Epiphone Will Rock Winter NAMM with Line Up of Popular  Performers at Exclusive Event

Sugarcult, Maxeen, Freakhouse and Yesterday & Today Headline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE....Nashville, Tennessee…January 15, 2005

California rockers Sugarcult will present the face of today’s Epiphone while “Yesterday & Today” will showcase the company’s rich legacy at a special event at the winter NAMM musical instruments trade show in Anaheim, California. The Epiphone show also features rock artists Maxeen and Freakhouse and is scheduled for Saturday, January 22, at the Pulse Lounge in the Anaheim Hilton Hotel starting at 7:30 pm. The Pulse Lounge is located on the main floor.

Sugarcult continues to be the featured face of Epiphone today. The Santa Barbara-based quartet has shared stages with such greats as Green Day, Blink 182, The Hives, Sum 41 Good Charlotte and many more.  MTV and FUSE TV along with Alternative Press and others have applauded the group, suggesting that Sugarcult remains larger than life in today’s rock world.

Joining Sugarcult in the Epiphone extravaganza are Maxeen and Freakhouse. Maxeen’s sound ranges from the spacious melodic world beat of the Police and the anthem-like drive of U2 to the aggro-punk angularity of the Pixies and the Replacements. Maxeen will join Sugarcult in the 2005 Take Action Tour.

Freakhouse blends nu-metal, mainstream pop and a little bit of techno to provide unique melodies for all those who listen in today’s modern rock world. Currently a featured act in the Harsh Reality Tour, Freakhouse continues to play to sold out crowds across the country while mixing art and commerciality successfully.

Also appearing is Les Fradkin of The Beatles Remembered – “Yesterday & Today.” Being the first musician to portray George Harrison in the original cast of the Broadway production of Beatlemania, Fradkin has over 1,000 performances under his belt. “Yesterday & Today,” Fradkins newest Beatle tribute, will debut at Epiphone’s Winter NAMM special night of music.

In addition to the live performances guests will be among the first to experience new Epiphone products including the Paul McCartney Epiphone Texan, the John Lennon Signature Epiphone Casinos and the Epiphone Masterbilt Series.

All press can RSVP directly to the contacts below and interviews are available with all performers and Epiphone representatives.

Epiphone fretted instruments, amplifiers, strings and accessories are known worldwide for offering the best combination of quality and value. One of Gibson's most formidable competitors through the first half of the 20th century, Epiphone was acquired by Gibson in 1957. Headquartered in Nashville, Epiphone is part of the Gibson family of brands that also includes Dobro, Valley Arts, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin, Hamilton, Chickering and Wurlitzer. For more information on Epiphone go to www.epiphone.com and for more information Gibson Guitar go to www.gibson.com

PERFORMANCE IS OUR PASSION

                            
Press contacts:

Caroline Galloway, 440 338-3469, caroline.galloway@gibson.com

Jim Rosenberg, 831 469-4955, jim.rosenberg@gibson.com

Walter Carter, 615-871-4500, walter.carter@gibson.com