HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL BEGINS YEAR-LONG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Since opening the doors of the first Hard Rock Cafe in London in 1971, Hard Rock International has established itself as one of the most globally recognised companies in the world. The brand is kicking off its anniversary celebrations by unveiling a new partnership with footballer Lionel Messi, who will serve as brand ambassador for the next five years, as the first athlete to partner with Hard Rock.

The partnership harkens back to Hard Rock’s roots, as the brand’s world-famous t-shirts came to fruition when the original London Cafe sponsored a local football team in the early 1970s. The team T-shirt featured the simple Hard Rock logo. The extra shirts were returned to the cafe and then given away to loyal customers. Eventually the restaurant had to set up a separate concession stand to handle T-shirt sales. To this day, Hard Rock’s Classic T-shirt remains an integral part of the brand’s identity.

As part of the new partnership, Hard Rock has also unveiled a new collection of merchandise inspired by its new ambassador. In addition to the special 50th anniversary logo, the garments show some of the player’s most characteristic symbols, such as the lion, the number 10, and his own logo. This collection joins the brand’s iconic merchandising line, available online and in stores worldwide including at Hard Rock Cafe London and Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus, which is the largest Rock Shop in Europe.

Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International comments: “Over the past five decades, the Hard Rock brand has grown to become one of the world’s most recognisable and beloved brands, with a Cafe, Hotel or Casino located in 68 countries. As we reached our 50th anniversary milestone, we knew that we needed to partner with an icon to help us celebrate in a new and unexpected way, and there was no better choice than the legendary Lionel Messi.”

Lionel Messi comments: “I am honored to partner with such a renowned brand as Hard Rock, and even more so at this historic moment – its 50th anniversary! Sports and music are an integral part of my life, a perfect combination between my profession and my leisure time. Uniting both is a great success, and I am very happy that they have counted on me for this special outcome. It is an honor to be the first athlete to partner with a brand who has a history of teaming with music legends.”

Allen and Messi have sealed this agreement with a unique gift exchange. Messi has given him a signed replica of his golden ball, a gesture that Allen has reciprocated with an electric guitar designed especially for him. A replica of this guitar, signed by the player, will be displayed at a Hard Rock property to be announced soon, making it part the most valuable collection of musical objects in the world.

Live Greatness

The partnership is part of “Live Greatness”, the new campaign that Hard Rock has launched on its 50th anniversary, which marks a before and after in the brand, honouring its past, while shining a beacon of light towards the future.

As part of the campaign, Messi makes his debut as an ambassador starring in a commercial that unites his skills with the soccer ball as it takes its place among the cherished memorabilia of the brand.

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Hard Rock

Monday 14 June 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of Hard Rock Cafe opening its doors in London. To kick off this milestone, participating Hard Rock Cafes will offer special ‘1971 deals’ as follows:

Hard Rock Cafe London – Will be rolling back to the original vibe of the cafe, with a 1971 menu at 1971 prices all day (12pm – 10pm).

Menu options, only available for walk-ins, include:
HRC Burger – 50p (a hamburger patty lightly seasoned and served on a freshly toasted bun with crisp French fries)
Veggie Burger – 50p (served on a freshly toasted bun with French Fries)
Roadhouse Ribs – 80p (barbecued ribs served with crisp French Fries)
Hard Rock’s Club Sandwich – 60p (lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, crisp bacon and chicken slices stacked high)
Hot Fudge Sundae – 40p
Real American Homemade Style Country Ice-cream – 25p (vanilla or chocolate)

For a full nostalgic feel, the Cafe will bring back the blue chequered tablecloths and flowers on the table just like in 1971, a jukebox for the day, and some of the original Hard Rock waitresses to greet guests. All topped off with a tiered birthday cake and a Harley Davidson drive-by in true rock n’ roll style, while guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Magdy will be entertaining guests in the Cafe from 6:30pm.