The cream of new rock talent will take part in an international Battle of the Bands at Birmingham's newly revamped Town Hall in October.
The national final of the contest to find the world's best unsigned band on October 28 will be one of the first events staged at the city landmark, following its £35 million transformation.
Rock legend Rick Wakeman, along with former Stranglers bass player JJ Burnell, and producers Louis Nicastro and Peter James will decide which of the 12 finalists will compete in the world final in December.
The victorious band will win $100,000 (around £50,000) and a world tour. Last year's winners were US hip hop band Heavy Mojo.
Paul Knowles, of Global Battle of the Bands said the venue had been selected due to its musical heritage.
He said: "This is the world's biggest competition for emerging musical talent with a life-changing amount of money and exposure on offer so it was important to find a venue that was sufficiently grandiose for the national final and Town Hall Birmingham fits the bill perfectly.
"In years gone by some of the greats of rock and roll such as Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd have graced the stage there so we hope that will be an inspiration to the bands taking part in the event and following its amazing renovation it will be a venue unlike anything any of the bands have played in before."
Marketing Birmingham and the city council are among the event's sponsors.
Coun Ken Hardeman (Con, Brandwood), cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is a fantastic coup for Birmingham and highlights the city's status as a leading destination for high profile events."
Neil Rami, of Marketing Birmingham, added: "I can think of no better event than Global Battle of the Bands to launch a new era for the building."
* Tickets are available from Monday at 10am by calling the THSH Ticket Office on 0121 780 3333, or visiting www.thsh.co.uk
