Gibson Les Paul and Kramer coming to next-gen Guitar Hero

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 24 May 2007 03:30

Your IT - Entertainment

Wireless controllers modelled on the legendary Gibson Les Paul will be a feature of the next Guitar Hero game for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii, while the PS2 version will use Gibson's Kramer design.

Due this spring (fall/autumn in the northern hemisphere), the game will feature original recordings thanks to deals with major and independent record labels. Tracks confirmed by Activision are:

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)

The way this list is phrased makes us wonder whether all the tracks will be original recordings. For example, Rock and Roll All Nite was written by Kiss's Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, so "as made famous by" seems to imply a cover version may be used in the game.

Dusty Welch, head of publishing at Activision's RedOctane operation said "many of the top bands and songs we've tried to get in the past are now on board, and we've definitely got some giant aces in the hole to say the least."

Other features of the controllers include removable faceplates (presumably the company will sell alternative designs) and "a new button color design that will be integrated for an even greater authentic feel and rock experience." Hmmm...

Welch said the "new line of Gibson wireless guitars for each platform is going to truly add to the authentic rock star experience like no other."

The game itself keeps the features you know and love, adding a multiplayer battle mode, authentic venues and even more downloadable content. Price, rating and even the official title (Guitar Hero 3, anyone?) have yet to be announced.