22-Year-Old Tennessee Native Crowned GUITARMAGEDDON 2005 Winner

Screaming amps and sonic electricity merged on June 18, 2005 at the Wiltern LG Theater during Guitar Center's Guitarmageddon 2005 grand final competition. Utilizing a percussion-inspired and funk-laden performance, Tennessee native Robert Provine blitzed the crowd with his finest chops to capture the title of the nation's best undiscovered guitarist.

For his efforts, Provine will drive away in a 2005 Scion xB, loaded with a Gibson '59 Les Paul reissue, a $2,500 Guitar Center shopping spree and a DVD /CD production package provided by Atlantic Records, among other prizes.

Now in its sixth year, Guitarmageddon, the king of all guitar competitions, continues to assemble the nation's top undiscovered guitarists while also bringing together some of music's top professional musicians to create one of the guitar world's biggest events. This year, the eight finalists shared the stage with Atlantic Records recording artists GRATITUDE, the kids from the highly anticipated film "Rock School", and multi-platinum recording artists SUM 41, which laid out a special headlining performance.

"Guitarmageddon provides a platform for our most talented customers to showcase their guitar skills," said Jack Sonni, vice president of marketing communication for Guitar Center. "Guitar Center is thrilled to help undiscovered musicians jumpstart their careers and connect with the music industry."

Hailing from Brentwood, TN, 22-year-old Provine has been playing guitar for nine years. He put on a sizzling performance that included a mix of traditional guitar licks and innovative "beat box" percussion. In fact, the young phenomenon attributed the inspiration from his championship performance to Nashville guitarists/brothers Regi and Victor Wooten.

"I know them (the Wootens) real well…I hang out with them a lot and try and pick up anything I can from them," said Provine. "There were a lot of great players tonight, so I tried to be innovative with a beat box sound. I didn't think anyone would do anything like that, so I guess it worked."

Robert was selected from more than 3,000 undiscovered guitarists nationwide who participated in the four-tiered competition that began in March. In the eyes of judges Dan Estrin from HOOBASTANK, John 5 from MARILYN MANSON, Dave Bakash of SUM 41, and Warren Fitzgerald of THE VANDALS, Provine excelled in the categories of originality, technique, style, stage presence and overall performance.

"Guitarmageddon allows guitarists to get out there and show their skills," said Provine. "I'd like to give Guitar Center a big thank you for this great event."

Sponsors of Guitar Center's 2005 Guitarmageddon competition included Scion, Revolver magazine, XM Satellite Radio, Atlantic, Marshall, Gibson, Practice Tracks, Guitar World magazine, and the Guitar Center Credit Card.