Tickets, starting at $40, go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 15 at noon and are available at www.viper-alley.com.

As front man for the gritty and glam 80s rock band Poison, Bret Michaels has sold 30 million albums worldwide, with 10 singles hitting the Billboard Hot 100.

The multi-platinum-selling rocker’s 25 years with Poison have produced eight studio and four live albums, with hits including “Talk Dirty to Me,” “Something to Believe in,” and “Nothing But a Good Time,” and the #1 “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.”  Michaels has since branched out with a chart-topping solo career, with his latest release, “Custom Built,” reaching #1 on the Billboard Hard Rock charts last year.

Equally successful for Michaels is his reality TV career, which includes “Rock of Love,” one of the most popular shows in VH1 history; a VH1 docu-series in 2010 called “Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It,” and Donald Trump’s series on NBC, “Celebrity Apprentice.” On “Apprentice,” Michaels, a lifelong diabetic, went head-to-head with top business-minded celebrities, donating his $250,000 prize to diabetes research and becoming an American Diabetes Association spokesperson.

Philanthropy remains a big part of Michael’s career: he has donated to and supported numerous charities and causes, including the Muhammad Ali Foundation, which supports those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease; the Barrow Brain Tumor Foundation, and the Camelot Therapeutic Ranch for adults and children with disabilities.

Viper Alley is the ultimate year-round entertainment destination offering upscale dining and music as part of an immersive experience. The unique boutique concert venue, which seats up to 550 guests, features live performances Thursdays through Sundays. Artists are selected to appeal to discerning audience of music and entertainment aficionados, and include a wide range of genres, including retro, rock, jazz, pop, country, blues, Broadway and comedy. Before the concerts, guests can choose from a full dinner menu at candlelit tables and then enjoy the performances from top national and local artists – all from stage-side seating.

For tickets and more information, contact the box office at 847.499.5000 or visit www.viper-alley.com.

Viper Alley is located at 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, at the corner of Milwaukee and Aptakisic, near the Lincolnshire Regal 20/IMAX movie theater.

While tickets to the convention are currently sold out, viewers can watch at home by ordering a BlizzCon Virtual Ticket, offering comprehensive live coverage of the event (including Foo Fighters’ performance) globally over the Internet and also on DIRECTVin the United States.

Over the course of their 16-year career, the Foo Fighters have sold tens of millions of records, won half a dozen Grammy awards, and raised countless voices in singalongs of iconic anthems like “Everlong,” “My Hero,” “Learn to Fly”, “All My Life,” “Best of You,” and “The Pretender.” Foo Fighters’ BlizzCon debut marks founder Dave Grohl’s triumphant return to the convention after playing drums for Tenacious D in last year’s show, and comes during an international arena, stadium, and festival tour promoting their seventh album, the international #1 record Wasting Light.

Opening up the concert will be The Artist Formerly Known as Level 80 Elite Tauren Chieftain, who are returning to BlizzCon following a two-year interstellar tour through the Koprulu sector. Blizzard’s in-house metal band will amp up the crowd with an earth-shaking set of both familiar and brand-new songs drawn from the Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo universes before turning the stage over to Foo Fighters for the main event.

“There’s no better way to cap off two days of gaming entertainment than by blowing the roof off the convention center with an awesome rock concert,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “Everyone attending BlizzCon and watching from home can look forward to ending the show with a bang when Foo Fighters bring the house down.”

“We’re pretty sure that in the future, music historians will look back at BlizzCon 2011 as the unquestionable pinnacle of Foo Fighters’ long and illustrious career,” said Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters founder and frontman. “We look forward to living up to that prediction by bringing the Horde and Alliance together to rock the hell out of Anaheim next month.”

BlizzCon is a celebration of the global player communities surrounding Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft game universes. In addition to serving as a gathering place for the Blizzard Entertainment gaming communities, BlizzCon will have an array of activities, including discussion panels, competitive and casual tournaments, contests, hands-on playtime with current and upcoming Blizzard Entertainment games, and more.

Viewers at home can order a BlizzCon Virtual Ticket for $39.99 USD, available around the world as a multi-channel Internet stream with over 50 hours of coverage (pricing and availability may vary by region), and also via DIRECTV in the United States.

The latest Icon series releases available on July 19 — Icon and Icon 2 — single disc and double disc formats — will include The Moody Blues’ legendary hits and fan favorites from their 14 studio albums that have spanned more than 35 years of groundbreaking music:  Days Of Future Passed (1967), In Search Of The Lost Chord (1968), On The Threshold Of A Dream (1969), To Our Children’s Children’s Children (1969), A Question of Balance (1970), Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (1971), Seventh Sojourn (1972), Octave (1978), Long Distance Voyager (1981), The Present (1983), The Other Side Of Life (1986), Sur La Mer (1988), Keys Of The Kingdom (1991) and Strange Times (1999). The two-disc set will also include a bonus track from the band’s holiday December (2003) album.

The single disc version, Icon , will include 11 tracks:  “Nights In White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon),” “Ride My See-Saw,” “Question,” “The Story In Your Eyes,” “Isn’t Life Strange,” “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band),” “Gemini Dream,” “The Voice,” “Your Wildest Dreams,” and “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.” The double-disc version, Icon 2 , will include the above tracks, plus 12 additional songs and a bonus track:  “Legend Of A Mind,” “Voices In The Sky,” “Watching And Waiting,” “Lost In A Lost World,” “Steppin’ In A Slide Zone,” “Driftwood,” “The Voice,” “Talking Out Of Turn,” “Blue World,” “Sitting At The Wheel,” “Say It With Love,” “Strange Times” and “December Snow” (bonus track).

UMe’s Icon series features “great artists and great songs at a great price.”  Each collection offers greatest hits, signature tunes and fan favorites; and previous Icon releases have included such legendary artists as Stevie Wonder, Rush, KISS, Johnny Cash, James Brown, Jackson 5 and Patsy Cline, and many more.

The band’s “Nights In White Satin” originally released in 1967 from their landmark “Days Of Future Passed” album, recently landed at #2 on the UK Rock Chart, and at #27 on the BBC Radio 1 chart, making it the fourth time that “Nights” has charted in its 40-plus year history.  The song’s resurgence ignited from a recent cover performance by Matt Cardle , winner of Simon Cowell’s hit UK show “The X Factor.” The Moody Blues have sold in excess of 70 million albums worldwide and have been awarded an astonishing 14 platinum and gold discs.  Their incredible roster of hits has generated No. 1, Top 5, Top 10, Top 20, Top 40, Multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold albums and singles.  The band has sold out tours on a consistent basis over the course of several decades, making them one of the all-time best-selling album and top-grossing touring bands in existence.

After warm-up dates in the U.S. on September 12 at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH and September 13 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, ME — the Fall Canadian “Precious Cargo” tour dates are as follows:

On the tour, The Moody Blues are offering two VIP experience options at select stops on the tour (see link below):  the ultimate Moody Blues VIP “Storytellers Experience” giving an intimate group of fans the rare opportunity to join the rock legends pre-show as they tell some of their wildest stories from decades of performing, while the Moody Blues’ “Backstage Tour” includes a tour of the stage in which fans can meet some of the crew, see the band’s instruments and perhaps catch a glimpse of the band members themselves.   Exclusive Moody Blues VIP merchandise and ticket packages will also be available.  For more information, including when VIP experience packages go on presale, be sure to visit the official Moody Blues website, managed by PAID, Inc. at http://www.moodybluestoday.com/index.cfm/pk/content/pid/401891

This U2 360 show first toured USA in fall 2009, playing 17 dates across the country culminating in the record breaking sold-out show at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and streamed live worldwide via YouTube.

The North American tour was postponed last May after singer Bono injured his back, but the dates were quickly reinstated. Bono thanked the Denver audience for their patience, “Through the wonders of science I’m not just fixed, I’m better! Bono 2.0…”

“It took a little longer to get here than we originally planned, but it’s great to be back in North America. The band would like to thank all the fans who stood by them – it wasn’t taken for granted,’ said U2 manager Mr McGuinness.

In front of a 77,000 strong audience, tonight’s concert featured a video message from Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (recently released from house arrest in Rangoon) speaking directly to U2 fans who lobbied for her freedom throughout both the U2 360 and Vertigo tours.

Speaking before U2′s song “One,” Aung San Suu Kyi said, “You who, across such distances sent such support to Burma… we thank you, students, teachers, workers, mothers fathers, sisters, brothers, music fans – U2 fans like me. When you raise your voices we hear them in our country and around the world, they are louder than any rock band, than any army, than rocket fire or fighter jet…”

So far U2 360 has played to 5 million people across Europe, Russia, North America, South America, Australia and New Zealand. By the tour end on July 30, more than 7 million people will have seen this revolutionary production with 110 shows in 30 countries across five continents.

The tour, which started in Barcelona on June 30th, 2009 will visit an additional 18 cities across North America before finishing on July 30th in Moncton.

Tickets set to go on-sale March 4th!

Def Leppard , Great Britain’s premiere arena rock band, have announced that they will make their triumphant return to the US with a summer tour kicking off on June 15 in West Palm Beach, Florida.  Joining Def Leppard for this highly anticipated tour are Seattle rock legends Heart. Leppard’s influential career includes numerous hit singles and ground-breaking multi-platinum albums — including two of the best-selling albums of all time, Pyromania and Hysteria . The anthemic rock megastars have earned their stripes as one of the most enduring and successful touring acts in history. Heart showed the world that women can rock when they stormed the charts with hits like “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Alone” and many more, a stream of hits showcasing the sisters’ enormous talents as both musicians and singers, selling more than 30 million records.  Tickets for the Live Nation produced tour will go on sale on beginning March 4th at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.  Additional dates to be announced soon.

“After having had the last 18 months off, Leppard are ready to get back on the road!  Add Heart to the bill and it truly makes for a special evening,” says singer Joe Elliott.

“Nancy and I are really excited to be bringing Heart to the stage this summer with Def Leppard. It’s going to be a powerful, monster show. The real thing. The summer of 2011 will be amazing,” says singer Ann Wilson.

Citi® cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets in select cities through Citi’s Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

The band has partnered with I Love All Access to provide a variety of VIP ticket packages for the show, including premium seats, pre-show parties and more. For more information please visit www.defleppard.com

With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit, Def Leppard–Joe Elliott (vocals), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick “Sav” Savage (bass) and Rick Allen (drums)-continues to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their career, the band has produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the bar for generations of music fans and artists alike. The group’s spectacular live shows, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, have become synonymous with their name. The band’s colossal live performances have become must-see events and have made them an institution in the music and touring industry as they continue to sell out arenas worldwide.

After earning the honor of being the #1 worldwide tour of 2010, Bon Jovi prepares to hit the road this February and will once again utilize the latest in web-based video technology to engage with their fans and bring them along for the ride.  Continuing their successful partnership with Animoto, the award-winning online video creation service, the iconic band is offering audiences in each upcoming North American tour market a spot in the limelight.

Using the fun and easy suite of tools available from Animoto, fans can quickly transform their photos and/or videos to create a personal video slideshow about their hometown set to Bon Jovi’s smash 1986 hit “Livin’ On A Prayer.” Throughout the two month tour, hundreds of user-generated Animoto videos will be featured on the tour’s giant screens to accompany the band’s live performance “Livin’ On A Prayer.”

“We have the greatest fans in the world and we’re excited to make them a part of our show through the wonders of technology,” said Richie Sambora.  “We can’t wait to see all of the videos they’re creating.”

Starting today, fans are encouraged to create and upload their own personalized Bon Jovi music video slideshow for this unique opportunity to win a pair of tickets to the show, and see themselves jam on the big screen alongside Bon Jovi. Additionally, the official winners in each city will receive a deluxe prize VIP package including access to the VIP pre show party, an exclusive VIP messenger bag, and several commemorative VIP items. To learn more and to submit your video, visit the official “Livin’ On a Prayer” Website at http://prayer.bonjovi.com.

“We’re thrilled about the longstanding Bon Jovi & Animoto partnership,” commented Brad Jefferson, CEO and Co-founder of Animoto.  ”This social media promotion gives fans an opportunity to share their most creative Animoto videos set to one of the most popular songs of our generation, “Livin’ On A Prayer.”

Bon Jovi’s 2011 dates come hot on the heels of the band earning the top-grossing worldwide tour of 2010, according to both Billboard and Pollstar, an honor achieved for the second time in just three years. The band will perform concerts in the U.S., Canada and throughout Europe, presented by AEG Live.  Tickets are on sale now and additional concerts in New York, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Pittsburgh, and Dublin have already been added, due to popular demand.

Globally, the Grammy® Award-winning band has sold more than 125 million albums, and performed more than 2,700 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 35 million fans.  Bon Jovi Greatest Hits (Island Def Jam Music Group) debuted at #1 around the world in November, with the band’s three-decade-spanning retrospective charting higher and selling more copies in its first week than their 1994 Cross Road release, which has sold more than 21 million copies to date.   Previously, the band’s “Lost Highway Tour” was named the #1 tour of 2008. Nearing three decades of an incredible career, Bon Jovi shows no sign of slowing down.

For more information on all things Bon Jovi, visit www.BonJovi.com.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum announced that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York will create a $5 million endowment fund to ensure the nonprofit museum experience always remains vibrant. The fund was generated by proceeds from the history-making Rock and Roll Hall of Fame anniversary concerts held at Madison Square Garden in October 2009 with a lineup of legendary artists from Jerry Lee Lewis to Bono.

“Rock and roll is an art form, and arguably one of the most accessible art forms that is well known and loved around the world,” said Joel Peresman, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “This gift is also about the artists’ endorsement of the Museum’s mission: to celebrate and preserve the art form and to provide education activities to inform the public about its worldwide impact.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has been the largest single contributor to the Museum and its support has been instrumental in the success of the Cleveland landmark. The Foundation has leveraged its presence in one of the major world capitals to bring artists to Cleveland and to create fundraising opportunities. In the past five years, the Foundation has contributed more than $13 million to the Museum in Cleveland, including annual support for capital improvements, $8 million gift toward the Capital Campaign, $1 million gift to develop a long-term digital strategy and a complete redesign of the Museum’s website.

“This support from the New York Foundation helps ensure that we will continue to thrive and I want to thank them for this very generous gift,” said Terry Stewart, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

The endowment gift comes at a time that the Rock Hall is within $1.5 million of completing an ambitious $35 million Campaign for the Rock Hall. The capital campaign will support a Museum redesign and the construction and operation of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Library and Archives in downtown Cleveland.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tells the story of rock and roll through its exhibits, education and public programs. Throughout its fifteen year history, the Rock Hall has educational activities such as the Museum’s nationally-recognized Rockin’ the Schools, On The Road (Distance Learning), award-winning Toddler Rock and upcoming Rock and Popular Music Institute programs. More than 8 million people from all 50 states and 100 countries have visited the Museum.

Now that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum has established a sustainable long-term model, is nearing completion of the Campaign for the Rock Hall and finalizing plans for the Library and Archives and Museum redesign, the focus will shift to raising long-term funds like this generous endowment gift to help secure the Museum in perpetuity.

Campaign for the Rock Hall
Jann Wenner and Joel Peresman, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
Jerry Sue Thornton, Cuyahoga Community College
The Cleveland Foundation
Gregg & Madelyn Foster
Jay and Patty Baker
Brian Ratner, Forest City Enterprises
Henry Juszkiewicz, Gibson Guitars
The George Gund Foundation
Kulas Foundation
John P. Murphy Foundation
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Jules Belkin
Frank Sullivan, RPM International Inc.
Curtis Schenker
John Shiely, Briggs & Stratton Corporation
KeyBank
The Summers Family
Alec Wightman, Baker & Hostetler LLP

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERTS

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation celebrated its 25th Anniversary in Fall 2009 with a once-in-a-lifetime concert event over two days at Madison Square Garden. The Shows – which include Tom Hanks paying homage to Cleveland’s Rock Hall – was broadcast on HBO, will be released on a Time-Life DVD on September 28, 2010 and will be rebroadcast on other television networks around the world. The 25th Anniversary concerts celebrated the 25 year history of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and served to raise funds to create an endowment for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland. The endowment will be further supported by proceeds from DVD sales of the Time-Life Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concerts.

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT LINE UP – OCTOBER 29, 2010

Jerry Lee Lewis
Crosby, Stills and Nash
Bonnie Raitt with David Crosby and Graham Nash
Bonnie Raitt and Crosby, Stills and Nash
Jackson Browne with Crosby, Stills and Nash
James Taylor with David Crosby and Graham Nash
Crosby, Stills and Nash with James Taylor
Crosby, Stills and Nash with Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and James Taylor
Paul Simon
Dion DiMucci with Paul Simon
Paul Simon with David Crosby and Graham Nash
Paul Simon Little Anthony and the Imperials
Simon and Garfunkel
Stevie Wonder
Smokey Robinson with Stevie Wonder
John Legend with Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder with John Legend
B.B. King with Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder and Sting
Stevie Wonder with Jeff Beck
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Sam Moore with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band with Tom Morello
John Fogerty and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Darlene Love with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band with Tom Morello
Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Darlene Love, John Fogerty, Tom Morello, Billy Joel, Jackson Browne, Peter Wolf and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERTS (OCTOBER 30, 2010)
Jerry Lee Lewis
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox
Aretha Franklin and Lenny Kravitz
Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck and Sting
Buddy Guy with Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck
Billy Gibbons and Jeff Beck
Metallica
Metallica and Lou Reed
Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne
Metallica and Ray Davies
U2
U2, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith with Roy Bittan
U2 and Bruce Springsteen with Roy Bittan
U2 and Black Eyed Peas
U2, Mick Jagger, Fergie and Will.i.am
U2 and Mick Jagger

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission through its operation of a world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as its educational programs.

The Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Wednesdays (and Saturdays through Labor Day), the Museum is open until 9 p.m. Museum admission is $22 for adults, $18 for adult residents of Greater Cleveland, $17 for seniors (65+), $13 for youth (9-12), children under 8 and Museum Members are always free, for information or to join the membership program call 216. 515.8425. For general inquiries, please call 216.781.ROCK (7625) or visit www.rockhall.com. The Museum is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

This weekend, the legendary rockers started their 32-city tour with record-breaking crowds in Cheyenne, WY, and Minot (Bismarck area), ND. KISS is also the first rock act to completely sellout the grandstands in Minot (more than 15,000 people), they broke Taylor Swift’s 2009 gross merchandise sales record in both cities and KISS gave back by donating more than $30,000 from their ticket sales to Wounded Warrior Care Project, a non-profit veterans organization.

“We know that times are tough for The KISS Army of fans and that’s why we’re giving back,” said KISS bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons. “We’re committed to giving our fans the biggest, baddest, most over-the-top show for their hard-earned money.”

“While we give our fans the greatest show ever, we also want to help guarantee that our country’s brave men and women who return from fighting overseas receive the medical care that they have sacrificed for and is owed to them. While our government is tied up in bureaucracy, the KISS Army has taken up the cause. We’re donating $1 from every ticket sold, to the Wounded Warrior Care Project,” added KISS rhythm guitarist and co-founder Paul Stanley.

Throughout their 37-year career, KISS has sold 80 million albums, played for millions of people and become an integral part of American culture. KISS will perform such classics as “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” as well as hits that they haven’t played in the US in years.

The Hottest Show on Earth tour, produced by Live Nation, will trek through a mix of arenas and amphitheaters throughout North America. Tickets for shows produced by Live Nation are now on sale and, in order to help fans in a tough economy, the band is offering a special ticket promotion. For Live Nation amphitheatres that have a lawn, up to four kids aged fourteen or under can get in free with the purchase of one adult ticket.

There is no other band in the vast history of rock music that has mesmerized generations of music fans in the same way as this revolutionary and iconic quartet that continues to acquire generations of new fans year after year.

For complete ticket and tour information visit www.KISSonline.com and www.LiveNation.com.

Aerosmith, America’s Number One rock and roll band, has just finished a run of phenomenally successful dates in Europe and South America but all agree that playing for their American fans is the ultimate. Clearly the Aerosmith army couldn’t agree more.

The band is scheduled to play their hometown along with the J. Geils Band at a sold out Fenway Park show on August 14th.

“After last summer, we’ve been looking forward to getting back out there with a vengeance. I can’t wait to feel the roar of the American audiences again and give this summer what it needs – a double dose of Aerosmith!” commented Steven Tyler.

Aerosmith’s Joe Perry had a motorcycle mishap last week but stated, “Just like the name of the tour, I am ‘Cocked, Locked and Ready to Rock.’ It was a close call. My bike is smashed but I am ok from head to toe. I want to thank all of the fans for their emails and support.”

“After all the trials and tribulations we’ve come out into one of the most fun tours in recent memory. We had an amazing time in South America and Europe and now we’re ready to bring it home,” said Tom Hamilton.

Aerosmith will be celebrating their 40th anniversary as America’s most enduring and thrilling bands in rock history…and have sold over 150 million records. They are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, recipients of countless awards including four Grammys, eight American Music Awards, six Billboard Awards and twelve MTV Video Music Awards.

Sammy Hagar and the Wabos will open eleven of the sixteen announced shows.

MTV Latin America announced that rock icons, The Smashing Pumpkins, are set to perform at MTV World Stage Mexico. The international event will be taped on August 26th at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. The show will air Friday, September 17th on MTV Latin America during Mexico’s week long Bicentennial celebration. The show will also air on more than 64 MTV channels in over 155 territories around the globe, date to be confirmed. Additional performers and show details will be announced shortly.

MTV World Stage is a free ticket to some of the world’s most exclusive concerts performed in unique locations around the world. Whether in Athens, Rome, London, Brazil, Mexico, Kula Lampur or Tokyo, every Friday night is “live music night” on MTV as fans in 155 countries are transported to front row seats somewhere in the world to experience their favorite recording artists. Since launching in 2009, the high definition series has featured dozens of international recording artists including Shakira, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, Gorillaz, Muse and Arctic Monkeys, among others.

“MTV World Stage is an incredible musical event that showcases the best international artists on a global scale,” commented Jesus Lara, Senior Vice President, Music and Talent for MTV Networks Latin America and Tr3s. “Audiences in Mexico have shared a deep connection with The Smashing Pumpkins for many years, so we are extremely excited to have them join us at this event on this historic occasion. We are certain that their participation will deliver unforgettable moments and an incredible musical experience.”

The Smashing Pumpkins are an alternative rock band founded in 1988 in Chicago, Illinois. Current band members include Billy Corgan (guitar and vocals), Mike Byrne (drums), Nicole Fiorentino (bass) and Jeff Schroeder (guitar). With more than 30 million records sold, they are considered among the most popular and highest-selling rock acts. They reached mainstream fame in the 90s with their multi-platinum second album, Siamese Dream (1993). However, it was their 1995 release, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness that propelled them to rock superstardom with hit singles such as “Tonight, Tonight”, “1979″, “Zero” and “Bullet with Butterfly Wings.” That release was certified nine times platinum in the U.S. alone.

The Smashing Pumpkins have been nominated for various international awards and have received two GRAMMYs. In 1996, the band took home seven ‘Moonmen’ at the MTV VMAs for their videos for “1979″ and “Tonight, Tonight”, including Video of the Year for the latter.

In 2009, they announced Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, an epic album comprised of 44 tracks, released one-by-one, free of charge, through their website. The band is currently promoting their fifth release off this work, titled “Freak”.