More Than 1,200 Bands Entered - Only 62 Advanced to Semi-finals - Thousands of Fans Have Voted! - Only Four Weeks Remain

Eight Emerging Finalists to Compete Nationwide for MAJOR Record Label Showcase in New York City

Los Angeles CA/Bradford, PA (PRWEB) October 21, 2004 -- The ZIPPO HOT TOUR", featuring 60 of the hottest up-and-coming rock bands, who emerged with the most HOT" votes from their fans in round one, are performing live at local venues throughout the semi-finals in Austin, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham, San Diego and W. Palm Beach, to try and earn enough votes to advance to the finals. Fans have until November 20 to attend the live concerts and vote on who they want to represent their cities in the finals. Additionally, Zippo will be on hand giving away Zippo lighters, Beanies, T-shirts, Lanyards and more!

We have been overwhelmed by the response of the fans," says Mark Paup, Director of Global Marketing for Zippo Manufacturing Company. The ZIPPO HOT TOUR has provided great exposure for these bands, but also allows fans to play a key role in deciding who could be one of the next big rock bands in America."

HDNet, providing up to 20 hours of original features per week, produced in the highest quality 1080i HDTV format, chronicling, producing and will broadcast the Zippo Hot Tour Concert Series" to debut in Spring 2005 on HDTV.

The Finals" of the ZIPPO HOT TOUR", which begins December 1st and continues through December 31, 2004, is where music fans across the nation will have the opportunity to vote online for their favorite rock band amongst the eight finalists. One band will emerge and win a performance showcase with a major record label in New York, as well as a full equipment package from tour partners Tama Drums, Washburn Guitar and Randall Amps.

For more information, please visit www.zippohottour.com, or contact Crys Spelman by phone at 310-600-7994, or via e-mail at crys@clspublicity.com.    

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