The Gretsch Company Announces the Next Gretsch Greats in International Unsigned Artist Competition

The Gretsch Company Announces the Next Gretsch Greats in International Unsigned Artist Competition

Grand Prize Winner Colourslide to perform at Gretsch 125th Anniversary Concert in New York City on Nov. 18; Lansdowne and London Egg Win Gretsch instruments and gifts

SAVANNAH, Ga., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- World-renowned drum and guitar manufacturer The Gretsch Company has announced the top winners in the Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Artist Competition, an online search for the world's best unsigned and independent bands.

The competition began in May when 879 musical acts from the U.S., U.K., Japan, Canada, Germany, France and Spain entered their original songs at www.gretsch125th.com . Then, music lovers from around the world listened and cast more than 55,000 votes from June 15 through July 16 to select the top 10 finalists.

Next, a celebrity panel of judges -- Chuck Leavell, touring keyboardist for The Rolling Stones; Steve Ferrone, drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Keith Scott, guitarist for Bryan Adams; and Fred W. Gretsch, president of The Gretsch Company and great-grandson of the company's founder -- reviewed the finalists' entry songs, media kits and videos of their live performances. They named the three prize winners based on three scoring criteria: stage presence, performance/sound quality and press kit quality.

The grand prize winner, Colourslide of Gainesville, Fla., will perform live at Gretsch's 125th Anniversary Concert in New York City on Nov. 18 at The Highline Ballroom and take home $15,000 in Gretsch drums and guitars.

Lansdowne, the first prize winner from Boston, Mass., wins more than $5,000 in Gretsch instruments, and the second prize winner, London Egg of New York City, N.Y., walks away with $1,250 in Gretsch gift certificates.

"Chuck, Steve, Keith and I were truly impressed by the talent from our top 10 finalists," said Fred Gretsch, president and CEO of The Gretsch Company. "Thanks to the entire Gretsch community -- especially the winning Next Gretsch Greats -- for helping to continue the tradition of 'That Great Gretsch Sound' for the next 125 years."

The Next Gretsch Greats competition is the centerpiece of Gretsch's 125th anniversary celebration. More information about the competition and The Gretsch Company's 125th Anniversary can be found at gretsch125th.com and myspace.com/gretsch125th .

About The Gretsch Company

Founded in 1883 as a small musical instrument shop in Brooklyn, N.Y., The Gretsch Company, now based in Savannah, Ga., has produced some of the world's greatest drums and guitars over the span of four generations. With its emphasis on hand-craftsmanship and commitment to quality, Gretsch has pioneered new designs and manufacturing techniques, winning endorsements from some of the music industry's most respected artists, including Chet Atkins, Charlie Watts, Neil Young and Phil Collins. Gretsch also owns and manufactures some of the other most popular and historic music industry products and brands including Bigsby(R) Vibratos and Sho-Bud(R) Pedal Steel Guitars. The company has strong worldwide ties with musical giants Kaman and Fender, placing the Gretsch name in concert halls and recording studios around the globe.

Source: The Gretsch Company

CONTACT: JoAnna Anderson of Jackson Spalding, +1-404-214-2139,
janderson@jacksonspalding.com, for The Gretsch Company

Web site: http://www.gretsch125th.com/
http://www.myspace.com/gretsch125th

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