Yamaha Drums Provide the Backbeat for World Music Awards

BUENA PARK, CA (September 17, 2004) — Yamaha Drums enjoyed a major presence at The World Music Awards 2004, with five Drum artists providing the rhythm for live superstar performances.

The World Music Awards are presented annually to the top-selling artists in a number of musical genres, and to the best-selling acts from major record buying countries. Results are calculated by national member associations of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) as well as various music publications. Winners are determined through sales figures and record certifications (Gold, Platinum). Special awards include the Diamond Award, created to honor recording artists selling over 100 million albums in their career, and the Legend Award, given to an artist in recognition of their global success and contributions to the music industry.

Yamaha Drum artists performing include Dominique Messier (Celine Dion), Chris Hess (Hoobastank), Craig Macintyre (Josh Groban), Matt Flynn (Maroon 5) and Mark Baker (Clive Davis Tribute).

This year's ceremony, broadcast on ABC-TV from the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, will be syndicated to more than 160 countries and is expected to reach one billion viewers worldwide.

"The number of players and the different genres they represent is proof that Yamaha drums are really a worldwide standard, and cross all musical lines," states Joe Testa, artist relations manager, Yamaha Drums.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.