Global Battle of the Bands
Encyclopedia
The Global Battle of the Bands (GBOB) is a live music competition joined by bands from all continents around the world. It is open to amateur/professional bands of all music genres and ages; there are only two main prerequisites to joining: no cover songs and no pre-recorded tracks. All bands must play original compositions and play it live. Every year Local Qualifying Heats and National Finals take place in participating countries around the world. The winners of these go forward to the World Finals. The grand winner of the World Finals will be awarded a USD $100,000.00 worth of cash and band development packages in London, as well as a golden statuette engraved with the words "Best New Band in the World".
Starting in 2004 with 16 countries participating, 25 countries took part in 2006 and participation continues to grow in 2007 to 2010 with a frequent average of over 30 countries involved.
from 2004 to 2006. In 2007, the World Finals were held in Camden, London over a three day period at two different venues. The first two days were held at the Camden Underground, followed by the Finals at the Camden Electric Ballroom
on December 6, 2007. The first two days served as a semi-finals. The World Finals 2008 were held at Astoria in London, while the finals in 2009 were held at The Scala
, also in London, after Astoria closed down. 2010 was the first time the World Finals were held outside UK - in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . The 2010 World Finals was co-presented and televised nationwide by Astro hitz, a Malaysian Music TV Channel.
Starting in 2004 with 16 countries participating, 25 countries took part in 2006 and participation continues to grow in 2007 to 2010 with a frequent average of over 30 countries involved.
The Competition
The World Finals were held at the London AstoriaLondon Astoria
The London Astoria was a music venue, located at 157 Charing Cross Road, in London, England. It had been leased and run by Festival Republic since 2000. It was closed on 15 January 2009 and has since been demolished...
from 2004 to 2006. In 2007, the World Finals were held in Camden, London over a three day period at two different venues. The first two days were held at the Camden Underground, followed by the Finals at the Camden Electric Ballroom
Electric Ballroom
The Electric Ballroom is a performance venue and indoor market located at 184 Camden High Street in Camden Town, London . The Electric Ballroom has been in operation for over seventy years, during which time it has been used in many different ways.The two storey building has two dance floors and...
on December 6, 2007. The first two days served as a semi-finals. The World Finals 2008 were held at Astoria in London, while the finals in 2009 were held at The Scala
Scala (club)
Scala is a nightclub in London, England, near King's Cross railway station.-History:The Scala was originally built as a cinema to the designs of H Courtney Constantine, but construction was interrupted by the First World War and it spent some time being used to manufacture aircraft parts, and as a...
, also in London, after Astoria closed down. 2010 was the first time the World Finals were held outside UK - in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . The 2010 World Finals was co-presented and televised nationwide by Astro hitz, a Malaysian Music TV Channel.
Previous Winners
- Second –
Spain 2004 - Kopek (band)Kopek (band)Kopek are an Irish rock band from Dublin, Ireland.- History :Irish trio Kopek's history stretches back a decade. Drummer Shane Cooney and bassist Brad Kinsella grew up as next-door neighbors in Dublin, and through their shared love of classic and modern rock music.The first singer who answered...
–
Republic of Ireland 2005 - Heavy Mojo –
United States 2006 - Boys In A Band –
Faroe Islands 2007 - Floors and Walls –
Kingdom of England 2008 - Rustic –
Mainland China 2009 - Dubtonic Kru –
Jamaica
Previous Judges
- Gary Helsinger (Universal Music Publishing)
- Joshua Freni (Virgin Records)
- Steve LillywhiteSteve LillywhiteSteve Lillywhite is an English Grammy Award winning record producer. Since he began his career in 1977, Lillywhite has been credited for working on over 500 records and has collaborated with a variety of musicians including XTC, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Dave Matthews Band, U2, Peter Gabriel,...
(Producer - U2, Iggy Pop, The Rolling Stones) - Ben AdamsBen AdamsBen Adams is an English singer-songwriter, best known as a member of the boy band, a1.-Early life:...
(A1) - Glen MatlockGlen MatlockGlen Matlock is an English bass guitarist most famous for being in the original line-up of the punk rock band the Sex Pistols. Drummer Paul Cook has said that Matlock came up with much of the music for the band's songs and most of the lyrics, while lead singer Johnny Rotten made some adjustments...
(Sex Pistols)
Countries
Since its start in 2004, bands from the following countries have participated in The Global Battle of the Bands:- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Morocco
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Philippines
- Romania
- Russia
- Scotland
- Serbia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Thailand
- Ukraine
- United States
- Wales
External links
- Official website
- It's the final countdown in Global Battle of the Bands, The Malay Mail
- The Global Battle of the Bands - Finale, Nuffnang Malaysia
- Battle of the bands is back, The Gleaner
- Icelandic Rockers in Global Battle of the Bands, Iceland Review Online
- Dubtonic Kru Win Battle of the Bands, RJR News
- Global Battle of the Bands Coming to Israel, Ynet News