During this time of self-isolation, SiriusXM is expanding its programming with new channels dedicated specifically to Prince, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and The Rolling Stones. What’s more, the digital radio platform is extending free access to its premium service through the end of May (previously the trial was set to end on May 15th).
Each of these fully authorized artist channels will launch on May 1st with the promise of playing “career-spanning hits, rare recordings, interviews, and more.” What’s more, The Prince Channel features, for the first time, a radio show created and curated by Prince for SiriusXM in 2005, with cameos from the late musician and other surprises. You can find more details on each channel below.
These new channels, which will be available for a “limited time” join other artist-specific channels already available on SiriusXM, including ones dedicated to The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, Eminem, Phish, Grateful Dead, Frank Sinatra, and more.
The Prince Channel will feature music from the GRAMMY®, Golden Globe and Academy Award® winner’s iconic catalog, from early recordings to his biggest hits, and will notably include an extraordinary audio performance: a never-before-heard demo of a conceptual radio show created by Prince for a Sirius Satellite Radio channel from 2005. Created by Prince around the release of his celebrated 3121 album, the show, running more than two hours, features songs from his unparalleled catalog, personal favorite selections by other artists, mixes, interviews, and a peek into his legendary vault of unreleased studio and live recordings. Prince collaborated with DJ Rashida, who hosts the show, with Prince joining throughout. Comedian Katt Williams, who was a favorite of Prince’s, also pops in as “Ezekiel,” providing comedic relief through the full 2+ hours. The channel will also include a takeover from Sheila E., special playlists from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and SiriusXM’s recent “Let’s Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute To Prince Town Hall”, featuring Jimmy Jam, Sheila E. and H.E.R. Music by artists that Prince was closely connected to, inspired by, and collaborated with will also be featured. The Prince Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Hip-Hop/R&B category.
The David Bowie Channel will feature music spanning Bowie’s career, from his earliest recordings to his final album, Blackstar. Listeners will hear rare tracks and demo versions of some of Bowie’s greatest songs as well as interpretations of his work from artists including Beck, Annie Lennox, Nirvana, Tears For Fears, Barbra Streisand, The Wallflowers, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Duran Duran, the late Scott Weiland, and more. The David Bowie Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
The Fleetwood Mac Channel will showcase music from the band’s extensive GRAMMY Award-winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame career, including their indelible hits, solo material, live songs, rare demo tracks and musical influences. The channel will also include exclusive stories and insights from the band, plus special shows hosted by Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie. A special hour-long behind-the-scenes look at the band’s landmark album, Rumours, called “Rumours Revealed” will include commentary from Fleetwood and McVie, as well as Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. The Fleetwood Mac Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Led Zeppelin Radio will feature every song from the iconic band’s music catalog, which includes some of the most groundbreaking albums in rock history. The channel will provide fans exclusive access to the sounds and insights from Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, as well as the songs that made Led Zeppelin rock legends. In addition to their epic songs, listeners will hear early rough mixes, alternate versions, remasters and momentous performances captured live. Led Zeppelin Radio will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Guns N’ Roses Radio will feature music from their entire iconic career, including their monumental 1987 Appetite for Destruction album, live tracks and rarities. The limited-run music channel will also include music by artists who have influenced Guns N’ Roses as well as those that have toured with the band. Additionally, listeners will hear Guns N’ Roses’ exclusive SiriusXM concert from the Apollo Theater from July 2017. Guns N’ Roses Radio will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Mandatory Metallica will feature the band’s biggest songs, rarities and concert recordings from throughout the band’s iconic career as well as commentary from each band member. The channel will embark on a 30-date “virtual Metallica tour,” which will air a daily concert from the band on tour around the globe, including the band’s exclusive SiriusXM concert from 2013 at the Apollo Theater in New York City and their 2016 concert at New York City’s Webster Hall. An exclusive at-home DJ session, “Welcome Home,” from Lars Ulrich will also be featured. The band will take over SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal channel each Monday in May, for “Metallica Mondays.” Mandatory Metallica will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Rolling Stones Radio, which debuted on SiriusXM in 2008, has been updated and expanded, giving new and lifelong Stones fans a comprehensive journey through the band’s almost six- decade career, while also including their new song ‘Living In A Ghost Town’ which was completed during quarantine. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood share thoughts and memories about writing and recording their biggest songs, performing live, friendships, and the band’s legacy. Rolling Stones Radio will be available all month on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
Hotel California, SiriusXM’s Eagles channel, will feature music from the band’s extensive career, stories behind the making of their biggest hits as well as their solo records and influences. Listeners will hear a timely curated collection of songs during these uncertain times ‘The Eagles Pandemic Playlist,’ as well as encores of the Eagles’ exclusive SiriusXM concert from the Grand Ole Opry from October 2017. Additionally, famous rock journalist and SiriusXM host David Fricke shares narratives on Eagles lineage and more. The Hotel California channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category.
