Hard Rock the Vote - You Decide Who Joins the Lineup at Hard Rock Calling 2011

ORLANDO, Fla., April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- They have knocked out local competitors, wowed music industry experts and even had veteran rockers Little Steven Van Zandt and Pete Wentz in their corners, now the top 40 acts from Hard Rock's global 2011 Battle of the Bands are ready to face their toughest critic – YOU! Beginning Tuesday, April 12, 2011, Hard Rock is giving fans across the world a chance to play a part in rock history with the launch of online consumer voting in Hard Rock's 2011 Battle of the Bands competition.

At stake for each winner is a chance to make it to the big stage and perform live at Hard Rock Calling 2011 in London's Hyde Park – one of the world's most-anticipated concert events.  With thousands of fans and top headliners, including Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks, Hard Rock Calling 2011 is the chance of a lifetime for emerging artists to gain exposure and showcase their talent in front of today's most iconic rock stars.

The Main Event – Hello Hyde Park, It's Great to Be Here . . .
The stage is set, but YOU decide who takes it! Fans worldwide can log on to HardRock.com to check out video performances of Hard Rock's Battle of the Band's top 40 and vote for their favorites. Based on fan voting, four finalists will be flown to London, treated like rock stars and given a spot on the bill at Hard Rock Calling 2011 in London's Hyde Park; but only one band will open for one of the festival's iconic headliners on the Main Stage! The band that receives the most votes will take the Main Stage at Hard Rock Calling, with the runners-up performing on the Second Stage.  (Visit www.hardrock.com for complete program rules.)

"This is a chance of a lifetime – Hard Rock's Battle of the Bands literally gives up-and-coming bands an international stage to show their stuff," said Little Steven Van Zandt, judge of Hard Rock's Battle of the Bands. "I had the opportunity to perform at Hard Rock Calling in 2009 and the energy was amazing! Even as a rock veteran l was blown away!"

"I was really impressed by the level of talent shown from the bands in Hard Rock's battle," said Pete Wentz, judge of Hard Rock's Battle of the Bands. "I know how tough it can be to make it in the music industry, and Hard Rock is definitely giving these artists an amazing opportunity!"

The Pre-Qualifiers – Road to Hard Rock Calling
To celebrate Hard Rock's 40th Anniversary, the brand launched its largest Battle of the Bands competition ever – spanning the world in search of music's next big talent! Bands who made it to the online consumer voting phase fought their way to Hard Rock's top 40, besting their rivals in a series of local battles at Hard Rock Cafe locations in 68 cities in 24 countries to become their city's local nominee.  Each nominee was then assessed by a panel of acclaimed industry experts, including Little Steven Van Zandt of the legendary E Street Band, Pete Wentz of hit rock group Fall Out Boy, Live Nation Vice President of Promotions Toby Leighton-Pope, Hard Rock International Chief Marketing Officer John Galloway and Absolute Radio Director of Marketing Clare Baker, who narrowed down the field to the 40 acts with the most star potential.

Hard Rock's Battle of the Bands Top 40 Finalists include:
(Listed in alphabetical order by city)

Visit www.hardrock.com to weigh in and cast your vote!

Hard Rock Calling 2011
Hard Rock Calling, the three-day musical celebration being held on from Friday, June 24 through Sunday, June 26, with more than a dozen top bands performing each day on two stages, has established itself as one of the most important London events on the UK musical calendar over the last five years.  Past acts have included Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, The Who, Pearl Jam, Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, The Killers and The Police, who created what is now identified as the "must see" concert event on the UK festival circuit. Additional artists for the 2011 line-up will be announced leading up to the event and tickets for the festival are available at www.hardrockcalling.com.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 170 venues in 51 countries, including 133 cafes and 15 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, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore and Punta Cana.  Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Panama, scheduled to open in 2012; and Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013.  Hard Rock International 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