Hard Rock Café Malta yesterday announced the imminent start of its third Battle of the Bands contest, this time around in aid of the Malta Hospice Movement.

The restaurant also announced that, for the second time, it had received Hard Rock Café’s Top of the Rock accolade, which has earned the Malta franchise the privilege of displaying some of the rarest memorabilia from Hard Rock’s extensive collection.

The Top of the Rock award is handed out to six of Hard Rock’s 123 franchises each year and is based on financial performance, unique sales accomplishments and contributions to the community. This is the second time Hard Rock Malta has picked up the distinction, the first having been in September 2004.

The Bay Street franchise will celebrate the prize on 8 September with a special KISS night hosted by life-long KISS enthusiast and DJ Gianni Zammit, whose band will be covering some of the band’s greatest hits. A guitar belonging to legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will also be on display.

Hard Rock’s Battle of the Bands, meanwhile, begins on 4 October, wrapping up on 6 December. The contest will see a dozen of Malta’s brightest up-and-coming rock bands fighting for votes from both the public as well as a panel of four judges. The winning band will be sent to perform two gigs at the Hard Rock Café Gran Canaria, one of the Canary Islands, with all expenses paid.

Hard Rock is also collaborating with the Malta Hospice Movement in a bid to raise funds and awareness on the fight against cancer.

Bands taking part are to have at least one original track while their performances are to comprise a mixture of their own compositions as well as covers.

The event forms part of Hard Rock’s aim to support local bands and to maximise their exposure in Malta and overseas alike.

Applications for the Battle of the Bands, which can be collected from the Bay Street franchise, opened yesterday and close on 8 September.