Flickerstick, winners of VH1's reality series "Bands on the Run," became bona fide rock stars without the benefit of a label deal (though an industry bidding war will soon change that situation). For eight weeks, the alt-rock quintet competed against three other unsigned bands by performing in cities across the U.S. and selling merchandise along the way. Merch sales and ticket revenue determined who would be eliminated, and a battle of the bands with a $5,000 purse ultimately decided the outcome.
Though the contest ended with them receiving a grand prize of $50,000 cash, $100,000 worth of equipment from Guitar Center, an A&R showcase and a music video budget, Flickerstick would've felt victorious even without all that.
