Manufacturer of premium guitar and bass strings. Also home of MusicMan, high quality electric guitars and bass guitars. http://www.ernieball.com/ Copyright © 1995-2006 Ernie Ball Inc., San Luis Obispo, California, U.S.A. All Rights Reserved Industry leaders team up to promote 12th annual Battle of the BandsCOACHELLA, Calif. (April 29, 2008) - Ernie Ball®/Music Man®, organizer and presenter of the Battle of the Bands, today announced details of a strategic partnership with MySpace® aimed at promoting the contest, its headlining artists and eventual winners.As part of the partnership, the leading online social networking site will include a branded banner in the "MySpace Specials" section on the MySpace music home page. The Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands page will also be a "featured profile" on the MySpace music homepage, and the contest will be promoted through member bulletins and other rotating banners throughout the Battle. All totaled, MySpace will provide exposure to over 100 million potential voters."Partnering with MySpace is a great boost to the Battle of the Bands," said Brian Ball, marketing manager of Ernie Ball. "We love the increased exposure, but it's really about the search for that next great band. MySpace is going to help broaden the pool of talent, which is going to make this year's Battle bigger and better than ever before."2008 marks the 12th annual Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands, where fans can nominate their favorite unsigned bands online. Erne Ball estimates the 2008 Battle will have nearly 15,000 entries who will be judged by music industry executives, including Ernie Ball staff and sponsors, such as Myspace, Guitar Center and Hurley. Four of the 20 most-nominated bands from each region will perform live on the Ernie Ball Stage at the Vans Warped Your during their hometown leg.The Warped Tour, the most prominent live music festival in North America, will hit 47 major venues in the United States and Canada in summer 2008 and will feature, among others, Forever the Sickest Kids, Protest the Hero, The Audition and MC Chris. The Ernie Ball Stage is a self-contained mobile stage equipped with a 24,000-watt sound system. Over the years, the stage has featured more than 5,000 unsigned bands, including then up-and-comers Bowling For Soup, Sugarcult, Story of the Year, New Found Glory, Avenged Sevenfold, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Less Than Jake. As if playing the Vans Warped Tour wasn't reward enough, the nearly 200 bands who make it to the Ernie Ball Stage will also be competing for the chance to be one of just four showcase bands chosen to play live before industry elite and record label executives at a major Hollywood venue in the fall. Adding fortune to fame, one Grand Prize winner will be chosen to take home a $15,000 Guitar Center shopping spree as well as a $1,000 custom apparel package from Hurley clothing.For more information on the 12th annual Battle of the Bands, or to nominate your favorite unsigned band, check out www.battleofthebands.com or contact Ernie Ball at battle@ernieball.com. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=289 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST Settings Chosen As Top ActCOACHELLA, Calif. (April 29, 2008) - Settings, a rock/electronica band from Buffalo, N.Y. today was named the winner of the 4th annual Ernie Ball® Rockstar® Taste of Chaos® Battle of the Bands®. The independent band was chosen over thousands of entrants by a music industry panel of judges and will receive a full Ernie Ball sponsorship. In addition, Settings will be featured in an advertising campaign set to run in the Alternative Press and is poised to receive tons of exposure."It was an amazing experience for us," said Alex Niceforo, Settings guitarist and vocalist. "We were able to see how everything works at that level and it made us realize why we are working so hard. We gained great exposure and made a lot of new fans."The fourth annual Rockstar® Taste of Chaos tour swept through North America from February 29 to April 22, 2008. Playing alongside headliners Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, Bullet For My Valentine and Blessthefall, Settings impressed a panel of industry judges to claim the Ernie Ball Taste of Chaos Battle of the Bands title.For more information on the Taste of Chaos, see www.tasteofchaos.com.The Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands competition is now in its 12th year running and is getting ready to kick off on the 2008 Warped Tour. For more details, visit www.battleofthebands.com. Stay tuned as the Ernie Ball Rockstar Taste of Chaos competition resumes this coming fall. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=290 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST 2008 Competition Gives Unsigned North American Bands A Shot at Performance Opportunities, $15k Guitar Center Prize and MoreCOACHELLA, CA (March 31, 2008) - Now in its twelfth year, the Ernie Ball/Music Man Battle of the Bands competition is back and better than ever, offering North America's best unsigned talent the opportunity to play live on the Vans Warped Tour, perform before a crowd of influential music industry execs in Hollywood, CA - even win a $15k Guitar Center shopping spree and $1k in custom Hurley apparel.Registration for the competition is open now through June 1 via the official Ernie Ball/Music Man Battle of the Bands 12 website, www.battleofthebands.com. The online voting portion of the Battle website will remain open throughout the duration of the Battle, allowing fans to nominate their favorite registered bands for a shot at playing Ernie Ball's original self-contained Mobile Stage on the Vans Warped Tour, running from June 19 - August 17. Judges, comprised of Ernie Ball staff and Battle sponsors, will then choose four of the 20 most-nominated bands from each region to perform live on the stage during their hometown leg of the tour. Regional winners will be announced by mid-June.As if playing the Vans Warped Tour wasn't reward enough, the nearly 200 bands who make it to the Ernie Ball Stage will also be competing for the chance to be one of just four showcase bands chosen to play live before industry elite and record label executives at a major Hollywood venue in the fall ‘08. Adding fortune to fame, one Grand Prize winner will be chosen from these four semi-finalists to take home a $15,000 Guitar Center shopping spree as well as a $1,000 custom apparel package from Hurley clothing."Since the Battle of the Bands, our lives have changed completely - it definitely helped push our popularity," said Alfonso Civile of Battle 11 Showcase finalist band KnowLyfe. "People from states up north and down south recognize us from the Warped Tour or the Battle, and booking is crazy! We're starting to work with bigger names. Our record is available digitally through major retailers, and our next record will be hitting the actual shelves of those retailers. We've been so fortunate."To take part in this year's Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands competition, bands must upload photos, a band biography, and two MP3 audio files to the Battle of the Bands 12 site by June 1. For more details on sign-ups, please visit the Battle of the Bands 12 website at www.battleofthebands.com.Since its debut 12 years ago, the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands has given the best local bands from North America the opportunity to showcase their talents in the world's longest running and largest live music promotion in the music industry.A breeding ground for the best unsigned talent, the Ernie Ball Stage is a self-contained mobile stage equipped with a 24,000-watt sound system. The stage has featured more than 5,000 unsigned bands, including then up-and-comers Bowling For Soup, Sugarcult, Story of the Year, New Found Glory, Avenged Sevenfold, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Less Than Jake, and more.The Vans Warped Tour, the most prominent live music festival in North America, will hit 47 major venues in the United States and Canada in summer 2008 and will feature, among others, The Audition, Forever the Sickest Kids, Protest the Hero, MC Chris, Charlotte Sometimes and Lordz. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=288 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST New Site Features Additional Areas for Specialized Information & Blogs, Image Galleries & MoreCOACHELLA, CA (March 25, 2008) - Ernie Ball/Music Man is proud to announce the unveiling of the newly updated www.music-man.com - a comprehensive hub for all things Music Man, including an internal blogging network updated by Ball family members and staff, new image galleries, Music Man-endorsed artist info and more.Now live, www.music-man.com directly links to both the Ernie Ball website and the Ernie Ball Forums and offers the following features:* Ball Street Journal featuring the status and whereabouts of select Ball Family Reserve instruments, plus regular postings from Ball family members Sterling, Brian and Scott detailing company happenings and the behind-the-scenes workings of the Ernie Ball/Music Man inner circle* Music Man News Blog providing details on current Music Man events, products, promotions, tradeshow participation and more* Media Gallery showcasing exclusive video of Music Man artists as well as links to the Ernie Ball, Music Man and Battle of the Bands YouTube sites* Instrument Gallery including specs, colorways and instrument images for the full line of Music Man products* Music Man Process Image Gallery offering step-by-step photos of the Music Man concept and production process* History Section featuring a timeline of the many memorable Music Man events and happenings from years past* Music Man-endorsed Artists Page* Retailer Listings"This new Music Man website has been a long time coming - and should be the perfect tool to allow us to maintain the interactive consumer and dealer relationships that we try to nurture via every other facet of the company," said Brian Ball of the Ernie Ball Company. "It's an exciting change for the company and our Music Man fans." http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=287 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST SAN LUIS OBISPO (February 29, 2008) - Expanding its legendary craftsmanship and American heritage, Ernie Ball Music Man proudly announces the arrival of two new Ball Family Reserve instruments - the Albert Lee BFR and the John Petrucci Baritone BFR - as well as a trio of new color options for all Ball Family Reserve instruments. Originally enjoyed only by family and revered artist friends, Music Man's exceptional Ball Family Reserve instruments celebrate the company's most exceptional American artistry. Albert Lee BFRFeaturing all the standard features of Music Man's classic Albert Lee Signature guitar, the Albert Lee BFR takes the company's unrivaled styling, aesthetics and craftsmanship to a level beyond compare. Weighing only 6 pounds 11 ounces, the guitar boasts a Southern Ash body with a book-matched maple top, a mahogany Tone Block and a sleek maple neck. This specially crafted guitar is solely offered in Pink Burst - Albert's favorite color scheme - that Music Man has brought out of retirement exclusively for this occasion. The Albert Lee BFR uses Custom RPS Slinkys, gauges10p-13p-16p-26w-36w-46w. MSRP starts at: $3500.00 John Petrucci Baritone BFR Toeing the line between a guitar and a bass, the John Petrucci Baritone BFR boldly offers all the attributes of the John Petrucci BFR, plus a few extras. Music Man's first 27.5-inch scale instrument, the John Petrucci Baritone BFR touts an alder body with a book-matched maple top, a mahogany Tone Block, a flatter mahogany/rosewood fretboard neck with a 15-inch radius and 24 frets. This special instrument is equipped with one DiMarzio Custom Humbucker Pickup in the neck and one DiMarzio D-Sonic Humbucker Pickup in the bridge. The John Petrucci Baritone BFR uses Custom RPS Slinkys, gauges 12p-16p-22p-34w-46w-62w tuned B-flat to B-flat, and is offered in an exciting range of Music Man colors. MSRP: $4199.00 New BFR ColorsMusic Man is also proud to introduce not one but three unique colors for the Ball Family Reserve series of instruments, each of which features the company's dazzling "burst" configuration. Available for all BFR guitars with the exception of specially schemed signature instruments, the new colors include: Tobacco Burst - an authentic sunburst of dark brown-to-yellow tonesEmerald Burst - a deep green blending with lighter green accentsAmethyst Burst - a rich purple with dynamic violet highlights http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=286 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (February 25, 2008) - The 50th Annual Grammy Awards marked yet another victory for the Ernie Ball/Music Man family of endorsed artists, with five talented musicians/groups accepting coveted Grammy gold at the Staples Center on Sunday, February 10, 2008. Leading the proud group of Ernie Ball/Music Man Grammy winners, The White Stripes took home two awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for their hit album Icky Thump. Additional Ernie Ball and Music Man endorsed artists taking home big Grammy wins include the following: Maroon 5 - Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for Makes me Wonder The Eagles - Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for How Long Brad Paisley - Best Country Instrumental Performance for Throttleneck,and J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton - Best Contemporary Blues Album for The Road to Escondido "The Grammy's are an exciting time for all of us at Ernie Ball," said Derek Brooks of the Ernie Ball Company. "We're always proud of our talented crew of endorsee friends and musicians. Knowing that we may have contributed - in even the smallest way - to such an incredible evening is definitely a highlight. We send our congratulations to all the winners and nominees." http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=285 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST eBay Auction to Benefit Casey Lee Ball Foundation Open Now Through January 30 at 6pm SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (January 24, 2008) - Ernie Ball/Music Man is auctioning off its one-of-a-kind Global Warming Guitar - an incredibly elaborate guitar boasting plenty of creative global warming kitsch that was originally created for and played by Chris Guest at the 2007 LIVE EARTH global live music phenomenon. The currently live auction will end on January 30 at 6pm PST. Interested bidders may visit the Global Warming Guitar's eBay auction page at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320207997260.The result of over 1200 hours of concept design and labor, the awe-inspiring Global Warming Guitar debuted on the London LIVE EARTH stage on July 7, 2007 in the hands of Chris Guest - perhaps best known for his role as Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap in the mockumentary film This is Spinal Tap."Chris has been a loyal fan of Music Man instruments for years, so when he called me up looking for something to play before billions of people on 7-7-07, we started brainstorming the global warming concept immediately," said Sterling Ball of the Ernie Ball Company. "Incredibly enough, most of those initial ideas made it onto the guitar, which turned out to be absolutely beautiful."The perfect complement to the climate crisis-driven, 24-hour LIVE EARTH worldwide concert series, the Global Warming guitar is similar in shape to the popular Silhouette 20th Anniversary guitar and boasts the following fully-functional features:Laser engraved figured maple top depicting a flaming EarthReal snow globe with Al Gore figurine, "Presidential Seal" and volume-activated lightingKnobs in the shape of an ice cube and an Egyptian pyramidPickup switches in the shape of the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Empire State BuildingPainted and laser engraved pickups (to maintain continuity of the image on the body)White Corian fingerboard laser engraved with Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scalesFunctioning LED "thermometer" running up the center of the fingerboard (when the tone pot is pulled up, the thermometer slowly rises to the first fret; freezing is at the 12th fret)Flamed headstockFully-detailed guitar backside painted black with sparkling stars complete with a "Blackberry" compartment containing a small faux blackberry fruitMore information may be found online at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320207997260. Currently the world's largest private pediatric kidney foundation, the Casey Lee Ball Foundation is a non-profit organization working for the advancement of pediatric kidney research. Casey Lee Ball, third son of Sterling Ball, was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease at age two. At age five, while Casey and Sterling were recuperating from kidney transplant surgery, they decided to create the Casey Lee Ball Foundation. As a result of their tireless efforts over the last thirteen years, several new medicines have made it to the market in record time and are helping to reduce the side effects of kidney transplant medications. To date the foundation has raised over 7.5 million dollars. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=284 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (January 22, 2008) - New for 2008, Ernie Ball Music Man is proud to introduce a fresh trio of instruments - all exquisitely designed and manufactured in the United States using the same careful hand and familiar attention to detail that has made the brand famous. Sure to strike a chord with any premium guitar enthusiast, these new models include the Sterling 5, the Bongo 6 and the Limited Edition 2008, all of which will debut at the Ernie Ball booth (#5440) at the 2008 Winter NAMM show, taking place January 17-20 in Anaheim, CA.Limited Edition 2008The latest installment in the highly sought after Limited Edition Series, the exclusive characteristics of the 2008 model (pictured) include a brand new, warm Sequoia Gold finish that is richly complemented by opulent gold hardware. A limited edition Mother of Pearl inlay will adorn the 12th fret, enhancing the overall appeal and allure. Also included, a custom Lizardback case lined with a plush golden fabric is sure to keep this trophy instrument well-padded and secure regardless of your whereabouts. Available for a limited time, the 2008 Limited Edition enhancements will be available on all Music Man instruments. STERLING 5The newest addition to the 5-string family, the Sterling 5 is a marriage of sleek design and comfort. Featuring a compact body with a faster profile (maple or rosewood) neck, sculpted neck joint and a smaller profile 4+1 headstock configuration, the Sterling 5 also boasts an ash body, 3 band active EQ and Music Man's proprietary massive humbucking pickup. Available in ceramic humbucking, double-humbucking and humbucking-single pickup configurations, this bass packs a serious punch that any player will appreciate.BONGO 6Featuring a unique body and neck concept designed in conjunction with BMW U.S.A., the Bongo 6 marks the exciting debut of Ernie Ball Music Man's first full-scale 6-string bass. Flaunting a slender-profile neck and string spacing that's equivalent to the company's popular Bongo and Stingray 5 Series instruments, the Bongo 6 has a 34" scale, bolt-on neck configuration and 24 frets as well as a basswood body, 18-volt preamp, 4 band EQ and neodymium magnets that provide an unparalleled tone and flexibility. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=283 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST Finally, a coated set that offers plain strings the same deserving protection as wound strings!SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (January 17, 2008) - In a revolutionary movement sure to uplift plain strings from problematic weakness and breakage, Ernie Ball is proud to introduce its new Slinky Acoustic sets, featuring patented coated Titanium RPS Technology that resists rust and grime to produce a bright and powerful tone time after time.A long-awaited development, Ernie Ball's coated titanium Slinky Acoustic sets are stronger and longer-lasting than traditional coated and uncoated strings thanks in part to an exclusive protective coating on both the wrap wire and the plain strings as well as a patented winding of titanium wire around the lock twist of the ball end. Staying true to Ernie Ball's heritage of superb craftsmanship and sound quality, the Slinky Acoustic sets are also made with the finest and freshest raw materials, resulting in a crisp ringing sound with pleasing overtones."As far as we're concerned, plain strings need the same protection as wound strings, and this is the long-awaited solution," said Brian Ball of the Ernie Ball Company. "These strings are resistant to corrosion and dirt and are stronger all around than any we've seen."Enhancing the inherent string quality and freshness is Ernie Ball's new string packaging - the company's first new string packaging concept in more than 45 years. Produced and now hermetically sealed into their packages at Ernie Ball's desert headquarters in Coachella, CA, the Slinky Acoustic strings are exposed to minimal moisture and humidity from factory to retailer - ensuring that all strings are as fresh upon opening as they were the day they were made.Looking to bolster your collection of fine Ernie Ball strings, equipment and accessories? These previously introduced products are now available and shipping in March 2008.Ernie Ball Wah Pedal - Combining a classic Wah sound with Ernie Ball's unmatched engineering, precision and strength/Ernie Ball Straplocks - Mechanically engineered with a quick-release, 360-degree connection for instrument protectionErnie Ball Ultraflex Cables - Flexible, heavy duty instrument, speaker and microphone cables for purity all aroundBe sure to check out these and other Ernie Ball products at booth #5440 of the 2008 Winter NAMM show, taking place January 17-20 in Anaheim, CA. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=280 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (January 17, 2008) -New this year, Ernie Ball's modernized packaging methods ensure that your new string sets sound factory-fresh from the moment you open the package - and will retain their just-opened tone and appeal for even longer than before. A recognized pioneer in the world of strings, Ernie Ball has revitalized its more than 45-year-old packaging concept, utilizing a new process that hermetically seals the strings into their packaging for increased resistance to moisture and impurities. Produced and packaged at Ernie Ball's desert headquarters in Coachella, CA, the strings are exposed to minimal airborne pollutants and humidity from factory to retailer - ensuring that all products are as fresh upon opening as they were the day they were made."This is the first time we've redesigned our packaging in over 45 years - and we've done ourselves proud," said Brian Ball of the Ernie Ball Company. "New technologies are allowing us to take string preservation to the next level, and what better place to start than with the packaging? This is yet another way for us to ensure that your strings play the same and last as long as if you snagged them right off the factory floor."The new packaging also employs use of a high-gloss foil and Ernie Ball's signature color coded system, making the right Ernie Ball strings easy to find and impossible to ignore under bright store lights - plus, the company has put an end to counterfeit strings through the application of a genuine Element Shield Hologram.Looking to bolster your collection of fine Ernie Ball strings, equipment and accessories? These previously introduced products are now available and shipping in March 2008.Ernie Ball Wah Pedal - Combining a classic Wah sound with Ernie Ball's unmatched engineering, precision and strength.Ernie Ball Straplocks - Mechanically engineered with a quick-release, 360-degree connection for instrument protection.Ernie Ball Ultraflex Cables - Flexible, heavy duty instrument, speaker and microphone cables for purity all around.Be sure to check out these and other Ernie Ball products at booth #5440 of the 2008 Winter NAMM show, taking place January 17-20 in. Anaheim, CA. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=282 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (November 15, 2007) - The nominees for this coming Sunday's American Music Awards have been announced, and nine Ernie Ball and/or Music Man endorsed artists have received a total of 14 nominations! Held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA and airing live on ABC, Sunday, November 18 at 8/7c, the American Music Awards promise a night of honorary celebration and live musical entertainment. Ernie Ball and Music Man endorsees joining the nominees include: Daughtry (Music Man) - One of the most-nominated artists of the night, Daughtry is up for Favorite Pop or Rock Album for "Daughtry"; Favorite Artist in the Adult Contemporary Music Category; and Favorite Breakthrough Artist. Linkin Park (Music Man) - Also leading with three nominations, longtime Music Man endorsee Linkin Park is in the running for Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Pop or Rock Category; Favorite Pop or Rock Album for "Minutes to Midnight"; and Favorite Artist in the Alternative Rock Music Category. Rascal Flatts (Ernie Ball) - Leading the group of Ernie Ball/Music Man country artists, Rascal Flatts has received nominations for Favorite Country Album for "Me and My Gang" as well as Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Country Category. Brad Paisley (Ernie Ball) - No stranger to the Ernie Ball family, Brad Paisley is among the nominees for Favorite Male Artist in the Country Category. Big & Rich (Ernie Ball and Music Man) - A dual endorsee, Big & Rich join Rascal Flatts with a nomination for Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the County Category. Maroon 5 (Ernie Ball) - Maroon 5 is the second of three Ernie Ball/Music Man artists to receive a nomination for Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Pop or Rock Category. Nickleback (Ernie Ball) - Proudly sponsored by Ernie Ball, Nickleback accounts for the third and final nominee for Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Pop or Rock Category. The White Stripes (Ernie Ball) - Joining Linkin Park, The White Stripes have also been nominated to win Favorite Artist in the Alternative Rock Music Category. Casting Crowns (Ernie Ball) - Rounding out the nominations, Casting Crowns has received one nomination for Favorite Artist in the Contemporary Inspirational Category. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=279 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST SAN LUIS OBISPO (November 9, 2007) – Following recent events, Ernie Ball is proudly participating in the Music For Relief and Unite the United online auction to benefit victims of the California Wildfires that began on October 21. Launched November 5, the eBay auction includes Ernie Ball’s contribution of a Music Man Sterling Bass signed by Avenged Sevenfold bass player Johnny Christ – as well as 70 other instruments, concert tickets and collectible memorabilia donated by various parties to raise both awareness and funds in light of the tragedy. The donated bass is none other than Christ’s personal touring instrument, adding both interest and value. “We’re happy to be part of such a timely cause – and not just because we’re a family brand rooted in California,” said Derek Brooks of the Ernie Ball Company. “This kind of devastation requires as much immediate action as possible if communities and landscapes are to be properly restored.” Event proceeds will profit charities aimed at recovery needs and reforestation efforts including the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund (www.calfund.org) as well as the American Forests’ California Wildfire ReLeaf Fund (www.americanforests.org). To access the auction, please visit www.ebay.com/CAwildfires. The Unite The United Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by the producers of the Vans Warped Tour and the Rockstar Taste Of Chaos Tour with a mission to encourage fans, artists and industry leaders from the music, touring and lifestyle worlds to come together through charitable contributions, events and volunteer efforts in order to work toward a positive change in our national community. For more information, visit www.Unitetheunited.org. Founded by members of the band Linkin Park, Music For Relief is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters. Since its inception in 2005, Music for Relief has raised over $2 million for the victims of the tsunami tragedy in Southeast Asia and hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For more information, visit www.musicforrelief.org. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=277 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (November 9, 2007) – After taking the stage on select stops of the Vans Warped Tour this summer, the four winners of the 11th Annual Ernie Ball Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands are ready to rock the house at the event’s final Hollywood Showcase Party! Taking place Thursday, November 29 at the Key Club on the Sunset Strip, the Hollywood Showcase Party will be headlined by punk legends MXPX as well as Battle of the Bands Grand Prize winners Dr.Manhattan, Know Lyfe, Nothing More (pictured below) and Victim Effect (pictured on following page). Tickets for the event are $10 through the Key Club box office or Ticketmaster.com with doors opening at 7pm. The prominent showcase event – which is the grand culmination of the months-long Battle of the Bands competition – gives winning artists the chance to perform live before an audience of recognized label execs, agents and managers, as well as family, friends and fans. Prior to taking the stage, the winners also received thousands of dollars in rock and roll prizes from battle sponsors, including a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree. The Key Club is located at 9039 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069. For additional event details, contact the venue at (310) 274-5800. The most successful summer music tour and festival for youth, the Vans Warped Tour has kicked off the careers of Eminem, Blink-182, 311, No Doubt, Sugar Ray, Limp Bizkit and more. Typically hitting over 50 North American cities each summer, the tour incorporates music and gravity-defying sports including BMX, motocross and skateboarding. The world’s largest battle of the bands competition, the Ernie Ball Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands debuted 11 years, giving the best local bands from North America the opportunity to showcase their talents in the world’s longest running and largest live music promotion in the music industry. The online contest allows winners to be chosen by the fans themselves. For more information on the Battle, contact Ernie Ball at (800) 543-2255, or visit www.battleofthebands.com. Editors may contact On the Horizon Communications at (805) 773-1000 or heather@thepressroom.com http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=278 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (October 18, 2007) - The Ernie Ball Company is proud to lend a hand to the Our Sacrifice video tribute for soldiers abroad by donating a Ernie Ball Music Man Steve Morse signature guitar, autographed by famed musician Ozzy Osbourne.Ernie Ball's autographed guitar is one of many items offered as a raffle prize to individuals who have donated to the Our Sacrifice fundraiser. Ernie Ball endorsees participating in the project include the Eagles, Gretchen Wilson, Joe Walsh, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Chesney, Buddy Guy and Charlie Daniels."I think it's great that Ernie Ball is participating in this event," said Mark Reis, Our Sacrifice creator and guitar tech for legendary Ernie Ball endorsee Joe Walsh of the Eagles. "It's exciting that manufacturers like Ernie Ball are uniting to help support both the soldiers and their families, as there is a great need across our country for this right now."The Our Sacrifice video runs to the musical track of the same name and has recently been turned into a fundraiser to benefit several organizations including Stars for Stripes, Operation Pinecone, Sew Much Comfort, the 9/11 Help America Foundation, The Kevin Downs Foundation, and the 1st Lt. Rob Seidel Fund. Anyone making a donation to Our Sacrifice is automatically entered to win one of the fundraiser's fabulous collector prizes, which currently include 16 autographed guitars, an autographed helmet from Indy racer Al Unser Jr. and various other pieces of musical equipment. Drawings start in October and run through 2008, with two lucky winners each month.     For more information on "Our Sacrifice" please visit www.oursacrifice.net. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=275 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST Endorsees Includes Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Big & Rich, Rascal Flatts and Dierks BentleySAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (October 18, 2007) - The Country Music Association Awards have long been recognized as "Country Music's Biggest Night," and this year not one but five of the Ernie Ball Company's endorsed country music artists have received nominations! Held in Nashville, Tennessee and airing live on ABC, Wednesday, November 7 at 8/7c, the CMA Awards honor the genre's most talented and influential musicians. Ernie Ball endorsees joining the nominees include:Brad Paisley - Leading the race with five nominations, Paisley is in the running for not only Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year - he's also been nominated for Single of the Year for his song "Tick"; Album of the Year for 5th Gear; and Music Video of the Year for "Online". He's previously won seven CMA Awards throughout his career including Album of the Year in 2006, Music Video of the Year in 2002 and 2004, Musical Event of the Year in 2004 and 2006, Vocal Event of the Year in 2001 and the Horizon Award in 2000.Kenny Chesney - Also nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, Chesney is additionally in the race for Musical Event of the Year for "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" by Tracy Lawrence, on which he is a featured artist along with Tim McGraw. His final nomination also includes Music Video of the Year for "You Save Me". CMA Awards to date include Entertainer of the Year in 2004 and 2006 and Album of the Year in 2004 and 2005.Big & Rich - Never to go unnoticed, Big & Rich have received nominations for Vocal Duo of the Year as well as Single of the Year for "Lost In This Moment." The single is also among the nominees for Song of the Year, which credits songwriters and publishers.Rascal Flatts - The third Ernie Ball endorsee to be nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Rascal Flatts is also a nominee for the prestigious Vocal Group of the Year award - a category that the group has won every year since 2003. Additional CMA credits include the Horizon Award in 2002.Dierks Bentley - Sharing the spotlight for Album of the Year, Bentley joins fellow endorsee Brad Paisley for his hit record Long Trip Alone. He also took home the CMA Horizon Award in 2005.The CMA Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement for Country Music artists, musicians, producers, publishers, songwriters, video directors and industry executives who work in America's most popular music genre. http://www.ernieball.com/news_content.php?id=276 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST