---

(Click to download full press release in Microsoft Word DOC format)

• Return to Guitar Center INDEX

---

GUITAR CENTER CROWNS JAMIL BYROM
2005 DRUM OFF CHAMPION

– Dallas Drummer Makes a Splash
at the World’s Largest Drumming Competition –

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA – Showcasing his chops in front of more than 2,000 screaming fans and some of today’s most prominent drummers, Dallas’ Jamil Byrom was crowned the nation’s best undiscovered drummer at Guitar Center’s 2005 Drum Off Grand Finals. In addition to the Drum Off battle between six of the nation’s top amateur drummers, Guitar Center (Nasdaq: GTRC) brought on board The Bronx, mega-drummer Travis Barker (Blink 182/The Transplants), Adrian Young (No Doubt), and punk legends Bad Religion to create one of the drum community’s most high-profile events, according to Jack Sonni, vice president of marketing communication for Guitar Center.

“Guitar Center presents opportunities for the national community of musicians to become recognized for their talent as individual artists,” said Sonni. “Thanks to the strategic relationships we’ve forged with our partners, the 2005 Drum Off Grand Finals was far and away one of Guitar Center’s largest, most successful events. All of the finalists are incredibly talented, and Drum Off allows them to do their thing in front of the top musicians in the industry.”

Representing Dallas, Texas, 27-year-old Byrom started playing drums in church at the age of 13. Known for his smooth yet relaxed style, Byrom loves to play everything from funk to gospel to smooth jazz. Aside from connecting with the crowd, Jamil stood apart from the other five contestants with an improvised set of traditional jazz chops, seamless rolls and unique groove playing.

“I started to compete in Guitar Center’s Drum Off competitions when I was 15, and it feels incredible to win,” said Byrom. “It was amazing to share the stage with the other five contestants, not to mention Travis Barker and Adrian Young. With this recognition, Guitar Center has provided me with the opportunity to connect with bands and develop my career, which I hope leads to creating an instructional video.”

Byrom was selected from more than 3,000 undiscovered drummers nationwide who participated in the four-tiered competition that began in August 2005. According to the 15 judges, which included Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), John Dolmayan (System of a Down), Dean Butterworth (Good Charlotte), Atom Willard (Angels & Airwaves), Peter Erskine (Weather Report/Steely Dan), and Stephan Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), Byrom excelled in the categories of originality, technique, style, stage presence and overall performance.

In addition to a 2006 Scion xB and the coveted title as the nation’s top amateur drummer, Byrom took home a DW Collector series five-piece maple kit, a Gretsch Custom kit with Gibraltar rack system, a Zildjian Custom box set and cymbal bag, and endorsement deals from both Evans and SABIAN, among other prizes.

To receive more information or schedule an interview with a Drum Off contestant or Guitar Center spokesperson, please contact Neilson/Clyne, Inc. at 615-662-1616.

Photo File: Sonni_Byrom_Young.JPG
Photo Caption: Shown backstage after the Drum Off 2005 finals held at The Wiltern LG in Los Angeles, CA, left to right are Jack Sonni, vice president of marketing communication for Guitar Center, 2005 Drum Off Champion Jamil Byrom, and Adrian Young of No Doubt.

Photo File: Byrom.JPG
Photo Caption: Dallas drummer Jamil Byrom performs his winning set at Guitar Centers’ Drum Off 2005 drum competition to take home top honors as the nation’s best undiscovered drummer.

About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the nation's leading retailer of guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. We presently operate 161 Guitar Center stores, with 126 stores in 50 major markets and 35 stores in secondary markets across the U.S. In addition, the Music & Arts division operates 81 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving thousands of teachers, band directors, college professors and students. Guitar Center is also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the U.S. through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician's Friend, Inc., and its catalog and web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company's web site at www.guitarcenter.com.

 

 

Copyright ©2005, Neilson/Clyne, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Contact: info@neilsonclyne.com