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During the hottest weekend of the year (July 1-2) 60,000 music fans flocked to Hyde Park in  London to enjoy two days of vintage live music, marking 35 years of the Hard Rock
Hyde Park Calling was the first festival on the Ambassadors of Rock world tour. This momentous event is to celebrate 35 years of the Hard Rock and following the London festival will take in Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Caracas, Chicago, Hollywood FL and New York.
Music giant Gibson Guitar opened their vaults to display five beautifully hand crafted “One of a kind art guitars” in the Hard Rock VIP area in honor of guitar legends Les Paul, B.B King, Chet Atkins, Elvis, Merle Travis and a 20th Century heroes guitar. A combined worth of over one million Dollars of Gibson Custom guitars will be displayed at each capital city on the Ambassador of Rock tour. Gibson Custom Division also created a limited edition Gibson Les Paul Ambassadors of Rock guitar which will be signed by the headline artists around the world before being displayed in various Hard Rocks around the world. The Who’s Pete Townshend is pictured signing the above mentioned custom guitar.
Over in the Hard Rock public tent, Gibson Guitar provided free guitar lessons for anyone with an appetite to learn their favorite rock riffs. AC/DC, Guns n’ Roses, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin were just some riffs being taught by the two professional guitarists.
Saturday 1st July former Squeeze front man Chris Difford opened proceedings which was followed by New Zealand five piece Breaks Co-op. Gibson artists Starsailor played a blistering set which consisted of many crowd pleasers including “Alcoholic”, “In the Crossfire” and “Silence is Easy”. The atmosphere turned tense as Hyde Park’s attention focused on the big screens to watch England play Portugal in the World Cup quarter final. Festival stalwarts Texas played on regardless and managed to keep it together as England lost on penalties. The day finished in true style with the anticipated return of Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters headlining the first day of the festival. Roger Waters was joined on stage by Pink Floyds drummer Nick Mason to perform their classic 1973 album Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety. They encored with “Another Brick in the Wall” and “Comfortably Numb” accompanied by a spectacular light show.
Sunday 2nd July new Denver three piece Rose Hill Drive opened the show, followed by Gibson artists Ocean Colour Scene. Liverpool’s hottest export The Zutons came on to a rapturous applause playing various tracks from their new album and old favorites like “You Will You Won’t” and “Zuton Fever”. Razorlight came on and rocked the park performing new material from their forthcoming second album as well as tracks from their debut album. As the temperature dropped, it was time for headliners The Who to grace the stage. Their long awaited return did not disappoint, they opened with similar vigor and energy as back in the 60’s. The band aired new material such as “Bargain” as well as many of their classics; My Generation, Pinball Wizard, Who Are You, The Kids Are Alright and Behind Blue Eyes to name a few. Both Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend played their Gibson J-200 acoustic on many of their greatest hits. The Who’s performance was a master class in live rock which inspired the audience of every generation.
For more information on the Hard Rock Ambassadors of Rock Tour please visit www.ambassadorsofrock.com
For more information on Hyde Park Calling please visit www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk
www.gibsoneurope.com
July 2006
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