The new interview show will feature some local legends and other celebrities from the music world
Host Brad-Henshaw with Black Sabbath’s first manager Jim Simpson and Alex Garcia, Rockefellas TV founder
A new TV interview show filmed in Birmingham is launching next week with a stellar first guest.
The show, hosted by Birmingham-born soul, blues and Americana singer Brad Henshaw, will speak to music stars and celebrities linked with rock bands from a studio in the Jewellery Quarter.
Black Sabbath’s first manager Jim Simpson will be giving an insight into the early days of the band and heavy metal in Birmingham on the first episode of Brad’s Basement.
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It launches at 7pm on Thursday 10 September on Rockefellas TV, an online network from the USA that focuses on music and entertainment.
Birmingham soul singer Jaki Graham will also appear on the series, as well as drummer Chris Slade, a founder member of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, and Damian James, the son of Denny Laine who co-founded two major rock bands: the Moody Blues and Paul McCartney and Wings.
Henshaw, who was born in Birmingham, said: “I can’t wait for my new show with its great range of guest to start going out live.
“I’ve got some amazing interviews lined up, with my first episode on 10 September featuring Jim Simpson, who describes his fascinating memories of the early Black Sabbath years and the birth of heavy metal.
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“Jim also highlights how Birmingham is one of the capitals of the rock world. Not only is it the city where Black Sabbath was born, but it also produced Judas Priest, Duran Duran, the Electric Light Orchestra, The Moody Blues, Led Zeppelin and UB40.
“Another episode stars Jaki Graham, Birmingham’s soul sensation famous for her big hit Can It Be I’m Falling in Love with David Grant. Jaki tells me all about her new single, Soul Believer, and describes her experiences gigging with Johnny Hates Jazz.
“Welsh drummer Chris Slade, who recently announced his retirement, also joins me on one episode, describing the stroke he suffered seven years ago. Chris started his music career aged 16 with Tom Jones before playing as a founder member of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, then moving to AC/DC and Uriah Heep.
“And we’ve got a brilliant interview coming up with Denny Laine’s son Damian James, filmed in Los Angeles.”
Rockefellas TV opened its first European studio in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter earlier this summer.
The stations’ founder and chief executive, Alex Garcia, said: “This programme, created in our new Birmingham studio, will help us to expand the network’s original programming for audiences in the United States, the United Kingdom and beyond.
“Brad has the kind of voice, presence and credibility you cannot fake. Brad’s Basement gives us a show with real personality and real musical depth, and it fits perfectly with where Rockefellas TV is headed.”
How to watch
Brad’s Basement will air at 7pm every Thursday from 10 September until the first series ends at Christmas.
Rockefellas TV is available via an app and at www.rockefellastv.com, and can be downloaded to any smart device or smart television.
