Okay, so the Sex Pistols stopped being relevant the first time they reunited (whenever that was -- 1996? 1997?) and cheapened their own legacy. But this might take the cake.
From a press release:
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™ 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.” --
Sounds like bollocks to me. --Jonathan Cunningham
