Race for the prize

Fingernails bitten to the quick? Fear not 'cause the agonising wait is over. After much deliberation, we're proud to announce the 30 acts who'll be slugging it out in the 2002 HOTPRESS/Bacardi Plugged Band of the Year competition.

Worth in excess of €30,000 to the winners, the live action kicks off of January 11th when 8 Ball, Zeppo, New Vegas, Age and Horizon descend on Whelan's.

Following them into battle are:

Godzero, Fuzzi Logik, Cabin, Orpheus & Blotooth (January 31st @ Nancy Spain's, Cork)

Writhe, Clear As Day, Leg, Romolus Pop & Leaning Jesus (February 7th @ Whelan's, Dublin)

DJ Hooker, Little Earthquakes, The Same, The Crayons & Re-Leaf (March 6th @ Whelan's, Dublin)

Mother Of Pearl, Web, Plush, Petronella & Craven (March 21st @ Dolan's, Limerick)

Waif, Daytrader, Leya, Indigo Fury & The Cartel (April 3rd @ Auntie Annie's, Belfast)

The grand final takes place in Dublin's Vicar St. on April 18th, with a London 'Best Of' planned for early in the summer.