Brian Johnson And Mark Knopfler Team Up For A New Six-Part TV Series
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AC/DC’s Brian Johnson and Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler have come together to create a new six-part documentary series entitled “Johnson and Knopfler’s Music Legends”. The series is set to launch on Sky Arts, Freeview, and NOW on Thursday, April 25th. Each weekly one-hour episode will see Johnson and Knopfler meet with an eminent musician from the industry. The show follows the rock icons as they explore the secrets of rock and roll with six influential figures from the music industry.
Guest Spotlight: Conversations with Music Icons
The series promises to be a joyous journey through decades of music with exclusive access to a series of once-in-a-lifetime meetings, interviews, and jam sessions between rock’s ultimate legends. In the first episode of the series, which features Welsh vocal powerhouse Sir Tom Jones, Johnson and Knopfler share their earliest memories of music and sit down with Sir Tom Jones to reminisce and discuss captivating stories from his career, including his friendship with Elvis Presley.
Audiences will also get the opportunity to watch Johnson and Knopfler chat with other prominent musicians. The following episodes feature UK singer-songwriter and fellow Geordie, Sam Fender, 80s icon Cyndi Lauper, disco legend Nile Rodgers, Carlos Santana and Emmylou Harris. Each guest shares stories from their own careers and talks about the tracks that shaped them as musicians and fans.
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An Intimate Look Behind the Music
Johnson and Knopfler bring their incredible knowledge and experiences to the table and discuss them with a hand-picked selection of music royalty. The two rock and roll legends invite audiences to join them in their storytelling as they paint a fascinating portrait of their shared musical lives.
Phil Edgar Jones, Director of Sky Arts said, “When two rock and roll legends open up their address book it turns out they are full of other legends and we are thrilled to be bringing this revealing and utterly charming series to the small screen; an hour in their company with the likes of Tom Jones, Carlos Santanta, Cyndi Lauper, Sam Fender and Emmylou Harris is a very special treat.”
Mark Knopfler had previously appeared as a guest on the second series of Brian Johnson’s A Life on the Road in March 2019, where they took a road trip around Northumberland. Brian Johnson, meanwhile, is set to perform two gargantuan shows at London’s Wembley Stadium with AC/DC on Wednesday 3rd and Sunday 7th July as part of the band’s European tour.
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The following is a list of each episode with its corresponding guest:
Episode 1: Tom Jones
“In the series opener, Brian & Mark meet icon, Sir Tom Jones. In conversation and song, they reminisce on their earliest musical influences, and Sir Tom shares captivating stories from his career, including his friendship with Elvis Presley”.
Episode 2: Sam Fender
“Brian & Mark visit Mark’s own British Grove recording studio to meet UK singer-songwriter and fellow Geordie, Sam Fender. Sam tells the story of his musical journey so far, discusses the influence Brian & Mark have had on him and shows them how to play Seventeen Going Under”.
Episode 3: Cyndi Lauper
“Brian & Mark hook up with 80s icon Cyndi Lauper at New York’s legendary recording studio, The Power Station. Cyndi discusses her tumultuous career in the music industry and brings her dulcimer along to teach Brian & Mark a special arrangement of her classic hit, True Colours”.
Episode 4: Nile Rodgers
“In Miami, Brian & Mark meet disco legend Nile Rodgers and explore his impressive musical career, from Studio 54 to David Bowie and Daft Punk. Nile and Mark jam together on an exclusive ‘Johnny Cash version’ of Chic’s disco classic, Good Times”.
Episode 5: Carlos Santana
“Brian & Mark travel to California to visit Carlos Santana, who recounts his incredible journey in music, from early days, through his Woodstock performance and resurgence in the late 90s. Together, they jam an amazing version of Black Magic Woman and Carlos plays some of his biggest hits”.
Episode 6: Emmylou Harris
“Brian & Mark head to Music City – Nashville – and meet up with Mark’s longtime friend and sometime collaborator, Emmylou Harris. Emmylou shares her career highlights and discusses her relationship with legendary country rock pioneer Gram Parsons. They’re also joined for an exclusive jam session with country music superstar guitarist, Vince Gill”.
The series is an incredible opportunity to witness two great artists in conversation with iconic figures in the music industry. Their experiences and stories are unique, making for an entertaining and insightful viewing. Make sure to tune in when the series premieres on Thursday 25th April on Sky Arts, Freeview, and NOW.
