Led Zeppelin not “comfortable” with Songs in Guitar Hero, Rock Band
By Tyler Ryan on Jul 3, 2008 in News
Led Zeppelin aren't comfortable granting game companies access to their master tracks
The article mentioned that some bands just don’t seem to be interested in using Rock Band or Guitar Hero, and Led Zeppelin seems to be one of those bands. Peter Mensch of Q Prime Management mentioned that both Activision and MTV have tried to get some Led Zeppelin for their games, but have not had much luck.
Based on the article I think it might be a while before we get a Led Zeppelin song to play along with.
“Led Zeppelin’s thundering riffs are among the most sought after by music game makers, but the group’s guitarist, Jimmy Page, and his bandmates have repeatedly turned down offers from both Activision and MTV, says Peter Mensch, a partner at Q Prime Management, which manages Mr. Page, along with Metallica and other acts.
“The sticking point: The band isn’t comfortable with the prospect of granting outsiders access to its master tapes, a necessary step in creating the games. “It ain’t about the money,” Mr. Mensch says.”
This will certainly upset many a Zeppelin fan, but the article does go on to mention that Van Halen, the Eagles, Steely Dan and Guns N’ Roses “all have deals of varying types in the works with one or the other or both of these companies”
Source: Wall Street Journal - Aerosmith Stars in Guitar Hero Video Game via ScoreHero Forums
While it’s understandable that they wouldn’t want to give their master tapes to just anybody, I think a well-established developer in the genre like Harmonix could be trusted. At the very least, you could have someone carefully monitor their work or even have the band members work with them. (The three living ones at any rate.) Still though, I’d even settle for some covers if they can find a good enough Robert Plant impersonator and a good band to back him. There’s a really good group called Virtual Zeppelin on youtube. Their singer would be perfect, and the band members as well. There’s no excuse for no covers if all they’re uncomfortable with is using masters.
Rex | Jul 3, 2008 | Reply
Rex, I’d love to see that but I think it’s gotten to a point where covers, although understandable in this case, would be frowned upon now that Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour only have master tracks.
Plus Led Zeppelin would be such a big score that I doubt either publisher would be willing to allow a cover, lest Led Zeppelin disapprove of it and sway their favor towards another publisher.
The way I see it, we need to start a letter and email writing campaign to get Led Zeppelin to approve songs for the game..
Hmm… this gives me an idea…
Tyler | Jul 3, 2008 | Reply
Hopefully someday we will be able to play some Zeppelin, hopefully someday…
ZED | Jul 4, 2008 | Reply
I understand their wanting to protect their material, but at some point you have to think of your fans and what they’re clamoring for. Is it so bad to make money and give your fans a version of your music they really want? I know quite a few classic rock fans who haven’t played video games forever that are in love with Rock Band and would kill for some Zep.
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