AXS TV 's popular sit-down series "The Big Interview" returns for the second-half of its seventh season, premiering Tuesday, October 1 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. The series's fall cycle features 12 all-new 60-minute episodes, as host Dan Rather joins a roster of iconic entertainers for candid conversations providing a unique glimpse into their personal lives, defining moments, and incredible careers. The fall cycle kicks off with an in-depth discussion with Brian Johnson , AC/DC frontman and host of AXS TV 's globetrotting music series "Brian Johnson: A Life On The Road" .
In the exclusive first look below, Johnson recalls getting writer's block while working on AC/DC 's landmark "Back In Black" album in the Bahamas. Feeling completely out of ideas, Johnson sat down for breakfast with legendary producer Mutt Lange . As the pair spoke, a tropical storm rolled in — jolting Johnson's creativity and planting the seeds for what would become one of AC/DC 's most enduring hits: "Hells Bells" . " Mutt went, 'Oh, it's rolling thunder!' And I went, 'Rolling thunder, pouring rain, coming on like a hurricane. There's white lightning flashing,'" Johnson explains. "I mean I literally was giving a weather report." Though they didn't know it then, the song would go down as a signature piece for the band, helping secure their place as masters of rock. He continues, "When great things are happening so quickly, you never realize, do you? It's so fabulous. It just looks so easy. When you try to do it again, it never works!" Watch it below.
Other highlights include appearances by power pop icons CHEAP TRICK (Oct. 8); legendary chart-toppers CHICAGO (Oct. 15); beloved POISON singer Bret Michaels (Oct. 22); the "Godfather of Shock Rock" Alice Cooper (Oct. 29); country music superstars LITTLE BIG TOWN (Nov. 5); celebrated sportscaster Bob Costas (Nov. 12); influential TALKING HEADS singer David Byrne (Nov. 19); folk rock heroes AMERICA (Nov. 26); Emmy -winning actor Bryan Cranston (Dec. 3); prog rock pioneer YES 's Jon Anderson (Dec. 10); and country music legends ALABAMA (Dec. 17).
"It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with these entertainment icons each week," Rather said. "It is a rare treat to be able to delve into a side of these artists that the public doesn't often get to see, as they tell their stories and share their thoughts in their own words. I am humbled that the series has been so warmly received by AXS TV 's audience, and I look forward to showing our viewers what we've been working on in this upcoming fall cycle."
"The first-half of this season of 'The Big Interview' was one of the best yet, and AXS TV is proud to finish the year strong with 12 more insightful episodes when the series resumes its fall cycle," said Lucia McCalmont , vice president of programming and scheduling, AXS TV . "The second-half of season seven features an eclectic guest list highlighting top talent from the realms of music, movies, and sports, and offering something for everyone to enjoy. Dan Rather 's ability to get these superstars to open up about their achievements, challenges, and legacies has really resonated with our viewers, and we look forward to providing them with even more of the high quality discussions they've come to expect when 'The Big Interview' returns on October 1."
Broadcast schedule (Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET)
October 01 - Brian Johnson
October 08 - CHEAP TRICK
October 15 - CHICAGO
October 22 - Bret Michaels
October 29 - Alice Cooper
November 05 - LITTLE BIG TOWN
November 12 - Bob Costas
November 19 - David Byrne
November 26 - AMERICA
December 03 - Bryan Cranston
December 10 - YES 's Jon Anderson
December 17 - ALABAMA
