Blondie, Rodrigo Y Gabriela and Social Distortion Among the Diverse Artists Featured on Upcoming Episodes of the Award-Winning Music Television Series - Guitar Center Sessions on DIRECTV

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Guitar Center (http://www.guitarcenter.com), the world's largest musical instrument retailer, and DIRECTV, the world's most popular video service, today announced a new series of episodes of the award-winning music series Guitar Center Sessions.  Guitar Center Sessions features exclusive performances and intimate, enlightening conversations conducted by revered musical tastemaker Nic Harcourt.  The first of seven episodes features Sum 41, premiering Saturday, May 28 at 10pm ET/PT in 2D hi-definition on DIRECTV'S The 101 Network (channel 101) and in 3D on DIRECTV'S n3D powered by Panasonic.  A sneak preview of the Sum 41 episode and exclusive performance of their hit single "Screaming Bloody Murder" can be seen at http://www.guitarcenter.com/sessions.  Other upcoming episodes include: Peter Frampton, Bad Religion, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Saint Motel, Social Distortion and the incomparable Blondie.

Continuing its commitment to inspiring musicians, each episode of Guitar Center Sessions is filmed live in front of a studio audience in the world famous Guitar Center Hollywood Vintage Room. The show gives real music fans a rare peak inside the minds of their idols, with Harcourt's thoughtful, conversational questions drawing out new and intimate details from their storied careers. Audiences hear first-hand accounts from each artist about their personal and musical journeys and the influences that molded them into the icons they have become.  "Sitting down to talk with Nic felt like a great discussion with a friend, not an inquisition," says Peter Frampton.  "I can honestly say it was the best interview of my entire career to date."

"In addition to the incredible live performances Guitar Center Sessions captures, the conversations with these artists are about delving deeper and by providing a window into the creative process, inspiring other musicians," says Harcourt. "Hearing the stories behind some of the great artists of our time--from their perspective--is revealing and fascinating."

Started by high school friends who found a common bond in their love of punk bands like the Sex Pistols and the Ramones, Sum 41 is now in the second decade of a career highlighted by multi-platinum worldwide sales, two JUNO Awards (Canada's equivalent of a GRAMMY) and a devoted fan base.  Sitting down with Harcourt, lead singer Deryck Whibley discusses the band's beginnings as he cherry-picked the best players from other local groups to form Sum 41, how touring and a love of performing is the driving force for the band today, and what success means in an uncertain music business climate.

"You can't imagine selling 10 million albums anymore," Whibley declares.  "It can't happen, it just doesn't exist.  Once you take that out of the equation it doesn't matter anymore.  All I care about is if we put on a concert, are people there, that's all I care about."

After spending nearly all of last year on the road, including their 4th headlining run on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour, the group recently released their long-awaited new studio album SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER on Island Records. The album marks the first to be fully self-produced by Whibley.  More info on Sum 41 here: http://sbm.sum41.com/

After its series debut, featuring episodes with artists including Peter Gabriel, Weezer, Jane's Addiction, The Cult, CAKE and Jakob Dylan, Guitar Center Sessions was the recipient of the International 3D Society's award for Best Music Television Series in 2010.

Guitar Center Sessions on DIRECTV is an extension of Guitar Center's ongoing music education based initiative of the same name. The program features informative, provocative panel discussions and hands-on tutorials for musicians and provides them with the chance to gain insight and knowledge from their heroes in a comfortable and intimate setting.

Upcoming Guitar Center Sessions Schedule:

Sum 41—May 28th

Peter Frampton—June 11th

Bad Religion—June 25th

Rodrigo Y Gabriela—July 9th

Saint Motel—July 23rd

Social Distortion—August 6th

Blondie—August 20th

About Guitar Center

Guitar Center is the world's largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. Our retail store subsidiary presently operates 218 Guitar Center stores across the U.S. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician's Friend, Inc., and its catalog and Web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. In addition, our Music & Arts division operates more than 100 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company's Web site at www.guitarcenter.com.

The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of Guitar Center, Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

SOURCE Guitar Center