
Rock hard, Hard Rock: Since the first Hard Rock Cafe opened in 1971, branches have opened everywhere from Tokyo to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (pictured). Click on to learn more.

Peter Morton: Morton, whose father founded the famous US chain Morton's Steakhouse, opened the first Hard Rock alongside business partner Isaac Tigrett in London in 1971.

Wings on order: Paul and Linda McCartney inaugurated a London West End branch of Hard Rock with a set by their band Wings in 1973.

Stripes and stars: The two U.S.-born founders traded on nostalgia for American foods like burgers and hot dogs.

Expanding: One of the most popular branches was Hard Rock's New York City outpost.

Rocking parties: Aerosmith presented guitar-making pioneer Les Paul with a guitar-shaped birthday cake at Hard Rock NYC.

Wall art: Hard Rock's huge cache of music memorabilia was the only decor needed.

China blues: B.B. King performed at the opening of Hard Rock Beijing in 1994.

Who needs Hollywood: Hard Rock hands out its own Walk of Fame stars -- in this case, to Van Halen.

Shirt thing: Hard Rock fans collect pins, shirts and other items from various HRC locations they visit around the world.

Stage show: HRC locations also host music performances.

Local flavor: Yep, you can take a Venetian gondola to the HRC in the Italian city.

Location is everything: The brand has opened locations in cities with big tourist centers, like Honolulu (pictured).



