Fans choose opening act for Hard Rock Calling

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 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 – 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, 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 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.