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.
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."
Toyah Willcox
To celebrate 45 years in the music industry, 80s legend Toyah Willcox will be heading on tour in 2026. Her HUGE tour got 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.
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.
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.
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 July 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 gigs ever. Due to take place in London on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June 2026, the band will be playing to 44,000 fans for their shows called 'Two For The Road: Live At Emirates Stadium, London'. Their support acts will be S Club (Friday 5th June) and B*Witched (Saturday 6th June).
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton are heading out on tour with dates across the UK starting in June, including Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, York and more. This latest tour will see Elvis and the band perform songs from his early years in the music industry.
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.
Duran Duran
Duran Duran will headline a huge American Express presents BST Hyde Park gig, with support from the Scissor Sisters. The gig will take place on Sunday 5th July. This year's previously announced BST Hyde Park headliners include Garth Brooks (27th June), Maroon 5 (3rd July), Mumford & Sons (4th July), Pitbull (10th July) and Lewis Capaldi (11th July and 12th July).
Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie will be taking to the stage in August 2026 for a UK exclusive gig. The 'Hello' singer will be performing at the HeritageLive Festivals Royal Sandringham Estate on 20th August.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, Westlife 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.
The Stylistics
'Betcha by Golly, Wow' singers, The Stylistics, have announced a huge tour for 2026 in October and November. They will be playing 22 dates across the UK.
Heaven 17
Heaven 17 have announced a tour to celebrate the release of their debut album 'Penthouse and Pavement', which as released in September 1981. The band will start their tour in early October 2026, with a date at Wolverhampton' Wulfrun Hall, before they travel to locations such as London, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Liverpool and a homecoming gig at Sheffield's Octagon on Sunday 18th October.
Transvision Vamp
The band, fronted by Wendy James, will play dates across the UK, starting in Newcastle on 6th October 2026, before continuing to venues in Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Manchester, London and many more. They will end their tour in Belfast on 1st November.
Tony Hadley
Tony Hadley will be heading out on 'The Christmas Big Band Tour 2026', taking place in November and December 2026. Announcing news of his new tour, Tony told his fans: 'Following the huge success of last year's sold-out tour, The Fabulous TH Band and I are heading back out on the road this November and December for the Christmas Big Band Tour!'
He will perform songs by legendary artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Elvis Presley, along with big band versions of Spandau Ballet's 'True', 'Gold', and 'Through The Barricades'.
Del Amitri
The tour, called 'Past to Present - Four Decades of Their Greatest Music', will open at Leeds O2 Academy on Monday 9th November, and wrap up with two homecoming shows at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom on Sunday 6th and Tuesday 8th December.
Jack Whitehall
Jack Whitehall hosted the BRIT Awards in February 2026, and will be going on his 'Bad Influence' tour in January and February 2027 across the UK. The tour will start in Newcastle on 7th January 2027, and will see the comedian perform across the UK, finally ending in a month later in Derby.
Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde has announced a 13-date UK tour in March 2027. She will be joined by 'I Think We're Alone Now' singer Tiffany. Kim will start her tour in Bristol on 12th March, before travelling across the country and finishing her tour in York on 28th March 2027.
Gabrielle
Gabrielle will be going on a headline tour in March and April 2027, performing at locations such as Portsmouth, Glasgow, Bradford, Newcastle, Bath, London, Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester and many more. This new tour will mark an exciting new chapter for the singer, who rose to fame following the success of her debut single 'Dreams' in 1993 and her landmark 1999 album 'Rise'.
Now read:
Mark Knopfler enlists music royalty for remake of 'Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)'
Mark Knopfler's guitar collection raises millions for charity and sets world record
6 songs you may not have known were written by Nile Rodgers 🎸