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THE GLOBAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITION GIVES MALTA TALENT A CHANCE AT INTERNATIONAL STARDOM

Hard Rock Cafe Malta, BayStreet, St Julian`s, March 28th, 2013 -- Hard Rock International has called on aspiring musicians from around the globe to rock out for the opportunity of a lifetime through this year's Hard Rock Rising -- the most far-reaching battle of the bands competition in the world. As Hard Rock continues its commitment to emerging artists, Hard Rock Rising will place the Grand Prize winner on the fast-track to global stardom as they embark on a World Tour in six renowned cities arranged by Hard Rock International -- including a spot on the bill at the Hard Rock Calling festival in London, with additional dates at Hard Rock Cafes in cities such as Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Chicago and Honolulu; make an album and music video through Hard Rock Records; and receive new music equipment and gear valued at $10,000.

Hard Rock Cafe's Facebook fans from around the world have spoken -- narrowing down over 12,000 bands to its top contenders -- and only a select few will move on to the next round and perform live at participating cafes. Through multiple live battle events at Hard Rock Cafe Malta beginning on Thursday, 21st March, 2013, the undiscovered talents of Malta will vie for the top spot to represent Malta in Hard Rock Rising's global competition. Performances by Different Strings, Criminal Kiss, Negative Spaces, MoJo, Ascendor, Manatapu, RiSE, The Creepers and Aces Shade will be judged by a panel of local industry judges that include Michael Bugeja, Chris Grech and Wayne Camilleri and hosted by Colin Fitz. The final round will be held on Thursday, 11thApril, 2013, and will feature each of the preliminary winners. One band will then be selected to represent Malta as they compete against ninety-five other Hard Rock Cafe winners from around the world.

Hard Rock Rising in brought to you in partnership with GO and supported by Budweiser, Clint-On-One, tilllate.mt.com, Pejxa Music, Railway Studios Malta and Manic Magazine in collaboration with BAM Events.

Fan voting on participating Hard Rock Facebook pages will narrow down the ninety-six local winners to the top twenty-five bands. Once determined, an esteemed panel of celebrity judges and music industry professionals will select the Grand Prize winner. Two runner-up bands will each receive new music equipment and gear valued at $10,000. For full rules and a list of participating locations, visit www.hardrock.com or www.facebook.com/hardrock.

About Hard Rock Records
Hard Rock Records is an independent music label created in 2012 by Hard Rock International to find, develop, and promote up-and-coming artists. Hard Rock Records provides artists an unparalleled opportunity, giving each artist on the label assistance with recording, production, marketing, promotion, distribution and touring in exchange for a one-year commitment to the label. At the end of that year, the artist walks away with ownership of any recordings as well as all the profits from their release. Hard Rock has no expectation for remuneration of any funds spent developing the artist. For additional information on Hard Rock Records, visit www.hardrockrecords.com.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 177 venues in 58 countries, including 141 cafes, 18 hotels and 8 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 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. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. 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 companies' two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida., as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Biloxi, Chicago, Cancun, Las Vegas, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Melaka and San Jose. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Aruba, Riviera Maya, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. New Hard Rock Casino projects in development include Hungary and Northfield, OH. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.