Music game publisher RedOctane today launched their worldwide search for the next guitar hero! The "Be a Guitar Hero II" competition offers independent musicians the opportunity to have their song featured in game play for the upcoming title Guitar Hero II for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Guitar Hero II is the follow-up title to 2005’s award-winning release, Guitar Hero, which rocked the game industry and garnered a stack of awards.

Independent artists are eligible to submit original music for inclusion in the sequel Guitar Hero videogame, scheduled for North American release in November 2006. Considered songs must fall in the ‘hard rock’ or ‘heavy metal’ genre with a featured lead guitar. RedOctane will accept music entries through their community website www.beaguitarhero.com and submissions must be completed by 11:59 p.m. PST on June 30, 2006. This newly launched website features an easy submission process so contestants can directly upload mp3’s for contest entry.

The grand prize winner will have their song featured in the top-secret track list for Guitar Hero II and is eligible for additional publicity through game launch promotions. Graveyard BBQ, the winner of the first “Be a Guitar Hero” competition, will rock live at the RedOctane booth (Kentia Hall #6521) during the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles next month. Their song Cheat on the Church is featured as an unlock song in Guitar Hero, currently on retail shelves nationwide.

Rock enthusiasts can visit the community website www.beaguitarhero.com to discuss music in the upcoming game and share game tips. A new photo gallery is now available where fans can upload photos of their favorite Guitar Hero moments and modded guitar controllers.

The game that has inspired a nation of wannabe rock stars to achieve videogame greatness is scheduled for a new US tour on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in November 2006. Musical giant Gibson Guitar is also expected to be on board. Like the original Guitar Hero, a selection of famous Gibson electric guitars will be available for characters to play.

To learn more about the “Be a Guitar Hero II" competition and to read contest rules please visit www.beaguitarhero.com

The grand prize winner will receive the following prizes:

- Epiphone G-400 Electric Guitar
- EMG Zakk Wylde pickup set
- Krank Distortus Maximus distortion pedal
- Pacific Drums and Percussion CX Drumset
- Morley Pedal Steve Vai Bad Horsie Wah pedal
- Copy of Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II videogame
- Winner’s music track to be included in Guitar Hero II