neversoft, is rated 'T' for Teen by the ESRB and will be
available October 28, 2007. For more information about the Guitar Hero
franchise, please visit the dedicated community site:
www.guitarhero.com.