23 September 2009--It was a unanimous decision on Sunday night with the panel of 10 judges that included respected music industry figures such as Paul Fry (ex-manager, Cui Jian), Jinhui Meng (Modern Sky) and Zhao Wei (LunHui band). The judges all agreed that the Motley Crue + White Stripes + Ramones influenced rockers had the most entertainment value of the evening. Each band played 8 minutes consisting of two original songs.
Rustic on stage
Gibson China President, Mark Klingspon was on hand to present Rustic with a spanking new Gibson S.G. guitar. Lucifer, vocalist of Rustic, proceeded to wrap his arms around Mr. Klingspon in his delight, the whole band waved the guitar around in the air and the band's joy was clear to see.
Rustic winning guitar
Chris B, China National Director said "After weeks of heats, tonight's Beijing final was really a first for GBOB and for China. There was a great mix of bands and styles of music from acoustic to metal. Our first Beijing GBOB winners are going to delight everyone at the China Final."
When asked who was actually going to get the Gibson guitar, Li Fan, drummer of the band Rustic said, "We actually had a fight before the final about who will get the guitar. They suggested we sell it to keep the money but I think we'll keep it as a memory of our victory in Beijing. I will use it."
Dragonair is the official carrier for Global Battle of the Bands in China and HKGFM.net is the official online radio sponsor. "We are very excited to go to Hong Kong and excited to be flying Dragonair, it will be our first time to Hong Kong. Two years ago there was a 'Chinese Rock 'n' Roll' concert in Hong Kong which I couldn't attend so this is a great opportunity for us" said Lucifer, talking excitedly about their impending debut trip to Hong Kong.
This is the second year that Global Battle of the Bands is taking place in China. Beijing has a reputation for a thriving live music scene and there was a lot of excitement that GBOB was finally happening here (last year due to the Olympics restrictions, there was no Beijing GBOB events).
In the China Final which will be held in Hong Kong at The Cavern on 7th November, Rustic will compete against Revenge (Shenzhen winning band), as well as the Hong Kong, Shanghai and Macau winning bands. Only one band can represent China at the World Final on 13 December 2009 in London, England.
Further information:
Chris B, China National Director
china@gbob.com