The marriage of rock music and television is a match made in heaven. Rock stars are the new celebrities, with their larger-than-life presence and awesome performances that leave audiences screaming for more. Television gives them exactly the right platform to reach out to millions of fans across the globe. With a little bit of luck and some clever marketing, many rock bands have managed to take their careers to another level as TV hosts and guest stars. So here's our list of the top 10 celebrity rockstars and their television roles.
Bands as TV Hosts
Many rock bands have hosted their TV shows as a stepping-stone to more mainstream success. Some of the shows have been truly legendary, with millions of fans tuning in every week.
The Monkees - This band was formed in 1965 and had their TV show from 1966 to 1968. The show was a runaway success, running for 84 episodes in two seasons. The show was initially conceived as a vehicle for the four actors who played the lead roles. However, after the show started airing, the producers chose to add more musical content to appeal to a wider audience. It was a conscious decision to have a real band fronting the show, and the group went on to sell more than 100 million records worldwide. The show also featured many guest stars, including James Coburn, Barbara Streisand, and Peter Tork of the band The Byrds.
The Partridge Family - This is one of the most popular TV shows that featured a real band as the lead characters. The show ran for four seasons between 1970 and 1974 and was a runaway success. The Partridge Family band featured David Cassidy, Shirley Jones, Danny, and the rest of the Cassidy family. The show was one of the first to feature a family as the main characters in a TV series.
Gene Simmons and KISS
Gene Simmons and KISS hosted their own show called ‘KISS My Ass’ that was broadcast on the US TV channel ‘TNT’. The show was a huge success, running for two seasons from 2000 to 2002. The show featured the band members and their crew, as well as a selection of special guests, including ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’, Kevin Nealon, and Heather Locklear. It was a reality show that followed the band on tour. It also featured the band members doing a lot of other activities, including skydiving, bungee jumping, and playing paintball. The show was a huge success, running for two seasons and attracting millions of viewers.
Britney Spears
Pop queen Britney Spears has appeared in several TV shows over the years. She played the lead role in the popular TV show ‘Spin City’ alongside Michael J. Fox. The show ran for four seasons between 1996 and 2002 and was a huge success. Spears also hosted her TV show called ‘Britney and Kevin: Chaotic’. The show followed Britney and her then-husband Kevin on their tour. It was a reality show that was broadcast on the E! network.
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic rock bands in the world. They are also one of the oldest surviving rock bands, having been together for over 50 years. The band members have tried their hand at many other things besides music, including fashion, art, and TV. The Stones hosted their TV show called ‘The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. The show was broadcast in the UK and was a huge success. It was recorded live in December 1968 and featured many other artists, including the band Jefferson Airplane.
Micky Dolenz and The Monkees
The TV show ‘The Monkees’ was a huge success. It followed the adventures of four actors who played the lead roles in the show. The show was initially conceived as a vehicle for the four actors who played the lead roles. However, after the show started airing, the producers chose to add more musical content to appeal to a wider audience. It was a conscious decision to have a real band fronting the show, and the group went on to sell more than 100 million records worldwide. The show also featured many guest stars, including James Coburn, Barbara Streisand, and Peter Tork of the band The Byrds.
Justin Timberlake and NSYNC
The boy band NSYNC had a huge following when they were at their peak. Justin Timberlake (the lead singer) hosted a TV show called ‘The Woody Show' in 1999. The show was a comedy sketch show that ran for two seasons. The show was hosted by Justin and his friend Woody Harrelson. It was broadcast on the Canadian TV channel ‘CITY’.
Conclusion
Many rock stars have done great work as TV hosts and guest stars. The shows featuring these celebs have become iconic and will be remembered for many years to come. Many of these stars have switched effortlessly between music and acting. Their experience in front of the camera and on the stage has helped them become even more successful.
Red Wine and Blue Cheese – The Perfect Combination
Eat fruit and Vegetables with Each Meal
French Couture Jewelry is on another level
The Biggest and Most Successful Music TV Shows