When Guitar Hero 5 launched and gamers discovered the many ways they could make a mockery of the in-game avatar of the deceased Kurt Cobain, some people were mighty upset. His former band mates expressed disappointment in the game, while his widow Courtney Love sued publisher Activision, stating that the contract she had with Activision did not allow them to do whatever they wanted with his virtual likeness. Most people didn’t take the lawsuit too seriously, since Courtney Love is batshit crazy, and figured she must have signed away the rights to Cobain without realizing it. Now a similar lawsuit is brewing over Band Hero, with band No Doubt upset over their own avatars.

Apparently, No Doubt agreed to license their likenesses to perform three of their own songs in the game, but the band alleges Activision turned them into “virtual karaoke players” by making them playable for any of the game’s songs. Rolling Stone’s Rock and Roll Daily has the full statement from the band:

“Musical artists No Doubt announced that they have filed a lawsuit against Activision Publishing today, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 and are seeking an injunction and damages.

No Doubt agreed to place avatars containing their name and likeness performing three No Doubt songs in the upcoming Band Hero game of the Guitar Hero series from Activision.

Without the band’s knowledge or approval Activision turned the group into virtual karaoke players by having them perform over 60 additional songs by other musical groups.

Additionally Activision allowed the groups character to be isolated into solo performances of these cover songs and placed randomly in countless variations contrary to the agreement between the parties.

Despite repeated requests by the band that Activision honor its contract Activision has refused claiming the necessary fix would be too expensive.”

At this point I don’t know what to think, so I’ll have to reserve judgment until more of the facts come to light. I find it hard to believe that a multibillion dollar company like Activision would open themselves up to potential lawsuits by exploiting artists in ways not stipulated in their written contracts. On the other hand, No Doubt’s statement is much more coherent than Courtney Love’s insane Twitter ramblings, which adds a lot of weight to the allegations.

I really hope we find out more about these lawsuits, and whether or not Activision is in breach of any contracts. If so, expect more artists featured in Band Hero or Guitar Hero 5 to bring on their own lawsuits. We’ll keep you posted.