AXS TV expands its music programming lineup with the all-new original series "ROCK & ROLL ROAD TRIP WITH SAMMY HAGAR PRESENTED BY MERCURY INSURANCE," premiering Jan. 24, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The six-episode series features all-star guest appearances and unforgettable performances, as the Red Rocker drives across the country to jam with some of music's biggest names.
"ROCK & ROLL ROAD TRIP WITH SAMMY HAGAR" is part of AXS TV's fully-loaded Sunday night music block, which also includes the fan-favorite concert series "LIVE FROM RED ROCKS" at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and the all-new music competition series "BREAKING BAND" at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.
"ROCK & ROLL ROAD TRIP WITH SAMMY HAGAR" delivers the ultimate backstage pass, as Sammy Hagar guides viewers on an intimate and unforgettable journey celebrating all things rock n' roll.
Throughout the season, Hagar travels to the homes of some of rock's biggest personalities and best-loved artists, interviewing them, jamming with them, and exploring their favorite haunts.
The series will also present Hagar's own adventures as he rehearses with his new all-star group The Circle, shares his rules of the road, and rocks on tour and at festivals including Carolina Rebellion.
In the series' first two episodes, Hagar and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony cruise the Sunset Strip and reminisce at the world famous Whisky A Go Go, before heading out to Motley Crue star Tommy Lee's house to cook, talk, and perform rock staples "Rock Candy" and Jeff Beck's "Going Down."
Then, Hagar heads out to San Francisco for a special Grateful Dead episode, joining founding members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart as they relive the glory days of the Peace & Love Movement on Haight-Ashbury, delve into their musical influences, discuss what made the Grateful Dead so special, and bring the house down with a Hagar/Weir duet on the Grateful Dead classic "Loose Lucy," followed by a jam session with Hagar and Hart.
Other season one highlights include a Seattle session with Heart front women Ann and Nancy Wilson, and appearances by shock rock icon Alice Cooper, Alice In Chains axe-man Jerry Cantrell, and many more.
"Something that's always bugged me is that fans get to see us either onstage in concert or in interviews, and that's about it," Hagar said. "There's so much cool, history-making stuff that happens off stage that fans have never really had access to, but I do. And that's where this show takes viewers! I'm hookin' them up with a real backstage pass. So, in San Francisco, we'll meet up with my old friends Bob Weir and Mickey Hart to jam at Mickey's home studio, and in Phoenix we're at Cooper'stown with Alice Cooper. And I'll even turn the cameras on myself at the Birthday Bash in Cabo, and on tour with The Circle. It's a blast."Not only is the series breaking new ground in performance collaborations and first-person commentary, but it also is the first AXS TV original series to be sponsored.
Mercury Insurance, one of the nation's top auto insurance providers, is continuing its support of AXS TV's event programming by partnering on this show.
Last year, Mercury Insurance was the Official Broadcast Partner of the network's live music festival coverage.
"Packed with one-of-a-kind performances and intriguing interviews, ROCK & ROLL ROAD TRIP WITH SAMMY HAGAR is the perfect addition to AXS TV's Sunday night music block," Jeff Cuban, AXS TV's chief operating officer, said. "Guided by personable host and rock and roll front man, Sammy Hagar, the series will give viewers and music fans a side of their favorite rock artists that they've never seen before, as Hagar goes into their world and gets them to open about their legendary careers, greatest influences, and best rock stories, before joining them to perform some of their biggest hits. In addition, we are thrilled Mercury Insurance has signed on as the show's official sponsor. They are forward-thinking partners that understand music is a tremendous way to connect with consumers and create a relationship based on something about which they are passionate."ABOUT AXS TV
AXS TV is one of the cable industry's leading event entertainment networks. Launched in July 2012 by visionary entrepreneur Mark Cuban, AXS TV is dedicated to providing groundbreaking music programming, stand-up comedy performances from today's top comedians, and hard-hitting mixed martial arts promotions. The network's franchises include THE X FACTOR UK and NASHVILLE; as well as original programs such as THE BIG INTERVIEW with Dan Rather; ROCK & ROLL ROAD TRIP WITH SAMMY HAGAR; BREAKING BAND; THE WORLD'S GREATEST TRIBUTE BANDS; GOTHAM COMEDY LIVE; AXS TV FIGHTS; and INSIDE MMA.
AXS TV is a partnership between Mark Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CBS. The network is available in the United States via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite and telco providers, including members of the National Cable Television Cooperative. The network is also distributed in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. For more information, visit the website, axs.tv; go to the Facebook page here and follow the company on Twitter, @axstv; on Instagram; Tumblr; Cyber Dust and YouTube.
