Irish 'School Of Rock' competition launched

'School of Rock' will see bands from all over the country submitting their demos, the best of which will be shortlisted for five regional heats (one in each province and one in Dublin), with one winner from each going forward for the final which will be broadcast live on 2FM in April.

The winning band will scoop a €5,000 gift voucher for Walton's music stores, five days of recording time in Pulse Recording Studios, a support slot at a major gig, a photo shoot with noted music photographer Enda Casey as well as a shiny trophy for their school.

2FM DJ and former Kerbdog man Cormac Battle, Faction Records' Ken Allen and JJ72/Concerto For Constantine frontman Mark Greaney will the judges for the regional heats, while the national final will see the panel expanded with the addition of Hot Press' own Stuart Clark, Entertainment Architects' Emma Harney, MCD's Noel McHale, a representative from Walton's music store and longstanding 2FM DJ Larry Gogan.

The competition is set to be launched on The Saturday Show on February 1 and the closing date for receipt of applications is February 25.

Each regional heat will also feature a special guest headliner. Tickets for all shows are free and will be available from the 2FM website.

March 9 - Dublin regional final at 1pm in the Village with Concerto for Constantine
March 15 - Munster regional final at 3pm in Cyprus Avenue, Cork with the Anybodies
March 20 - Ulster regional final with special guests A Plastic Rose
March 22 - Connacht regional final in Roisin Dubh, Galway at 3pm with special guests Giveamanakick
March 29 - Leinster regional final in the Stables, Mullingar with special guests the Flaws