Ernie Ball Launches 3rd Annual International Rockstar Taste of Chaos Battle of the Bands!

COACHELLA, Calif. (September 2, 2008) - Following the success of the 12th Warped Tour Battle of the Bands, Ernie Ball is once again joining forces with the International Rockstar Taste of Chaos Tour. Zig-zagging its way through eight countries and multiple continents, this year's battle is sure to draw the world's best unsigned talent. One lucky band from each of the venue's surrounding areas, will be chosen to play the main stage and open up for some of the industry's most highly touted bands including Story Of The Year, Atreyu and As I Lay Dying. Competing bands will get a chance to upload their music and show off their chops by registering at www.battleofthebands.com. Local fans will have a chance to register and push their favorite bands into contention by logging on and voting for the band(s) that they think have what it takes to take it to the next level!! For more details log onto: www.battleofthebands.com or e-mail kevin@ernieball.com.

Ernie Ball is a leading innovator of guitar strings. The company was the first to offer rock strings with the introduction of Slinkys, and further revolutionized the market by offering guitarists Custom-Gauge® single strings. Ernie Ball also produces Music Man® guitars and basses, volume pedals and other accessories. Strings and accessories are available in more than 5,500 music stores throughout the U.S. and in 75 countries. For more information, contact the Ernie Ball Company at (805) 544-7726, or visit their website at .

These products are Ernie Ball trademarks registered in the USA and many foreign countries:

ERNIE BALL®     CUSTOM GAUGE®     SLINKY®     EARTHWOOD®
MUSICMAN®
STINGRAY®     SILHOUETTE®     AXIS®
STERLING®     4+2®     3+1®

Trademark ownership is indicated by the symbol ®, however, for the sake of brevity it is omitted during the story.

Contact:
Brian Ball
Ernie Ball, Inc.
(760) 775-4222

Media Contact:
Kevin Scoles
Ernie Ball, Inc.
(760) 775-4222