September 25, 2002 — Since its beginning in 1988, Guitar Center's Drum Off has become the largest drum competition in the world, all by remaining true to its core objectives: discovering untapped talent and launching national music careers.

Now the longest running competition in Guitar Center's history, Guitar Center's Drum Off 2002 is set to launch as over 4,000 of the country's top amateur drummers compete in preliminary competitions at all 105 Guitar Center stores staring on September 17th. Store finals will be held on October 15th and regional finals will take place in mid November in seven major cities across the nation (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston and New York City).

"We really have a fantastic prize packages for our contestants this year," said Darren Feldman, Director of Direct Marketing and Promotions for Guitar Center Inc. This year's grand prize winner will not only drive away in a 2003 Jeep Liberty (courtesy of Sabian), but will take home a Custom V-Drum set (courtesy of Roland) and an XM Satellite Radio receiver with a year's subscription. In addition, each regional winner will receive a complete top of the line drum set with cymbals and hardware.

Guitar Center's Drum Off 2002 will come to a conclusion at it's Grand Finals during "Drum Day L.A." at the legendary House of Blues in Hollywood, CA on Saturday, December 7th. As in years' past, this event is expected to draw a Sell-out crowd and many of the industry's top drummers. Tommy Lee (Motley Crue/Methods of Mayhem), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Travis Barker (Blink 182), Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle) Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction) and Sheila E (Prince) have all previously graced the stage during Guitar Center's Drum Off Grand Finals.

"Drumming is just one of those things that, once it gets inside you, never leaves." Feldman added. "Nothing pleases us more than hearing of the successes that many of the past winners, like Tony Royster Jr. have had, due to the exposure and credibility winning Guitar Center's Drum Off has given them."