Hard Rock International Opens Voting To Select 2019 Battle of the Bands Finalists

Fans Vote on Favorite Bands to Perform for Top Music Industry Executives in New York City on World Music Day

News provided by

May 01, 2019, 09:00 ET

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., May 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The second round of Hard Rock International's Battle of the Bands competition has concluded, and the virtual stage is officially set for round three to begin today. Two winners from each of the six cities that participated in the live music regional round – Nashville, Seattle, Sydney, Moscow, Glasgow and Curitiba – have been selected as Hard Rock's electrifying search for the world's most talented, unsigned artists continues. As part of round three, Hard Rock invites music fans around the world to vote for their favorite global artist through a user-generated online submission. All performances will be available online for fans to watch and decide who has what it takes to be the next best artist.

Fans can visit www.hardrock.com/2019botb to vote for their favorite performers from Wednesday, May 1 through Wednesday, May 15, 2019. The top three bands voted as finalists will be announced on Wednesday, May 22 and will receive an all-expenses paid trip to New York City to perform in front of top music industry executives at Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square on World Music Day, Friday, June 21, 2019. Only one performing artist or group will be crowned winner of Hard Rock's 2019 Battle of the Bands competition and take home the $15,000 grand prize.

"At the epicenter of the Hard Rock organization is our mission to create authentic experiences that empower and engage diverse audiences," said Ken Blaustein, Director of Music and Artist Relations for Hard Rock International. "We provide our guests with this unique opportunity to be content-drivers, as we display fan-curated entertainment that inspires the evolution of the industry across a variety of genres. The barometer of our success will be measured by the collaboration between the Hard Rock staff, our guests and these young, upcoming performers to create unforgettable moments on a global stage."

The competition exemplifies Hard Rock's mantras – All Is One and Love All, Serve All – by supporting diversity, inclusion and tolerance. For round two, performers were tasked with modernizing classics in their own unique style to break down rigid constrictions around genres.

The contest is brought to viewers through a partnership with Pepsi, combining Hard Rock's iconic brand and worldwide music program with Pepsi's strong music initiatives. The battle enables undiscovered talent to kickstart their music careers by introducing themselves to leading music industry executives and Hard Rock's global audience.

Those looking to dine at Hard Rock Cafe can find their local Cafe and make a reservation by visiting www.hardrockcafe.com/locations.aspx. To purchase Hard Rock Cafe merchandise, visit the online Rock Shop® at www.shop.hardrock.com. For additional information on the Hard Rock Cafe brand, please visit www.hardrockcafe.com.

Hard Rock International

With venues in 75 countries, including 185 cafes, 27 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's most valuable 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 available in Rock Shops and online at https://shop.hardrock.com. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands including Hard Rock Live performance venues. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, FL., both owned and operated by HRI parent entity The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Atlantic City, Bali, Cancun, Daytona Beach, Desaru Coast, Ibiza, Orlando, Shenzhen and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Piccadilly Circus in the United Kingdom, Kathmandu, Nepal, Kyoto, Japan and Chandigarh, India. New Hard Rock Hotel, Casino or Hotel & Casino projects include Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Dublin, London, Los Cabos, Madrid, Maldives, New York City, Ottawa, Sacramento, Dalian and Haikou in China. In 2018, Hard Rock International was recognized as a Forbes Magazine Top Employer for Women and Land Operator of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards. In 2019, Hard Rock International was honored as one of Forbes America's Best Large Employers. For more information on Hard Rock International visit www.hardrock.com.