The competition is the centerpiece of Gretsch’s 125th anniversary celebration.  To participate, music lovers simply visit www.gretsch125th.com/contest to listen to unsigned acts from around the globe and vote for their favorite songs.  Users can cast one vote per day every day from June 15-July 16. The 10 bands with the most votes will make it to the finalist round, where they will be judged by an expert panel which includes Chuck Leavell, keyboardist for The Rolling Stones; Steve Ferrone, drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Keith Scott, guitarist for Bryan Adams; and Fred W. Gretsch, president of The Gretsch Company and great-grandson of the company’s founder.  The panel will determine the grand, first and second prize winners.

The grand prize winner will perform live at Gretsch’s 125th Anniversary Concert in New York City and take home $15,000 in Gretsch drums and guitars.  The first prize winner will win more than $5,000 in Gretsch instruments and the 2nd prize winner will walk away with $1,250 in Gretsch gift certificates.

“Gretsch legends like George Harrison, Charlie Watts, Chet Atkins, Bono, Brian Setzer and Phil Collins owe much of their success to the fans who have faithfully supported them,” said Fred W. Gretsch.  “In the same way, the next generation of Gretsch artists will depend on fans to help them make it to the top and carry on the legacy of ‘That Great Gretsch Sound.’ Music lovers everywhere can play a role in musical history by casting their vote for their favorite bands.”

The Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Artist Competition features unsigned and independent label recording acts residing in the United States, U.K., Canada, Spain, Germany, France and Japan.  More information about The Gretsch Company’s 125th Anniversary celebrations can be found at www.gretsch125th.com and www.myspace.com/gretsch125th.