Orlando, Fla., August 7, 2006 – The Big Apple will be rockin’ as Hard Rock’s Ambassadors of Rock Tour makes its way to Times Square! Hard Rock International is proud to announce that internationally-acclaimed hard rock band, MÖTLEY CRÜE, will headline the New York stop of the Ambassadors of Rock Tour. On Monday, September 18, MÖTLEY CRÜE, who is also kicking off the Root of All Evil tour with Aerosmith in September, will take the stage at Hard Rock Cafe New York, performing legendary hits such as “Dr. Feelgood” and “Shout at the Devil.” MÖTLEY CRÜE will take time out of the band’s packed tour schedule to celebrate the company’s 35th anniversary and to rock one of the world’s most historic stages, in the former Paramount Theater, joining such greats as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and The Beatles. The event will be the New York stop of Hard Rock’s Ambassadors of Rock Tour, a worldwide concert series to celebrate 35 years of Hard Rock.

“Our Ambassadors of Rock Tour kicked off at Hyde Park Calling in London with legendary musicians Roger Waters and The Who; the second stop is in Chicago with The Panic Channel and Rose Hill Drive; and continues to rock with MÖTLEY CRÜE in New York,” said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO, Hard Rock International. “Our 35th anniversary celebration is spreading the irreverence of rock to fans all over the world.”

“For years, we have had a great relationship with Hard Rock. I get calls from people every day saying that they saw our memorabilia at Hard Rock Cafes all over the world. It doesn’t get more real than that,” said Nikki Sixx, bass guitarist for MÖTLEY CRÜE. “It’s a perfect fit for us to be in New York to celebrate Hard Rock’s 35th anniversary.”

Making Rock History!
In addition to an unforgettable performance, the members of MÖTLEY CRÜE, lead singer Vince Neil, guitarist Mick Mars, bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, will donate several pieces of memorabilia from the band’s Carnival of Sins and Red, White and Crue tours to Hard Rock. Items donated by Vince, Mick and Nikki, including paint-splattered overalls and guitars, and Tommy’s orange shorts and full drum kit, will be permanently added to Hard Rock’s world-famous collection.

A Chance for Fans to Party Like a Rock Star!
The best part about Ambassadors of Rock in New York is that everyone has the chance to attend and party with the stars! Throughout August, all Hard Rock Cafes in North America will offer guests the chance to win a trip to see MÖTLEY CRÜE perform at Hard Rock Cafe New York. Fans from around the globe can also visit www.hardrock.com. through August 31 to enter to win the ultimate rock prize, an all-expenses paid trip for two to New York City to see MÖTLEY CRÜE, including roundtrip airfare, a three-night hotel stay and $250 in spending money! For information about the Hard Rock Cafe nearest you, further details and complete rules, please visit www.hardrock.com.

Get Out Your Passport!
One week prior to the New York stop, Hard Rock’s Ambassadors of Rock Tour will rock its way across the continents to Asia. On Monday, September 11, 2006, Hard Rock will bring Blondie, the pioneer of punk and new wave music, to Hard Rock Cafe Singapore for a live concert. Blondie, best known for the timeless hits “The Tide is High” and “Rapture,” will rock the stage at the Singapore cafe for an unforgettable performance.

Rockin’ the World for 35 Years!
In addition to Ambassadors of Rock in Singapore and New York, Hard Rock’s worldwide concert tour will include shows featuring top artists in Tokyo, Osaka, Hollywood (Fla.), Orlando and Caracas. Hard Rock is also commemorating its 35th anniversary with limited-edition Ambassadors of Rock merchandise, including apparel, glassware and other collectibles, and of course, Hard Rock’s world-famous pins.

For further details, please visit www.hardrock.com.

About Hard Rock International
With 122 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, seven Hotel & Casinos and two stand-alone Casinos in 42 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally-recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (RNK.L). For more information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.

Orlando, August 1, 2006 Hard Rock International today announced that Hard Rock and the Spanish hotel company Sol Melia have agreed to a mutual termination of their 2003 strategic alliance for the joint development of hotels under the Hard Rock brand. This joint decision reflects the new brand strategies for both companies.

Hard Rock International commented that over the last year, the strategic focus was revised to reacquire and reassemble cafe, hotel and gaming intellectual property and operational rights in order to address and improve brand oversight and development. Following the recent re-acquisition of rights in both Australia and the Middle East, this transaction with Sol Melia will help Hard Rock International further this objective while developing closer operational ties with partners.

Sol Melia commented that it will continue developing lifestyle hotel products and concepts, with projects including the introduction of new branding and experienced-based hotels. In addition to the Paradisus and Melia brand, Sol Melia will introduce a new, vibrant concept in prime city and resort destinations, starting with Madrid, Barcelona, Cancun and Los Cabos in Mexico. The Reina Victoria hotel in Madrid, currently under refurbishment, will contribute the design experience of the new generation of Sol Melia's properties.

Both companies commented that during the term of the joint venture a prolific exchange of experiences has been developed that will be used by both to drive their businesses going forward.

About Hard Rock International
With 122 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, seven Hotel & Casinos and two stand-alone Casinos in 42 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally-recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (RNK.L). For more information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.