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Benefit Concert Featuring Velvet Revolver, Global 'Crank It Up' Campaign and Internal Initiatives to Raise Funds ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International is joining the relief efforts for victims of 2005 Hurricanes including Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast of the United States, through a benefit concert and in-cafe "Crank It Up" program to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Both Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Cafe Biloxi and Hard Rock Cafe New Orleans properties and staff were among the many severely affected by the natural disaster. On September 6th, Velvet Revolver will perform a benefit concert at the Hard Rock Live concert venue in Orlando. The supergroup, comprised of former members of Guns N' Roses Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum, frontman Scott Weiland, formerly of Stone Temple Pilots, and guitarist Dave Kushner, of Jane's Addiction, was originally scheduled to play the opening concert at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi on September 9th. 100% of ticket and bar sales from the show, presented by Hard Rock Live, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando and Real Rock 101.1, will be donated to help the people of Biloxi and New Orleans through the American Red Cross. Hard Rock staff has donated their time, and many Hard Rock partners are chipping in for the evening, including Diageo Spirit of Americas, Rolling Rock, FreshPoint Inc. (fresh produce distributor), CSC Security and Doubletree Hotel in Orlando. Tickets are available for $45 through Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 8pm. In addition to this concert, guests are encouraged to round up their checks to the nearest dollar (or more) when dining at Hard Rock Cafes around the globe. Each generous contribution will be directly donated to the American Red Cross International Response Fund. "Many in the Hard Rock Family from staff to guests have been greatly impacted by this catastrophe, and our prayers and thoughts go out to them," said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO, Hard Rock International. "We want to utilize our global network of locations to help raise funds for relief efforts, from a benefit concert to "Crank It Up," we encourage all our guests and staff to get involved." To help other Hard Rockers, Hard Rock International has also established an internal pledge program, where staff from Hard Rock properties worldwide can offer to monetarily assist their fellow employees. Hard Rock International will match all employee donations. About American Red Cross Disaster Relief The Red Cross is operating more than 250 shelters across seven states, providing a safe haven for nearly 42,000 evacuees - many who have been left homeless by Katrina. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. For more information about the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts, please visit http://www.redcross.org/. About Hard Rock International With 120 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes and 13 Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in more than 40 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally-recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by The Rank Group Plc (NASDAQ:RANKY). For more information on Hard Rock, visit http://www.hardrock.com/ . DATASOURCE: Hard Rock International CONTACT: Deborah Sierchio of Coyne PR, +1-973-316-1665 for Hard Rock International Web site: http://www.hardrock.com/ http://www.redcross.org/

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