VH1 is turning up the promotional volume behind its second VH1 Rock Honors tribute.
Hosted by Bam Margera, this year’s celebration -- taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas May 12 and scheduled to air on VH1 May 24 at 9 p.m. -- salutes the music and influence of Genesis, Heart, Ozzy Osbourne and ZZ Top.
VH1 officials said there will be musical tributes by Keane, Nickelback, Gretchen Wilson, Alice in Chains and Queens of the Stone Age and special appearances by Cameron Diaz, Jada Pinkett Smith, Billy Bob Thornton, Robin Williams, Criss Angel and Taylor Hawkins.
The network is trumpeting the event with the help of Garnier Fructis, with the partners combining to give one online winner the rock-star treatment and enable users to get in on all the backstage action. Viewers can enter the Rock Your Style contest by going to its site and uploading before-and-after photos showcasing their rock-star transformation. The contestant with the biggest makeover will receive two tickets to the third-annual VH1 Rock Honors, one year’s supply of Garnier Fructis hair products and a new ‘do emulating their favorite rock ‘n’ roll hairstyle. Other sweepstakes winners will also receive one year's supply of the hair-care fare.
Beginning May 23, VH1 and Garnier Fructis will also showcase a series of customized vignettes providing viewers with an inside look at all of the preshow action, including rehearsals, backstage moments and more. Users can also log onto VH1's VSPOT to check out the Garnier Fructis greenroom during the show.
In Los Angeles, VH1 is working with LA Weekly magazine as area restaurants, retail stores, art galleries, bars and clubs will host live events during the week leading up to the telecast
On May 17, Whitestarr will perform at The Roxy, while Zero, featuring Hal Sparks (Queer as Folk), will cover some of the VH1 Rock honorees. Those attending can enter to win a prize pack valued at $1,000 and other goodies, with proceeds benefiting the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
Two days later, the Air Guitar Workout Contest will be held at Bally Total Fitness Hollywood II, where a trip to Las Vegas and a one-year membership to Bally Total Fitness will be pumped up.
On May 21, Key Club will return to the Sunset Strip's heyday, hailing spandex-clad, rock-comedy act Metal Skool.
Throughout the week, VH1 Save the Music, Gibson Musical Instruments and Guitar Center will host the VH1 Rock Honors guitar exhibition, signed by this year’s honorees. The public can enter to win one of their own guitars or bid online from May 17-27. All proceeds benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
Finally, the public can enter to win an Honors prize pack valued at $1,500 from the Virgin Megastore Hollywood & Highland. Shoppers purchasing select products from this year’s honorees and performers from a dedicated show display will receive an exclusive VH1 Rock Honors guitar pick set.
