News on Hard Rock Vault, Shakira, George Clinton
Hard Rock Cafe International (HRCI) plans to establish a music memorabilia museum in Orlando, Fla. The Hard Rock Vault, scheduled to open its doors in November, will offer an "educational look at the evolution of music," according to a statement from the company.
"Time after time our guests have told us that they are looking for an opportunity to make a personal, physical and sometimes even spiritual connection to the music and artists of their time," HRCI president/CEO Pete Beaudrault said in the statement. "With that in mind, we have taken the 'memorabilia experience' beyond the confines of a cafe and past the velvet rope for an 'All Access' peek into the energy, originality and passion of music, artists, events and audiences that have helped define us as a culture."
The more than 17,000-square foot space, which formerly housed the Guinness World Records Experience, will feature static and interactive displays, as well as videos, costumes, instruments, images, artifacts, and a merchandise store. The company claims to own more than 64,000 music-related items valued at more than $32 million throughout its worldwide locations.
Last month, HRCI launched the syndicated radio show "Little Steven's Underground Garage," hosted by E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt.
-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.