Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands is a generic term for a contest in which many bands, usually rock/guitar bands but often from a range of different styles, compete for the title of "best band". The winner is determined by a panel of judges, the general response of the audience, or a combination. The winning band usually receives a prize in addition to bragging rights. Prizes usually include cash, free recording time in a local recording studio, a piece of new equipment, or a gift certificate.

Traditionally, Battle of the Bands are often held at live music events and forums (for example, the Global Battle Of The Bands). Increasingly, a number of Battle of the Bands events have been conducted exclusively on the Internet by the playing of and voting on digital music files.

During the winter of 1862-1863, Union and Confederate armies were camped near each other at Fredericksburg, Virginia, separated only by the expanse of the Rappahannock River. One cold afternoon, a band in the Union camp struck up some patriotic tunes to cheer the men. They were answered from across the river by a Confederate band. The Union band played another tune followed by the Confederates who also did their best to play the same song. Back and forth the musical duel went well into the evening hours. Soldiers in both armies listened to the musical battle and would cheer for their own bands. The duel finally ended when both bands struck up the tune of "Home! Sweet Home!" It was then that the men of both sides who were so far from their homes, cheered as one.^[1]

The simultaneous release of albums and singles in 1995 sparked a media-fuelled "Battle of Britpop" between northern England's working-class Oasis and southern England's middle-class Blur.^[2]

A Battle of the Bands event forms the climax of a number of films, including School of Rock, Freaky Friday, and Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey. The film Drumline puts its own spin on the convention, featuring a battle between marching bands.

In August of 2008, a UK company, SilentArena, held the worlds first Silent Battle of the Bands, this Silent Gig took place in Cardiff Barfly and saw local talented artists compete for the attention of the audience. With only the singer's voice and a light tapping of drums audiable to those entering, the evening was soon transformed when participants put on a set of wireless headphones and got the full effect of each bands musical talents.

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