Fans Across the Globe To Choose the Opening Act for Hard Rock Calling 2009!

Fans Across the Globe To Choose the Opening Act for Hard Rock Calling 2009!

Winner of Ambassadors of Rock Battle of the Bands to Perform Onstage at Hard Rock Calling 2009

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Neil Young and The Killers To Headline Hard Rock Calling - First Tour Stop of Hard Rock's Ambassadors of Rock Worldwide Concert Tour

ORLANDO, Fla., May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all rock fans! You now have the chance to shape the fortune of one of America's hottest up-and-coming bands! After battling it out at Hard Rock Cafe locations across the country, five bands from Hard Rock's Ambassadors of Rock Battle of the Bands have been chosen from a talented pool of more than 150 acts. Finalists from 22 cities have been reviewed by a star-studded panel of artists and music industry professionals, led by Head Judge Little Steven Van Zandt of the legendary E Street Band. The distinguished panel also includes Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Planet Rock DJ Nicky Horne, Live Nation Vice President of Promotions Toby Leighton-Pope and SPIN Magazine editor Doug Brod. The panel deliberated long and hard, and has now chosen five bands to compete in the finals: Rudy Vaughn of Atlanta; Ghost of Gloria of Hollywood, FL; The Last Good Year of Indianapolis; Beatnik, Jr. of Hollywood, CA; and Versecity of Houston.

Now, it's up to fans all over the world! Beginning May 26th, fans will be able to visit www.HardRock.com to cast their votes and choose the one lucky band that will perform onstage at Hard Rock Calling 2009 in London's Hyde Park!

Are You Ready to Rock?! Five Finalists Chosen

From May 26th through June 6th, the final stage of the Ambassadors of Rock Battle of the Bands will be turned over to the fans, who will be able to vote for a favorite on www.hardrock.com.

One lucky band's dream will come true when they win a spot on the bill 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 icons Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band and The Killers 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.

Hard Rock Calling 2009

Hard Rock Calling, the three-day musical celebration being held 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. Other featured artists at Hard Rock Calling 2009 include Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper & Relentless 7, Pretenders, Fleet Foxes and more. 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.

About Hard Rock International

With a total of 150 venues in 52 countries, including 125 cafes and 9 Hotels/Casinos, 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; Singapore in 2010; Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama, scheduled to open in 2011; Dubai 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.

Source: Hard Rock International

CONTACT: Brian Siemienas of Hard Rock International, +1-407-445-7625; or
Deborah N. Sierchio or Kristen Hauser, both of Coyne PR, +1-973-316-1665, for
Hard Rock International

Web Site: http://www.hardrock.com/

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