Johnny Cash Makes Game Debut in Guitar Hero 5

Activision has announced that the late country legend Johnny Cash will be making his way onto consoles as a playable character in Guitar Hero 5.

Okay, wait. Stop right there. I know what (many of) you all are thinking, “But I hate country music!” I don’t care, because it’s Johnny Cash, and Johnny Cash is awesome. Even people who don’t like country music like Johnny Cash, all right?

Good, glad we got that out of the way. Anyway! The late Cash will be joining fellow legend Carlos Santana and, um, not-quite-so-legendary Shirley Manson (of Garbage fame) as real-world musicians appearing in Guitar Hero 5. Cash will be an unlockable character along with the “Electric Honky Tonk Bar” venue – to quote the press release below:

Multiple Grammy Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and legendary singer-songwriter Johnny Cash will be introduced to an all new audience this fall as he makes his video game debut as a playable character in the highly anticipated Guitar Hero® 5. Cash’s virtual image will live on as Guitar Hero players can rock out on any instrument controller to “Ring Of Fire,” and even unlock the ability to strum and sing along as the “Man in Black” himself in the all-new Electric Honky Tonk Bar venue. Cash joins the ever-growing list of playable in-game artists announced for Guitar Hero 5.

Cash was best-known for his distinctive deep voice, his dark clothing – which earned him the nickname “Man in Black” – and a rebellious and anti-authoritarian streak that many believe influenced the growth of the punk rock movement. As mentioned above, “Ring of Fire” will be playable in GH5, but you know what? I think they should just cut to the chase and release Guitar Hero: Johnny Cash. No reason not to, right?