AC/DC's Brian Johnson and Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler announce six-part TV series
Johnson and Knopfler's Music Legends
North East rock icons and good friends, Brian Johnson and Mark Knopfler, have joined forces for a new six-part documentary series.
Launching on Sky Arts, Freeview and NOW on Thursday 25th April, Johnson and Knopfler’s Music Legends follows the AC/DC and Dire Straits stars as they meet six influential figures from the music industry.
Each weekly one-hour episode will see the pair meet an eminent musician, and it kicks off with Welsh vocal powerhouse Sir Tom Jones.
Other musicians who feature are Carlos Santana, Nile Rodgers, Cyndi Lauper, Emmylou Harris and Sam Fender.
A description of the show reads: ‘From hanging out with Elvis to drinking with David Bowie, a host of the world’s most iconic names reflect on the secrets of rock and roll in new series, Johnson and Knopfler’s Music Legends.
‘Audiences will be treated to 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.
‘Join AC/DC singer, Brian Johnson and Dire Straits singer and guitarist, Mark Knopfler as they share their incredible knowledge and experiences with each other - and a hand-picked selection of music royalty.
‘Guests share stories from their own careers and discuss the tracks that shaped them as musicians and fans. Mark and Brian do the same, painting a fascinating portrait of their shared musical lives.’
Phil Edgar Jones, Director of Sky Arts, comments: “When two rock and roll legends open up their address books 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 was previously a guest on the second series of Brian Johnson’s A Life on the Road in March 2019, where they took a trip around Northumberland.
Brian Johnson performs 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.
Mark Knopfler, meanwhile, will premiere the full version of his star-studded Guitar Heroes remake of ‘Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)’ this Friday (15th March).
Johnson and Knopfler’s Music Legends episode guide:
Episode 1: Tom Jones:
In the series opener, Brian and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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.
Take a look through tours coming up in 2024 and beyond:
ABBA - 'ABBA Voyage'
ABBA's virtual tour 'ABBA Voyage' started in May 2022 and has now been extended until August 2026. The tour sees the ABBA avatars accompanied by a 10-piece live band, all taking place in a custom-built arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.
Jason Donovan
Jason Donovan will be going on tour in February and March 2026 with his 'Doin' Fine Encore' tour. The singer said: "I am so excited about extending this tour. There were some places we were unable to visit on the 'Doin' Fine 25' tour for logistical reasons, so it's great to be able to go and perform in those venues.
"My performing career has been an incredible ride, and I can't wait to celebrate it by performing the songs that have been such an important part of my life. It's been a fantastic tour so far, and I look forward to sharing all those special moments with my fans."
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys have announced a series of intimate gigs, taking place in April 2026. 'Obscure Pet Shop Boys', are truly for the biggest fans of the band, as they'll be performing non-single album tracks and B-sides, from throughout their long career.
Toyah Willcox
To celebrate 45 years in the music industry, 80s legend Toyah Willcox will be heading on tour from 2025 to 2026, starting by supporting The Human League at a series of shows in the summer of 2025, before her HUGE tour gets underway in March 2026. Entitled 'Songs & Stories Tour 2026', she'll take the tour to 49 intimate venues across England, Scotland and Wales — finishing on 14th June 2026.
Toyah also has a number of gigs in October and December 2025, in celebration of the release of her new greatest hits album, 'Chameleon: The Very Best Of Toyah'.
Rick Astley
Rick Astley has announced a huge UK tour with special guest Gabrielle. The 'Never Gonna Give You Up' singer will perform across the UK with gigs in Glasgow, London, Liverpool, Newcastle and many more, in April 2026.
Paul Carrack
Paul Carrack will be on tour throughout April and May 2026, celebrating 50 years in the music business and the release of his album 'The Country Side of Paul Carrack'. The singer said of the tour: "There's no feeling like performing live with this band. We've been through it all together, and we're excited to bring something new to these incredible venues. It's going to be a big one."
James Morrison
James Morrison has announced a tour for 2026 celebrating 20 years since the release of his debut album 'Undiscovered'. The singer will perform throughout May and the beginning of June, playing songs from his 5x Platinum album, along with some of this biggest hits.
Billy Ocean
In October 2025, Billy Ocean announced dates for his Summer 2026 tour where he will be performing across the UK from May until August. The singer will be joined by special guest, former Wet Wet Wet and solo artist Marti Pellow.
Foreigner
'I Want To Know What Love Is' band Foreigner have announced two UK dates for June 2026. The band will perform their biggest anthems from their back catalogue at the very special concerts.
UB40
UB40 have announced a huge tour taking place in June 2026. The band are expected to perform many of their iconic classic hits from their back catalogue and some brand new tracks which will feature on their upcoming studio album, due for release in Spring 2026.
The Human League
'Don't You Want Me' band The Human League have announced they will be performing a big outdoor show in 2026. The band, who will be joined by special guests ABC, will be taking to the stage for this one-off show in Leeds.
Boyzone
In September 2025, Boyzone announced they would be reuniting for their largest gig ever. Due to take place in London on Saturday 6th June 2026, the band will be playing to 44,000 fans for their show called 'One For The Road: Live At Emirates Stadium, London'.
Beverley Knight
Beverley Knight has announced a huge UK headline tour for 2026 called 'Born to Perform'. The show will see Beverley perform some of her biggest hits as she also takes the audience on a journey through her career of music and theatre. The tour takes place throughout June 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
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