TV news: 'The Big Interview With Dan Rather' debuts new episodes in April; Elton John hosts benefit concert for America

                                   photo: AXS TV/Julio Bedoya

AXS TV announced that the eighth season of its critically-acclaimed celebrity sit-down series The Big Interview With Dan Rather will premiere with chart-topping rock legend Huey Lewis on Wednesday, April 15 at 8 pm. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.

Hosted by legendary newsman Dan Rather, The Big Interview consistently ranks as one of AXS TV’s top-performing and most popular original programs. Each episode puts the spotlight on eclectic trailblazers and tastemakers from across the entertainment spectrum, who join Rather to reflect on the personal lives that shaped them and the unparalleled legacies that have defined them.

In addition to Huey Lewis, other highlights include punk pioneer Debbie Harry of Blondie (April 22) and Don Felder, a former lead guitarist of the Eagles (April 29). The season will also feature legendary singer/songwriter and guitarist Robbie Robertson of The Band (May 6); Jethro Tull frontman and flutist Ian Anderson (5/13); and celebrated folk artist Don McLean (May 20); and more.

“I am honored to return with The Big Interview for an eighth season,” Rather said. “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to sit down with these industry icons who have forever transformed entertainment as we know it, and I am humbled by the positive response we have received from the AXS TV audience throughout all these seasons.”

AXS TV is available in the U.S. and via Spectrum, DIRECTV, DISH, Verizon, Suddenlink, Frontier, select Comcast markets (check your local provider), SlingTV, Philo and other distributors.

SCHEDULE:

Wed., April 15 – Featured Guest: Huey Lewis
Wed., April 22 – Featured Guest: Blondie’s Debbie Harry
Wed., April 29 – Featured Guest: Don Felder formerly of the Eagles
Wed., May 6 – Featured Guest: The Band’s Robbie Robertson
Wed., May 13 – Featured Guest: Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson
Wed., May 20 – Featured Guest: Don McLean

And on TV this weekend...

Airing Sunday, March 29, from 9:00-10:00 PM ET/6:00-7:00 PM PT on FOX is THE IHEART LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA, a music event to provide entertainment relief and support for Americans to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to celebrate the resilience and strength of the nation during this pandemic.

Hosted by Elton John, the event will feature performances by Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Mariah Carey, Tim McGraw and more, from their own homes, filmed with their personal cell phones, cameras and audio equipment, to ensure the health and safety of all involved.

The concert can also be heard on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and via the iHeartRadio app. The benefit special will be broadcast commercial-free.

In addition to featuring music, the hour-long concert will pay tribute to the front line health professionals, first responders and local heroes who are putting their lives in harm’s way to help their neighbors and fight the spread of the virus. It also will encourage viewers to support two of the many charitable organizations helping victims and first responders during the pandemic: Feeding America® and First Responders Children’s Foundation.

To extend the reach of the commercial-free special’s charitable component, FOX will offer the event across all of its linear and digital platforms. For more information, visit iHeart.com/LivingRoomConcert.