Orlando, Fla., March 23, 2009 – Hard Rock International is giving local bands throughout the U.S. the opportunity to make their rock dreams become reality with Hard Rock's Ambassadors of Rock Battle of the Bands! Local bands will be given the chance to win a spot on the stage at Hard Rock Calling 2009 – one of the U.K.'s most-anticipated concert events and the kick-off to Hard Rock's 2009 Ambassadors of Rock Tour. Rock legends Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will headline Hard Rock Calling in June – the first concert of Hard Rock's Ambassadors of Rock Tour, a global concert series featuring top artists and bands to benefit charities worldwide. Other featured artists at Hard Rock Calling include Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper & Relentless 7, Pretenders, Fleet Foxes and more.
Are You Ready to Rock?! Legendary Judges Chosen
Beginning April 2, select Hard Rock Cafe locations across the country will host a series of competitions where local bands can compete for the chance to perform onstage at Hard Rock Calling 2009 in London's Hyde Park. After battling it out at select Hard Rock Cafe locations, one winner from each participating city will be evaluated by a panel of artists and music industry professionals, who will choose the finalists. Leading the distinguished panel will be Head Judge Little Steven Van Zandt of the legendary E Street Band. The panel will also include Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Darryl "DMC" McDaniels. The final stage of the competition will then be turned over to the fans, who will be able to vote for a favorite on www.HardRock.com between May 25 and June 6. One lucky band's dream will come true when they win the ultimate rock prize and play on the bill at Hard Rock Calling!
"I'm thrilled to be part of Hard Rock's Ambassadors of Rock Battle of the Bands" said Little Steven Van Zandt. "I can't wait to take a listen to the winners from each city – I know there’s gonna be some great Rock & Roll in there, baby!"
Visit www.HardRock.com for details on event dates and times, and go to Hard Rock Cafe in your city to watch your favorite local bands battle for the opportunity of a lifetime!
Participating Hard Rock Cafe Locations:
Atlanta - Honolulu - Nashville - San Antonio - Biloxi - Houston - Niagara Falls - San Diego - Chicago - Indianapolis - Orlando - St. Louis - Denver - Louisville - Pittsburgh - Toronto - Detroit - Memphis - Sacramento - Hollywood, CA - Hollywood, FL - Myrtle Beach
Hard Rock Calling 2009
Hard Rock Calling, the three-day musical celebration being held on from Friday, June 26th through Sunday, June 28th, with more than a dozen top bands performing on two stages, has established itself as one of the most important London events on the UK musical calendar over the last three years. Past acts have included Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, The Police and The Who. Additional artists for the 2009 line-up will be announced leading up to the event and tickets for the festival are available at www.HardRockCalling.com. In addition to renowned bands and an on-site Hard Rock Cafe, the festival will include a market area, performance art, a healing area and a "chill out" zone.
Though the Sunday night performance sold out in less than one hour, fans still have the opportunity to win their way in, with a V.I.P. weekend in London for Hard Rock Calling, by entering on www.HardRock.com.
Ambassadors of Rock 2009
As Hard Rock Calling acts as the global launch for Ambassadors of Rock 2009, consumers can also register to win trips to other exciting Ambassador of Rock stops around the world, by entering the global sweepstakes on www.HardRock.com. Overall, Ambassadors of Rock 2009 will include shows featuring top artists in New York; Biloxi; Las Vegas, Dubai; Orlando and Hollywood, Florida; Buenos Aires, Singapore and Tokyo.
And as with all Hard Rock International ventures, philanthropy will be an important part of Hard Rock’s global tour, with each Ambassador of Rock event benefiting a local charity.
For further information, please visit www.HardRock.com.
About Hard Rock International
With 123 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes and nine Hotels/Casinos in 49 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. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya and Bali. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Macau and Penang, both scheduled to open in 2009; Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama, scheduled to open in 2010; Dubai, scheduled to open in 2011; and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2012. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.HardRockHotels.com. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.HardRock.com.