Legendary punk-rock band Sex Pistols honored Activision’s invitation to re-record their famous “Anarchy in the U.K.” track in the original studio, especially for the Guitar Hero III game.
“Anarchy in the U.K.” will be included as a master track in Guitar Hero III and the reason for which Sex Pistols were invited by Activision in studio again is related to the loss of the original vinyl recording. 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, adds new features and content including a new multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a bevy of exclusive unlockable content and authentic rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer game modes will also allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true legendary rock status.
The game comes with a plethora of high profile names and famous songs, like:
Paint It Black (by The Rolling Stones)
Cherub Rock (by Smashing Pumpkins)
Sabotage (by Beastie Boys)
The Metal (by Tenacious D)
My Name is Jonas (by Weezer)
Knights of Cydonia (by Muse)
Rock And Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss)
School's Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
Slow Ride (as made famous by Fog Hat)
Cult of Personality (by Living Colour)
Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)
Thanks to Aspyr Media, Guitar Hero III will be available not only for the gaming console owners but also for PC and Mac gamers. The Austin-based company announced that is closely working with Activision and the PC and Mac versions will be available this fall.
Aspyr Media’s GH III will be a direct port from Xbox 360 and the players will control the character with mouse and keyboard, but the game will be bundled with a USB peripheral that looks like a real Gibson guitar.
