Limited Edition T-Shirts As Worn by U2's The Edge on Sale to Benefit Gulf Coast Musicians

Press release
Source: Gibson Guitar

Hard Rock International is partnering with Music Rising – a campaign founded by U2’s The Edge, producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz, in 2005 to replace the lost instruments of the musicians affected by the hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast region.  The shirt, designed by award winning designer William Cathcart and worn by The Edge for numerous performances, has become a symbol of support for the many devastated by the hurricanes and those who continue to struggle.  Music Rising is administered by Gibson Foundation.

February kicks off the sale of the limited-edition shirt at Hard Rock Cafes and Hotels around the country and on www.hardrock.com/rockshop, with proceeds from the sale of the shirt benefiting charity.  This striking T-shirt was worn by The Edge during U2’s performance at the 2006 Grammy Awards and features the winged Music Rising logo on a black background.

“Hard Rock is thrilled to align with such a musical legend for a cause that’s important to us all,” said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO of Hard Rock International. The preservation and advancement of great music is not only a priority for Hard Rock, but a necessity for the revitalization of New Orleans.”

“My visits to the Gulf Region gave me a firsthand look at the devastation which tragically destroyed the lives of thousands. Providing replacement instruments through Music Rising has not only helped professional musicians but also the churches and schools in need through Music Rising’s second phase,” said The Edge. “Music Rising is dedicated to helping regain one of the Gulf Coast’s greatest assets, its music.”

Since it was established in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world.  With its own Signature Series program, and through various rock star partnerships, concerts, benefits and raffles, Hard Rock International has helped to raise millions for a wide variety of organizations, such as The Dr. Susan Love Breast Cancer Foundation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation and World Hunger Year.

Music Rising
Music Rising was formed in late 2005 by U2’s the Edge, legendary producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz.  Since its inception it has been recognized throughout the world and has aided more than 2,300 professional musicians. Many of the Gulf Region musicians who have depended on the local music industry for their livelihood have been supported by Music Rising through the replacement of lost instruments and equipment.  Music Rising Phase II, a segment of the campaign dedicated to helping churches and schools of the Gulf Region by replacing their lost or destroyed instruments has helped numerous parishioners to date. Music Rising is administered by The Gibson Foundation. For more information on Music Rising, go to www.musicrising.org.  Rebuilding the Gulf Region “Note By Note” has become a symbolic tagline of the Music Rising campaign.

About Gibson Foundation
The Gibson Foundation is the philanthropic arm of musical giant Gibson Guitar Corp. Founded in 2002, it is committed to making the world a better place for children by creating, developing and supporting programs and other non-profit organizations in their efforts to advance education, music and the arts, the environment and health and welfare causes. The Gibson Foundation is a 501(c)(3)  non-profit organization. For more information on Gibson Foundation go to www.gibsonfoundation.org or www.gibson.com.

About Hard Rock International
With 123 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, seven Hotel & Casinos and one stand-alone Casino in 45 countries, 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.  Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (RNK.L).  For more information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.

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