Hard Rock Partners With Internationally-Acclaimed Artist Shakira to 'Love All, Serve All'

Hard Rock Partners With Internationally-Acclaimed Artist Shakira to 'Love All, Serve All'

Hard Rock International to Donate euro 65,000 to Shakira's Pies Descalzos Foundation and Showcase Memorabilia from Shakira's 2005 'Tour of the Mongoose'

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid to Sponsor Shakira's 2006 'Oral Fixation' Tour in Spain

MADRID, Spain, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International announced today that it is partnering with internationally-acclaimed artist Shakira in the fight to help the child victims of violence in Colombia by presenting a euro 65,000 ($80,000 USD) donation to her Pies Descalzos Foundation. Hard Rock International will honor Shakira by permanently showcasing select memorabilia from her 2005 "Tour of the Mongoose" in select Hard Rock Hotels and Cafes worldwide. In addition, the soon-to-be opened Hard Rock Hotel Madrid, the first Hard Rock-branded hotel in Europe, will be the official sponsor for the Spain portion of Shakira's "Oral Fixation" World Tour. The check presentation is at the venue of her Madrid concerts, Las Ventas, where the artist will play on June 22 and 23.

The five wardrobe pieces donated by Shakira to be featured at various Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe locations worldwide were selected out of a contribution of 25 pieces originally donated by the artist. They include outfits worn by her during her 2005 "Tour of the Mongoose" World Tour and include items worn on the cover of the April 2002 issue of Rolling Stone Magazine, as well as the outfit worn on the cover of her last album, Oral Fixation.

The Pies Descalzos Foundation is a Colombian, non-governmental organization created by world-renowned rock superstar Shakira. The organization is devoted to finding and providing opportunities for children who are victims of the violence in Colombia. It originated in Barranquilla, a city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, and is now reaching other parts of the country.

"It is an honor to be recognized by Hard Rock as a Rock n' Roll symbol and I am grateful for their donation to the Pies Descalzos Foundation," said Shakira. "With Hard Rock's help, we will have taken another step in reaching our goal to improve the education, nutrition and the lives of the thousands of displaced children who are living in perilous conditions because of the violent internal conflict in Colombia."

Hard Rock International's memorabilia collection is comprised of 69,000 items that artists have used in live performances during the recording process, in videos or photo shoots. Instruments and stage clothes are the most popular items that artists donate. Handwritten lyrics, original album art and photographs are also great display items. The ever-growing memorabilia collection allows individual Hard Rock locations to tell the story of rock music and includes pieces from "local" artists, as well as from internationally acclaimed figures.

"Music is a universal language that crosses all sorts of boundaries. It energizes and stimulates, awakens one's senses and reaches the emotional core. Artists today have gone beyond using lyrics to highlight needed change and use their international visibility as a vehicle to increase social awareness. Through their individual foundations and charitable activities, artists, such as Shakira, make valuable contributions to promote social change," said Don Bernstine, Manager of Acquisitions and Artist Relations of Hard Rock International. "Shakira embodies the Hard Rock spirit and we applaud her effort to give back to the local community," concluded Bernstine.

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid began its relationship with the artist this year as a sponsor of her Spanish "Oral Fixation" Tour, which began in Zaragoza last Thursday and will travel to a total of 11 cities over the coming weeks. According to Hard Rock Hotel Madrid's General Manager Alexander Hugot, "Our relationship with Shakira as sponsor of her Spanish portion of her World Tour was a given: she's passionate, sexy, smart and an amazing performer. How could we resist her charms? We're equally enamored by her passion and commitment offstage to Pies Descalzos. We look forward to showcasing a selection of Shakira's Tour memorabilia in the new Hard Rock Hotel Madrid as visible testimony of our support."

George Sharp, Director of Hard Rock Cafe Madrid noted, "Hard Rock first landed in Spain more than a decade ago and since then, has developed a long- term relationship with artists and music lovers alike as the showplace of the best in music and memorabilia. The addition of Shakira's costumes will be a must-see at Hard Rock Cafe -- in Madrid or anywhere else in the world."

Hard Rock International owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which celebrates new and legendary music icons. Authentic pieces of memorabilia are showcased at Hard Rock Cafes, Hard Rock Live! venues and Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos around the world. A full-time staff oversees all aspects of the Hard Rock collection -- from research and initial procurement of an artifact to its cataloging and maiden installation at a Hard Rock location. Among the pieces in the collection are photos, guitars and other instruments, clothing and costumes, platinum and gold LPs, posters and album art and other rare artifacts.

Scheduled to open in late 2006, the Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid will soon rock onto the European scene, bringing renewed vitality to the historic Gran Hotel Reina Victoria, deep in the heart of Spain's capital. The joint venture, managed by Spain's largest hotel group, Sol Melia and the U.S.-based Hard Rock, brings the Hard Rock Hotel brand to Europe for the first time ever, transforming the hotel interior into a sleek and contemporary space while maintaining the architectural integrity of the building's exterior. The 192-room Hard Rock Hotel in Madrid will offer guests a total sensory experience combined with one-of-a-kind service, guaranteed to exceed expectations.

About Hard Rock International

With 121 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, 11 Hotel & Casinos and two stand- alone Casinos in more than 41 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 http://www.hardrock.com/.

About Pies Descalzos Foundation

The Pies Descalzos Foundation is a Colombian non-governmental organization created by internationally acclaimed artist Shakira. The organization is devoted to finding and providing opportunities for children who are victims of the violence in Colombia. It originated in Barranquilla, a city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, and is now reaching other parts of the country. Our goal is to improve the education, nutrition, and the lives of the thousands of displaced children who are living in perilous conditions because of the violent internal conflict in Colombia. For more information on Pies Descalzos, see http://www.fundacionpiesdescalzos.com/.

For more information, contact:
Ani Zerounian
Dan Klores Communications
Tel: 212.981.5236
ani_zerounian@dkcnews.com

Source: Hard Rock International

CONTACT: Ani Zerounian of Dan Klores Communications, +1-212-981-5236,
ani_zerounian@dkcnews.com, for Hard Rock International

Web site: http://www.hardrock.com/
http://www.fundacionpiesdescalzos.com/

-------
Profile: intent