JULY | AUGUST 2005

By Sandy Klim

Famous for its great American cuisine, exceptional service and live music events, Hard Rock International is probably best known for its rock 'n' roll memorabilia and atmosphere, paying tribute to legends of music history and today's contemporary artists.

It all started when Eric Clapton, a regular at the first Hard Rock Cafe in London, asked the staff if he could hang his guitar on the wall to mark his favorite bar stool as "his spot." They did, and one week later, a package from The Who's Pete Townsend arrived by messenger with his guitar and a note bearing the message, "Mine's as good as his! Love, Pete." Ever since then, Hard Rock has been covering their walls with historic, cool, unforgettable pieces of rock memorabilia.

All 122 Hard Rock Cafes in 41 countries serve as monuments to rock 'n' roll, and although each offers the same great food and drink, each restaurant is unique, from the music history that adorns the walls to the structures of each market's cafe. For instance, the site of the original Hard Rock Cafe in London used to be a Rolls Royce showroom, while the building Hard Rock Cafe Dallas calls home was originally a 1900s church. 

Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest growing beach destinations on the East Coast, second only to Florida for number of visitors annually. There are more than 100 golf courses in the area, but whether you're in town for the golf or the beach, the pyramid beckons-the Hard Rock Cafe pyramid, that is. It's the only HRC in the world built in this shape. The spectacular lighted fountain out front is one-of-a-kind. Enter its portal for bracing drinks, kickin' food and a party atmosphere that won't quit. Feel the healing power of the pyramid as it relieves your sunburn and improves your back swing. (Well, maybe not, but it can't hurt, right?) In the restaurant, you won't feel like a mummy, but you might "Walk Like an Egyptian."

In Hollywood, FL, lies the Seminole Indian Reservation, home of the new Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino complex. With a 130,000-square-foot casino and a 4-star hotel, the complex is alive with festivities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And when the hunger hits, don't forget to check out the Hollywood Hard Rock Cafe. Located in the midst of the sprawling hotel and casino complex, the  Hard Rock Cafe offers a healthy portion of American classics served with a smokin' portion of rock 'n' roll.

One of the classic pieces of memorabilia in the Hollywood complex is the B.B. King "Lucille" guitar. In the mid-50s, while playing a show in Twist, AR, two men started fighting in the crowd and in their shuffle knocked over a kerosene stove. After running from the blazing building, B.B. realized he had left his beloved $30 Gibson inside. Risking his life, he ran back into the building and retrieved it. Later, he found out the two gentlemen were fighting over a lady named Lucille. Ever since, B.B. has named each guitar the same to remind him to never do something as crazy as fight over a woman...you never know what might happen.

Rock 'n' Roll Road Trip
Offering a front-row look into the lives and careers of rock superstars and roadies, Hard Rock is bringing an interactive rock 'n' roll mobile tour across the country. The "Rock Across America" tour allows visitors to experience music through the decades and view classic memorabilia first hand. A 4-D interactive movie takes visitors backstage at concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Mötley Crüe and Simple Plan.

For the latest information on the multi-city mobile tour and a schedule of stops, visit hardrock.com.