Prince kissed off Guitar Hero deal

It's a freaking game! To play a real guitar you need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a nice guitar and decent amp or hundreds for a decent acoustic guitar. You need to spend hundreds or thousands on lessons. You need to devote a good number of hours every day to study music theory, practice and you need to have some talent. Guitar Hero is a fun video game that almost anyone can learn quickly and play withing a matter of minutes after using the tutorials. It is fun to have bands contribute to the game, have exclusive games, and make millions of dollars in a time when the music industry is losing billions of dollars, but the bands are not neccessary. I have played GH since the first version came out nd was hard to find. The early versions of GH did not have the actual songs played by the bands that created them and it was still fun, Having exclusive versions and the actual bands has improved the game but not necessary for it to succeeed. Guitar Hero will be sucessful with or without the actual bands. Rather than act like an elitist Prince should thank activision for offering him the opportunity to have an exclusive version of one of the most popular video games of all time, across all platforms, reaching millions of people who never would buy a Prince record.

I guess i see why he turned it down so im not mad.

You know, some people who play Guitar Hero just don't want to learn the instrument, myself included. I'm sure its just loads of fun, but I don't give a rat's ass. Its getting to be an old arguement against the franchise.

This reminds me of the Southpark "Guitar Hero" episode they did.

I can understand Prince's stance on this. Many kids do play Guitar hero and will never learn the joy of learning actual guitar. I mean with all the time and effort to learn to button mash you might actual learn something worthwhile.

Do video games take away from the real thing, of course they do. Let's face it video games steal time for everything. With most of us either working or attending school, studying and doing homework. We all only have a limited amount of time to play. So your either learning the guitar chords or red,blue,yellow, green, reading a book, or playing basketball.

Also the curves for sense of accomplishment between a game and the actual thing are vastly different. With Guitar hero you get crowds cheering you on, awards and trophies. All the real guitar gives you is a sense of self satisfaction. You don't get to take what you've learn and play in front of others. But Guitar hero gives you various locations.

I think Prince remembers the struggle to learn the guitar and then get people to listen as a huge task. The joy of his first concert and of learning to write his own songs.

the other side of this is that many will tire of GH and actually pick up a real guitar or drum set. Just be aware that your in for a long hard road with a great prize at the end.

I think it's possible to make a game that can actually teach people to play the guitar, they should make that, could sell well

History has shown that Prince has been really sensitive when it comes to his music so I think they're is an underlying cause to his rejection. He did make it good point but look at the reason why he changed his name to a symbol in the first place. Outstanding artist tho

AAh very true but thats like telling people who do karaoke that "Hey, I'd much prefer if you'd go learn how to sing." Although I do agree with him, the game was not meant to replace learning how to play a guitar. To me, it's just karaoke and fun. I play a real guitar btw.

I agree with him though i am sad he turned it down :(

And for people that can't play guitar this is a good alternative. Would they sell a purple coat and size 5 shoes to go with the theme? Maybe a wig too.....It could be called "The Game Formerly known As Guitar Hero" hahahaha

I agree with him, people think it's just so freaking easy to play the guitar because they are enough of a no-lifer to beat the game on expert.

Meh. IMO there are too many GH games already. I'm still playing GH2.

@gamepunk86. Prince isn't gay A little strange, yes. Gay no. As for Prince's comments in the interview, I think the Gamespot write-up is a little bit misleading. If you watch the interview, Prince laughs when Tavis Smiley mentions Guitar Hero, and then Prince puts his answer together. I got the sense that Prince really does see Guitar Hero as just a passing fad--not something he would really consider regardless of the money involved. But, he tried to give a diplomatic response to the question that wouldn't needlessly offend people. He really is a class act, shrewd businessman, and brilliant musician--once you get past the odd venir.

Its stupid for yall to believe people think Guitar hero > Real guitar But the fact of the matter is that, this is a game for enjoyment and getting friends together to play for your favorite songs. Its highly unlikely all of your friends know how to play the guitar,bass and drums good enough to play actually songs. GH/RB is for fun. IT IS NOT a substitute for playing actually guitar,bass and drums.

Good for Prince . As a gamer, it's too bad - I'd actually buy a Prince Guitar Hero... but as a lover of music, and a fan of people that actually play it, I'm 100% behind his sentiment.

Well said Prince. Guitar Hero = no skill needed. Guitar = skill

YESSSS WHY CANT EVERYONE BE LIKE THIS Real guitar > guitar hero

I play the Bass, i understand his view but not everyone that plays GH or RB wants to play them in real life. its just a game and at the end of the day its all in good fun.

Dislike Prince as an "artist," but he said something that I always thought. If you're able to spend hours on in learning how to button mash, why not pick up the damn instrument and learn it? Invest in something that's better than achievements. Wait, what? Is that possible?

Where were these people when The Sims came out? If games are evil because they detract time from the real thing then The Sims should be top of the list. Not that I don't love The Sims or Guitar Hero, just making a point. "Look, I got a job! Combined with my gnome design I should have two sources of primary income and get far on this game" "Good, now go get a real one!" Seems like a bit of a buzzkill for an entertainment medium, no? The very point of my previous posted comment was that videogames are not a replacement for reality, and therefore should not be judged on those merits- many Guitar Hero fans DO play real guitar; in fact I'd say that's why the developers go to the trouble of including Ernie Ball strings on the sidebar of the songlist and have both legitimate and novely guitars, to appeal to both recreational cyberguitarists and real guitarists alike. And the reason that I mentioned the videogames addiction statistic (10%) was to point out that those that DO try to replace reality with videogames are of a minority that suffer from a mental condition comparable to gambling addicts'. Finally, I find my comparison to GTA to be of legitimate importance since the baser accusation Prince is making here is that those who play videogames replace reality with said game; or else he wouldn't fear that gamers that like Rhythm-based games are abandoning the real thing, if that is, in fact, genuine concern on his part. With the strict copyright laws of this country, it's technically as illegal either way, so try explaining to a kid the difference between illegal and immoral, and then I'll explain to you why my GTA comparison was important- keeping in mind, that is, the scare tactics used on kids to shape their moral compasses for them. Or maybe, as some have already eluded to, Prince is just tired of seeing YouTube videos of players' best performances and people playing for the attention. What's funny is, if you look it up, a certain Dragonforce guitarist seemed to share Prince's point of view. And probably for the same reasons as stated above, if not limited to those reasons. Bottom line, viral vid, on the net, guy with no arms playing Tom Petty's 'Last Dance w/ Mary Jane', using his toes, on a REAL guitar. No matter what you do on Guitar Hero, you'll never be as cool as him. So why not just sit back and accept that Guitar Hero is just a game for people who enjoy music; if they're really interested in becoming an artist that virtual-crowd isn't going to be enough in the end, and if they're not serious about guitar, then it's a fun way to kill time while listening to good music.

That may sound egotistical or something along those lines to some... but Prince has a really good point.

principles my ass. He wanted more money than they offered. He even alludes to it. '...offered us a very small portion of that'. To those who say good job for not selling out. He already did that years ago. There are very few bands that haven't sold out. They wouldn't get far if they didn't. Personally I think these GH games are a disgrace. I go to parties and I see douche bags in pink pop collared shirts playing metallica screaming, "look how good I am!" trying to impress girls.... It's a sad sad day for music... But then again, you aren't going to find a band that sold out more than Metallica. They are the kings of sell outs, with Ozzy at their right hand.

a fair excuse but guitar hero and rock band are great for newbies to get into the real guitars etc...

Well, I admit I'm not the biggest fan of Prince, but I must admit I like his reasoning. I know I dropped Guitar Hero to take up the real guitar -- let's face it, the only people I was impressing with my Guitar Hero skills were the creepy emo kids hanging out at the mall. Learning REAL guitar is the true challenge.

damn prince is awesome

What's with the go play the real thing?!?! Damn i play gh with my 3 girls all the time and now i'm glad there won't be any Prince songs in GH becose simply put this guy is as moron as they come. And i do play the real thing to, I enjoy the drum but should i be buying a real one too? ho....wait....is the mic in GH real?? Whatever....never listen to a guy that wears a blouse. And now i want GH: Iron Maiden cuz they know how to do music!

he is kinda odd but the guy can crank that telecaster lol

First off, Prince is an incredible guitarist and I have several friends who rank his concerts as either the best or some of the best they've ever seen. And I appreciate his opinion that kids should be learning a real instrument rather than playing a video game, even though I think he should consider how many kids are inspired to learn to play because of these games and how some become fans of music they might not otherwise be exposed to. But for all those congratulating him for not selling out, keep in mind that, in the US, his newest album can only be purchased at Target stores. And check out his ticket prices the next time he's in your town.

No shock here. He has always tried to maintain tight control over his songs. Kind of a shame though, just because he may be the most underrated guitarist alive and a GH set would help more people appreciate his skills.

Prince is right, well said. And the GTA comparison is silly. When you play guitar you are CREATING something and HAVING FUN, generally without HARMING anyone else. GTA is giving people a chance to do something they can't otherwise do because its ILLEGAL and HURTS PEOPLE. Guitar Hero gives someone a chance to do something they can't do otherwise because they don't have the time, talent, or friends to form a band.

Well, it's true that they've recently said that 10% of youth are addicted to videogames, but it's also true that once you say "well, kid, go do it in real life and stop playing videogames", the kids that are playing GTA IV are gonna wind up shooting in your door... Let's hope not anyway.... As for the article specifically? I have nothing against the way Prince put it, he seemed to appeal to both sides really, and his point is valid, kids who take the time to learn a trade are happier in life, but it's not just guitar any more than it is any form of art or science, and a recreational activity such as videogaming, is just that- unless the participant becomes one of those 10% I mentioned earlier. I suppose the point I'm making here is that even though some kids have addictive personalities and would rather play videogames than take the time to learn an instrument, not all Guitar Hero players spend the entirety of their waking hours playing the game. The moving notes, when played continually can cause a dizziness and "elevator effect" as it were, usually giving the player a moment to take a break. Perfect time to find some tabs online and try to play the song on a cheap guitar if they're so inclined. Games are games. If videogames are as influential as the press would make us believe then what does he have against kids playing a game devoted to music rather than one where they're blowing someone's brains out to take over a racket? Guitars are guitars. When they release games that utilize gun peripherals do you see cops, hunters, notorious killers and security guards contacting the press and saying "well, I think kids should learn to shoot a real one first.." When Trauma Center games came out did every surgeon in the world step out and say "Well, kid, if you're really interested you should go PERFORM brain surgery!" Personally, with respect to Prince's music, I think the real reason he declined was he knew the demographic associated with Guitar Hero wouldn't be interested in playing his music so he decided to cover that by taking the high road and saying "well, kids should play real guitar". And, again, I realize the demographic of Guitar Hero branches way beyond kids, I'm simply using the term "kids" as it was used in the article by Prince. Wasn't the point of videogames to be another medium of increasing self-esteem and hand-eye coordination? And doesn't pressing down on the fretboard on Guitar Hero and Rock Band better prepare kids' hands for, at the very least, the rhythm aspect of real guitar? In my opinion, Guitar Hero serves its purpose, whether as a console game or just a cellphone download for people looking to try to beat their last score on their favorite song. It's a game!

@djtim_3000 Would i ever try to impress girls with a plastic guitar? i have my other ways, and besides its really pointless when you're engaged

Guitar Hero : SOAD should be made and not GH : Prince . Prince is a legend,but i wouldn't buy it. @necronaux : your right,f they offer a larger portion he would accept.It's All About Money.

prince is actually alive... wow what a shock!

Good for you Prince! I'm glad to see you not sell out to them. Because Guitar Hero is neither a good game nor a good tool for learning the art of music. Also you may have to sue Activision in a few years to get your money they promised you anyways. Good job Prince and keep making that great "better" music you've been making!

Maybe he saw that South Park episode and it made him uppity about the game.

Good for Prince. He didn't sell out. But... he mentions they only offered a 'small portion' of the profits. So, maybe, if they offer a larger portion...

prince wants his money. he changed his name to the symbol because scalpers were making money off his name. he makes his own music and wants the money from it and not to give it to somebody else to make money off of him. prince does not need the money he got paid 700 million dollars to perform in las vegas for 5 years. he also got paid ten million dollars from target to give them an exclusive c.d. . the amount activision was willing to pay was like 2 million dollars. stay strong prince keep making the music cause it is still rocking today. anybody that can get to las vegas to see his show it is awesome. well worth the travel.

Activision needs to stop asking Prince and start asking Robert Plant & Jimmy Page...and pay them whatever they want! It's a no brainer.......

@Omegadog I...I am touched, Couldn't have said it better myself my friend. Prince has been up on a high horse for awhile now. He really needs to lighten up.

what an idiot. Playing GH and playing a real guitar are two very different things. GH is a game were you push buttons and sound comes from your TV. A guitar is an instrument that you learn and play sweet music with. The world is not losing potential guitar players to the GH. If anything GH has made kids want to go out and buy and learn how to play a guitar.

I typically don't comment but I just had to...... To all those who said below that people should learn to play a real guitar instead of GH..... Do you mean to say we should take to the streets with rocket launchers instead of playing GTA ?

Werd! I MUST say...well said. A man that TRULY appreciates music and truly learning the instrument. You have to respect that. He is NOT bad mouthing the game he just has a special appreciation for kids learning and not just playing!

I was indifferent of him before, but now I respect him.

Right on Prince, well Said.

It has already been deemed that Guitar Hero is harder than Real Guitar.

Many guitar shops have said that these guitar hero games have increased their sales in guitars. I can see where Prince is coming fromt though.

Having been a Prince fanatic back in the 80's and 90's, as well as a "real" guitar player, I say this: Lighten up, Prince. Having principles is all well and good, but this is a little misguided. Does anyone really think we are losing potential guitar players to the GH and RB franchises? If someone really wants to learn to play the guitar, they will. Anyone who looks at GH and says, "Well, I was going to learn to play the guitar, but that looks easier. I'll just do that." ... Guess what, they were never going to be a guitar player. On the contrary, I believe kids may be encouraged to learn guitar after playing GH, including kids who might otherwise not have developed an interest in music. (As an aside, having played with and listened to a great number of guitarists and other musicians over the years, I wish more of them had stuck to video games. Or sports. Or something. But, I digress...) And an added bonus is that the various GH set lists are exposing people to different bands and styles that they may not have heard before, which broadens a musician's horizons and ultimately creates a better musician. Which brings up another point, that Prince missed out on a chance to expose a new generation to his music. I'm sure he doesn't need the money, but as an artist and performer, don't you want to expose your music to as wide and varied an audience as you can? I'm disappointed. I would definitely have bought this.

I love Prince's music, but that is one of the most self-promoting and BS reasons to ever turn down a business deal.