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GUITAR CENTER BRIGHTENS HOLIDAY
SEASON WITH A
TRIP TO THE DARKNESS
— Leading instrument retailer gives away rockin’ road trip
and Gibson guitar —
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, December 22, 2005 —
Guitar Center, Inc. (Nasdaq NMS: GTRC), the leading musical instrument
and professional audio retailer for over 40 years, has announced an
extraordinary December promotion. One lucky winner will receive an all-expenses
paid trip for four to see neo-glam rock band The Darkness perform live
in the city of their choice and a Gibson Les Paul Classic guitar signed
by the entire band. Guitar Center has teamed up with Atlantic Records
to give its customers the chance to recover from all of the holiday
madness with a trip to rock out to one of the hottest acts today, according
to Jack Sonni, vice president of marketing communication for Guitar
Center.
“The Darkness embodies that great, back to basics
rock ‘n roll spirit that really resonates with our customers.
We felt this promotion would be the perfect way to recognize and celebrate
that spirit, while also treating a fan to some great gear and an unforgettable
live concert experience,” said Sonni.
The English band hit the scene in 2003 with its debut
album, “Permission to Land.” Considered to be “Great
Britain’s finest export since Oasis” by Rolling Stone, The
Darkness became an American phenomenon over night. The band’s
highly anticipated sophomore album, “One Way Ticket to Hell…and
Back” dropped November 28, and is scheduled to tour throughout
US starting in 2006.
“The Darkness’ partnership with Guitar Center
is a great opportunity for us to create awareness for our release of
‘One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back,’ said Dane Venable,
Vice President of Marketing for Atlantic Records. “Guitar Center
caters to young and hip consumers, and this promotion and contest will
direct that target consumer to Guitar Center and also coordinate with
our marketing efforts for the new album.”
The month-long December promotion will culminate with
the winner announcement in mid-January. Interested participants can
submit entries at any Guitar Center location or online at www.guitarcenter.com.
…ends 312 words
About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the nation’s leading retailer of guitars, amplifiers,
percussion instruments, keyboards, live-sound/DJ and recording equipment.
We presently operate 151 Guitar Center stores, with 121 stores in 48
major markets and 30 stores in secondary markets across the U.S. In
addition, the Music & Arts division operates 77 retail locations
specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving thousands
of teachers, band directors, college professors and students. Guitar
Center is also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments
in the U.S. through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician’s Friend,
Inc., and its catalog and web site, www.musiciansfriend.com.
More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company’s
web site at www.guitarcenter.com.
The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of Guitar
Center, Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of the respective
companies with which they are associated.
MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Clyne, Neilson/Clyne at (615) 662-1616