Australian Buzz Band Sick Puppies Rapidly Thrust into Mainstream Via YouTube 'Free Hugs' video

Los Angeles, CA (ROGERS & COWAN) - Critically claimed Australian buzz band, Sick Puppies, a melodic guitar-fueled power trio who were recently profiled on 60 MINUTES (Australia), have rapidly been thrust into the mainstream via a popular video site YouTube.com - that is now responsible for spawning a global "Free Hugs" campaign spreading in Spain, Israel, Russia, Brazil, Portugal and Japan among other territories. The video, shot and edited by Sick Puppies frontman Shimon Moore for his friend, Juan Mann, a big-hearted eccentric known for his unconditional free hugs, features a collage of "free hugs" moments, underscored by the Sick Puppies tune "ALL THE SAME." The video, shot at Pitt Street Mall in Sydney, was a gift to Mann, intended to cheer him up through one of life's rough patches.

The feel good footage generated more than 3 million hits in less than 14 days, prompting calls from Oprah, Leno, and Good Morning America - who beamed the video into millions of homes. Oprah is scheduled to cover the free hugs phenomenon on her show this month (date tba). Additionally, Fox News Channel, Myspace, AOL, Google, Yahoo and AT&T's Blue Room have jumped onboard.

All this, based on the simple gesture of Juan Mann, hoisting a hand-made "Free Hugs" sign over his head on a busy Sydney Mall intersection. Although the Sydney locals grew fond of Mann, the local council attempted to ban him, citing "public nuisance." This back-fired, however, with Mann's supporters generating more than 10,000 signatures on a petition, which overturned the bureaucratic rule. The campaign continued to grow increasingly stronger.

Meanwhile, the enduring friendship of Shimon Moore and Juan Mann, now spans continents, and an international phenomenon is underway. The "Free Hugs" campaign is a window into the real heart of humanity, proving that the simple things in life often remain the most important. To view the video on YouTube.com, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

Sick Puppies is an indie rock band from Sydney, now based in LA, featuring frontman Shimon Moore; bassist Emma Anzai, aka the female Flea, and American drummer Mark Goodwin. The group's current digitally released self titled EP, and single "All The Same," are available on iTunes, Napster, Yahoo, Sony-Connect and Rhapsody. Their full length CD is scheduled for release in early 2007 on RMR Records, headed by Paul Palmer, founder of successful indie Trauma Records (No Doubt, Bush).