You Wanna Rock? The "Be a Guitar Hero" II Competition Kicks Off

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 26, 2006 - Music game publisher RedOctane® today launched their worldwide search for the next guitar hero! The "Be a Guitar Hero" II competition offers independent musicians the opportunity to have their song featured in game play for the upcoming title "Guitar Hero II" for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. "Guitar Hero II" is the follow-up title to 2005's award-winning release, "Guitar Hero, which rocked the game industry and garnered a stack of awards.

Independent artists are eligible to submit original music for inclusion in the sequel "Guitar Hero" videogame, scheduled for North American release in November 2006. Considered songs must fall in the 'hard rock' or 'heavy metal' genre with a featured lead guitar. RedOctane will accept music entries through their community website www.beaguitarhero.com and submissions must be completed by 11:59 p.m. PST on June 30, 2006. This newly launched website features an easy submission process so contestants can directly upload mp3's for contest entry.

The grand prize winner will have their song featured in the top-secret track list for "Guitar Hero II" and is eligible for additional publicity through game launch promotions. Graveyard BBQ, the winner of the first "Be a Guitar Hero" competition, will rock live at the RedOctane booth (Kentia Hall #6521) during the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles next month. Their song "Cheat on the Church" is featured as an unlock song in "Guitar Hero", currently on retail shelves nationwide.

Rock enthusiasts can visit the community website www.beaguitarhero.com to discuss music in the upcoming game and share game tips. A new photo gallery is now available where fans can upload photos of their favorite "Guitar Hero" moments and modded guitar controllers.

The game that has inspired a nation of wannabe rock stars to achieve videogame greatness is scheduled for a new US tour on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in November 2006. Musical giant Gibson Guitar is also expected to be on board. Like the original "Guitar Hero", a selection of famous Gibson electric guitars will be available for characters to play.

To learn more about the "Be a Guitar Hero" II competition and to read contest rules please visit www.beaguitarhero.com

The grand prize winner will receive the following prizes:

- Epiphone G-400 Electric Guitar
- EMG Zakk Wylde pickup set
- Krank Distortus Maximus distortion pedal
- Pacific Drums and Percussion CX Drumset
- Morley Pedal Steve Vai Bad Horsie Wah pedal
- Copy of "Guitar Hero" and "Guitar Hero II" videogame
- Winner's music track to be included in "Guitar Hero II"

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About RedOctane
Based in Sunnyvale, California, RedOctane® is an innovative video game publisher, specializing in rhythm action games. "Guitar Hero" was released in the US in November 2005 - to universal consumer and critical acclaim. For more information on RedOctane please visit www.RedOctane.com.

About Gibson Guitar
Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins and banjos. Gibson's digital guitar represents the biggest advancement in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Gibson Guitar Corp's family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Maestro, Baldwin, Hamilton, Chickering and Wurlitzer. For more information on Gibson go to www.gibson.com.

About DW Drums
Drum Workshop is the leading American manufacturer of professional-quality drums, pedals, hardware, snare drums and drum accessories. DW is also the designer and exclusive worldwide distributor for Pacific Drums and Percussion, which offers a wide range of high-quality yet affordable percussion instruments for beginning, intermediate and semi-pro players.

RedOctane® is a registered trademark of RedOctane, Inc. "Guitar Hero" and "Guitar Hero II" are trademarks of RedOctane, Inc. Developed by Harmonix Music Systems. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ® 2005-2006 RedOctane, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America takes no responsibility for this offer.

Media Contact:
Tracie Snitker
209/586-1495 x104
Tsnitker@redoctane.com