Bodog Music Battle of the Bands Goes Big in Times Square

New York (PRWEB) August 9, 2007 -- Bodog Entertainment likes to go big and the billboard for their popular reality TV show Bodog Music Battle of the Bands is no exception. At almost 100 feet wide and 70 feet tall, the billboard in Times Square, at 42nd Street close to the corner of 8th Avenue, features a tour bus topped by a rocker. The 1.5 million people who traverse this international crossroads will be able to see the huge ad night and day through to the show's live finale on September 5.

Fuse, the national music television network, and Bodog Music, the groundbreaking international record label, are promoting Bodog Music Battle of the Bands, which airs Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. EST on Fuse. The hour-long, 10 episode series is based on Bodog Music's $1-million Battle of the Bands competition.

Bodog Music Battle of the Bands provides viewers with a candid, behind-the-scenes look at a nationwide music tour and all the talent, competition and downright insanity that accompanies it. Down to seven very different bands from seven different backgrounds, next week's episode will converge on Vegas to bring some of the rawest reality footage and most intense live performances ever shown on television.

"Bodog Music Battle of the Bands is not your everyday talent show," said Calvin Ayre, Founder of Bodog Entertainment. "We put these bands through some pretty intense competition. Audience votes, coupled with judging on performance, image, songwriting, work ethic, networking and the ability to self promote, will land the top bands in the finals. The band that wins gets massive Internet fan support, combined with Fuse's on-air exposure and Bodog Music's international marketing push. It's the chance of a lifetime."

The series is the culmination of a competition that started in March 2006 when more than 7,000 bands registered online, all vying for internet votes. The winners landed spots at one of the 350-plus live shows hosted by Bodog Music in 17 cities across the United States which further narrowed the group down to 17, then again to 10, and now to seven ... to ultimately one incredible act.

"You put 10 different bands on the road together for a few weeks, throw the craziest punk judges into the mix and it's guaranteed to be a long, strange trip," says Ayre. "The series on Fuse is going to make for some incredible performances and some great TV."

Each episode features live performances from the competing bands and criticisms and praises brought to them by the panel of expert talent judges that feature Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols/Public Image Limited), Billy Duffy of The Cult, and Punk Goddess, Bodog Music recording artist Bif Naked. Tour manager Stryker (co-host of syndicated radio show Loveline) guides the bands through their experience along with a crew of celebrities who mentor the musicians on their path to a $1-million grand prize and live on-air finale.

"Fuse truly cares about music fans, so this show was a logical fit as these bands battle it out by traveling through America's great music cities," said Andy Meyer, director of development and original series for Fuse. "The series provides an entertaining look at the drama and tensions that occur within bands on the verge of stardom, and the stress of living and performing on the road. We are excited to have the opportunity to bring this show to Fuse viewers."

Online at fuse.tv, viewers can access band bios, host blogs and view episode guides. To download earlier episodes, check out www.bodog.tv and tune in for new episodes on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST on Fuse.

About Bodog Music

BodogMusic.com is a division of the international digital entertainment giant Bodog Entertainment. With offices in the USA, UK, Canada and Europe, this record label features a diverse and growing roster of talented musicians, including: The Vincent Black Shadow, Neurosonic, Wu-Tang Clan, Overkill, Nazanin, Bif Naked, Bishop Brigante, Billy Idol, Warren G, Soma City Ward and The Heck. Bodog Music also distributes the Warcon Record Label and several acclaimed global movie soundtracks in Europe, including the Academy Award winning film Little Miss Sunshine, Nacho Libre and Saw III. For the second year in a row, Bodog Music is looking to award $1 million recording and marketing contracts to the top unsigned bands in the world. With two new competitions -- one held in North America and one held in Europe -- "Bodog Battle" will air on major television networks across the globe and online at Bodog.TV. Bodog Music Founder Calvin Ayre, who is recognized as a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's best-selling "Billionaires" issue in March 2006. For more information, contact publicity@bodogmusic.com. BODOG is a registered trademark of Bodog Entertainment Group.

About fuse

fuse is a music television network offering a window into artists and bands, unorthodox music line-ups, unconventional lives and emerging trends. fuse reflects the rapidly changing interests and attitudes of its 12-34-year-old audience providing a destination for discovery and authentic content that pushes boundaries. Viewers can find a multi-media experience combining TV, Web and mobile technologies incorporating their opinions and ideas into the networks programming. Additional information about fuse can be found at www.fuse.tv. fuse is part of Madison Square Garden, L.P., owned by Cablevision Systems Corporation, which includes the New York Knicks (NBA); the New York Rangers (NHL); the New York Liberty (WNBA); the Hartford Wolf Pack (American Hockey League); MSG Entertainment, which includes concerts and events at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, and the Beacon Theatre; and MSG Media, which is comprised of MSG and FSN New York; and the Madison Square Garden arena complex, located in the heart of the New York metropolitan area.

Contacts

Rikki Zazula

Bodog Music

215.794.1972

rikki @ bodogmusic.com

Susan Mainzer

Bodog Entertainment

866.892.3371

smainzer @ riptown.com

Amy Lynn

Fuse

212.324.3444

alynn @ fuse.tv

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