SLASH To Receive 'Guitar Legend Award' At GIBSON BRANDS AP MUSIC AWARDS

The Gibson Brands AP Music Awards, fueled by Monster Energy Drink, has announced a renowned addition to this year's list of stellar award recipients. Iconic Grammy-winning guitarist Slash will be honored as the first recipient of the Guitar Legend Award presented by the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.

As one of the first covers for Alternative Press magazine, Slash continues to create and innovate as well as influence multiple generations of musicians on the guitar.

That's not all: AP Music Awards organizers have also confirmed the massively popular pop-metalcore band FALLING IN REVERSE for a very special, one-time-only performance you'll have to see to believe! On top of that, special appearances will be made by members of PIERCE THE VEIL, NEW FOUND GLORY and MAYDAY PARADE, further cementing the APMAs as the premiere event of the summer. Additional appearances are also confirmed for members of ATTILA, BAYSIDE, BEARTOOTH, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, ECHOSMITH, LESS THAN JAKE, LETLIVE., THE MAINE, NECK DEEP, SLEEPWAVE, WE ARE THE IN CROWD and THE WORD ALIVE.

The Gibson Brands AP Music Awards, fueled by Monster Energy Drink, will open with a star-studded red carpet located just outside the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, kicking off at 5:00 p.m. This year's presenters, performers, honorees and nominees will line the carpet for two full hours, ultimately making their way to the highlighted AXS TV red carpet pre-show area, co-hosted by new addition CM Punk and AUTOMATIC LOVELETTER frontwoman and "The Voice" season two runner-up Juliet Simms.

As a lifelong music fan, CM Punk will be making one of his first public appearances since he stepped away from his many years in the squared circle. CM Punk will be joining co-host Juliet Simms to interview celebrities for the AXS TV red carpet pre-show extravaganza!

Here's what CM Punk had to say about his new role: "Well, I'm actually stoked to get out of the house and get gussied up for the first-ever Gibson Brands AP Music Awards, fueled by Monster Energy Drink. Red carpets and me don't mix, so I figure it'll be a perfectly hilarious night with friends and a live microphone — my favorite! Be there and be square!”

The Gibson Brands AP Music Awards, fueled by Monster Energy Drink, will take place on July 21, held at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame And Museum at North Coast Harbor in AP's hometown of Cleveland. In its inaugural year, the APMAs will be hosted by six-time AP cover star Mark Hoppus (BLINK-182) and will feature performances from A DAY TO REMEMBER, ALL TIME LOW, ASKING ALEXANDRIA, FALL OUT BOY, FALLING IN REVERSE, JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS, MACHINE GUN KELLY, MISFITS, SLEEPING WITH SIRENS, twenty one pilots and Brendon Urie of PANIC! AT THE DISCO, with more to be announced.

Tickets are on sale now for $69.99 which includes a ticket to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame And Museum to be used that same day and can be purchased online at www.altpress.com/apmas. Fans that purchase VIP and Monster Energy Drink ticket packages will be invited to a pre-show boat party on the Goodtimes III, located right behind the Rock Hall. The boat sets sail at 1:30 p.m. and will include performances by ISSUES, GHOST TOWN and MARMOZETS, three bands recently featured in AP's "100 Bands You Need To Know In 2014" special edition issue.

In addition to covering broadcasting the red carpet pre-show, AXS TV will broadcast the award show itself, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on July 21 and will feature footage from the official VIP boat party. Viewers can head to www.axs.tv/apmas/ to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes videos and view photos, as well as take part in live polls and get involved on social media. Plus, fans can enter to win awesome prizes, such as a one-year subscription to Alternative Press magazine, Gibson Brands guitars and merchandise, and Monster Energy Drink swag.

An official pre-party will take place on July 20 at the Scene Stage at the House of Blues in Cleveland, and will feature headliners AGAINST ME! with supporting performances from JENNY OWEN YOUNGS and CREEPOID. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m., with tickets for sale for only $18 in advance and $20 at the door.

Fifteen awards in total will be handed out at the APMAs, including Album Of The Year, Artist Of The Year, Song of the Year, Best Guitarist, Best Drummer, Best Bassist, Best International Band, Best Vocalist, Artist Philanthropic Award and Most Dedicated Fans, along with an Icon Award honoring Joan Jett and a Vanguard Award honoring Billy Corgan. Fans can cast their votes in 12 different categories at www.altpress.com/apmas. Voting ends July 15.