Prague's historic Old Town Square will be rockin', after Hard Rock celebrates the Grand Opening of the Czech Republic's first-ever Hard Rock Cafe.
The event, hosted by Ondrej Hejma of popular Czech band Žlutý pes, will feature a live performance by Fun Lovin' Criminals followed by headliner and British pop legends The Charlatans, who will be playing some of the band's infamous 90s anthems from an impressive repertoire of 10 studio albums.
"I am delighted that The Charlatans have been invited to open Europe's newest Hard Rock Cafe and in such a great city!" says Tim Burges, lead singer of The Charlatans.
"The entire band is looking forward it." In addition to unforgettable performances, the V.I.P. grand opening celebration will include a star-studded red carpet and Epiphone guitar smash led by Pavel Bém, the Honorable Mayor of Prague to commemorate rock history. The event will also feature appearances by representatives of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, owners of Hard Rock International, including Max Osceola, Jr., Councilman for the Tribe; Hamish Dodds, President and CEO of Hard Rock International; Hard Rock Goodwill Ambassador and Legendary Waitress Rita Gilligan; local celebrities and more.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Jaroslav Ježek School, which facilitates complex care and education for blind children and youngsters, including teaching them special skills that help in improving their independence and self-reliance in order to better equip them for life. Hard Rock will be donating 10 brand new Epiphone Guitars to the school to facilitate their music education program.
The Czech Republic's First Hard Rock Location Hard Rock Cafe Prague officially opened its new location in the historic V.J. Rott Building, a Unesco World Heritage site, on April 3, 2009. Located amongst the most exciting and visited sights in the Old Town Square, the 1,900-square-meter Prague cafe boasts three-levels, including two vibrant bars and a Rock Shop featuring Hard Rock's limited-edition merchandise.
Memorabilia from Hard Rock's iconic collection adorns the walls of Hard Rock Cafe Prague complemented by a five-meter custom-made crystal guitar, which hangs suspended from the ceiling. The Prague cafe collection will feature items from many of the world's most beloved and recognizable musicians, such as the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin and many more. Additional key memorabilia items from contemporary artists on display include jeans worn by U2's Bono, Radiohead's Ibanez electric guitar, Gwen Stefani's feather boa and a custom painted Oasis guitar. The Prague cafe is the first Hard Rock Cafe location in the Czech Republic.
About Fun Lovin' CriminalsFun Lovin' Criminals' blend of hip hop beats, alternative style, bluesy rhythms and good humored swagger has endeared them to many and garnered a loyal fan base. Born out of the New York club scene in 1993, "FLC" (as they're referred to by fans) have always straddled a variety of genres - everything from rock, hip hop, jazz and even lounge - with aplomb. Their eclectic style has seen them become a firm festival favourite and a multi Platinum and Gold act in the UK and Europe. Indeed "Scooby Snacks", "King of New York" and "Loco" have become classic FLC hits and festival anthems.
Although natives of New York City, Fun Lovin' Criminals have been embraced by fans in the UK, Ireland and Europe abroad. The year 2009 will see Fun Lovin' Criminals performing at major festivals across Europe as well as the release of their much anticipated new album.
About The Charlatans The Charlatans formed in 1989 and first tasted chart success with their second single "The Only One I Know," which hit the Top 10 the following year. They have since gone on to establish themselves as a major force in the British music scene, enjoying nine Top 10 albums (including three number ones) and twenty-two Top 40 singles to date.
The band headlined the second stage at last year's 2008 Ambassadors of Rock Hard Rock Calling Festival and launched the brand's Road to Hard Rock Calling series in London last April. The Charlatans are set to headline the Big Top at this year's Isle of Wight festival in June.
