Uncrowned Will Perform at Cabo Wabo Meltdown in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Orlando, Fla. - October 5, 2004 - Hard Rock Cafe and Cabo Wabo Enterprises are proud to announce Uncrowned, an unsigned band based in Atlanta, as the winner of the "Shot at the Cabo Wabo" national battle-of-the-bands competition.  Beating out more than 250 of the country's hottest unsigned bands, Uncrowned won an all-expense paid trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and will perform both nights (October 8 and 9, 2004) at the Cabo Wabo Meltdown at the Cabo Wabo Cantina. As grand-prize winners, Uncrowned will also receive $14,000 worth of studio/production time. 

Playing the Cabo Wabo Meltdown is a truly awesome opportunity for any band.  We joined with Cabo Wabo Tequila to find a way to recognize the nation's best unsigned bands and give them the opportunity to perform with some of music's top artists," said Brian Siemienas, director of marketing for Hard Rock International.  "Hard Rock is thrilled to be able to recognize Uncrowned's passion, and hopefully help the band on its path to stardom."

This year's Cabo Wabo Meltdown will feature headliners Sammy Hagar and The Waboritas preceded by J Records recording artists Silvertide.  Special guests scheduled to perform this year include Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, Billy Duffy from The Cult and Chad Kroeger from Nickelback.

"It is my absolute pleasure to give young bands support," stated Hagar. "We plan on watching Uncrowned heat up our Meltdown fans and make them their own."

During April and May, select Hard Rock Cafes in 20 U.S. cities each hosted four intense rounds of live regional competitions.  Rock fans nationwide voted for their favorite bands on-line at www.hardrock.com to narrow the competition down to six finalists.  Finally, a panel of celebrity and music industry judges, including Sammy Hagar, picked the winning band.

About Cabo Wabo 

Cabo Wabo is a lifestyle brand that includes Cabo Wabo Tequila and the Cabo Wabo Cantina nightclubs and restaurants in two of the most beautiful places on earth: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Lake Tahoe, Nevada at Harveys Resort Casino. Now in its 14th year, the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is one of the top resort attractions in that city. The Tahoe location opened for business on April 30, 2004 to rave reviews and record-breaking numbers for customers served. Imported in 1998, Cabo Wabo Tequila has become the Number Two premium tequila in the United States. Made from 100% Blue Weber Agave, Cabo Wabo is hand crafted the traditional way with no fillers or additives, 'produced and bottled in Mexico' and is one of the finest tequilas in the world. Cabo Wabo embodies the philosophy of founder and owner Sammy Hagar: a quality of life embracing good music, good friends, a smile on your face and the beach in your soul. Like our tequila, we believe your presence on this planet should be savored and enjoyed to the fullest. 

Cabo Wabo is a registered trademark of Cabo Wabo Enterprises.  www.cabowabo.com

About Hard Rock Cafe International

Hard Rock Cafe International, one of the most globally-recognized music, entertainment and dining brands has a network of 117 signature Hard Rock Cafes in 45 countries and owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia. Known for its collectible and fashion merchandise, live concerts, Hard Rock Live performance venues, hardrock.com and Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, Hard Rock Cafe International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of London-based The Rank Group Plc (NASDAQ: RANKY).  For more information on Hard Rock, visit www.hardrock.com.