SiriusXM launched five exclusive radio channels today (July 15) dedicated to the Beastie Boys, Bob Marley, Coldplay, Michael Jackson and Queen. Prince’s channel also makes a temporary comeback.
Each artist dedicated channel, which has been authorized and produced in cooperation with the artists and their teams, features these seminal acts’ career-spanning hits, rare recordings, interviews and star-studded guest DJ sessions.
The Beastie Boys Channel combines the group’s bangers, deep cuts, rarities and live recordings while having the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers share commentary, stories and insights on each of their albums. The “Pass the Mic” guest DJ series includes diehard fans Z-Trip, Sean Lennon, Rosie Perez, Talib Kweli, Michael Rapaport, and more. The Beastie Boys control SiriusXM’s channel 35 until next Tuesday, July 21.
Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio, named after the label he started, mixes the late reggae artist’s studio and live performances with his band The Wailers. Jack Johnson, Carlos Santana, Michael Franti, Big Boi, Cypress Hill, and more will guest DJ channel 42 dedicated to the Jamaican singer until August 13.
Coldplay’s station spotlights a “Live in Technicolor” series each weeknight at 8 p.m. ET that showcases live concert experiences from the band’s 20-year career. Additionally, Coldplay Radio, which is available on channel 28 until July 21, features an exclusive live album recorded during the Viva La Vida Tour in 2009. Guest DJs Beck, Dua Lipa, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes and Meghan Trainor will take turns playing their favorite tracks off the Billboard 200 No. 1 album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. But the alt-rock bandmates Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland and Will Champion will also guest host the “Songs That Made Us Who We Are” series.
The Michael Jackson Channel highlights his entire catalog, from his early days in Jackson 5 to the last year of his solo superstar career. Akon, Rodney Jerkins, and fellow Jackson 5 bandmates/brothers Jackie, Marlon and Tito will curate King of Pop Playlists for the channel, which will be voiced by longtime family friend and journalist Steven Ivory, whose work has been featured in Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Vibe and other outlets. Furthermore, Ivory will curate an exclusive Now More Than Ever King of Pop Playlist on Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. ET, while Jackson’s takeover of channel 50 will last until July 21.
“Michael’s music has always rallied the world to acknowledge historical anguish with songs and videos such as ‘They Don’t Really Care About Us’ and ‘Black or White,'” said Ivory in a press release. “At the same time, he aspired to unify and lead the world with inspiring anthems like ‘Heal the World’ and ‘Earth Song’ which addressed issues that were important to him such as the care of our planet.”
The Queen Channel spans the rock band’s 40-year career, from small club shows to their iconic 1985 Live Aid concert. Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins, Paul Rodgers, and Catherine Zeta-Jones will play their favorite Queen songs as guest DJs on channel 27, which will remain Queen’s station until July 21.
Prince’s reprise on SiriusXM involves running through the Minneapolis sound pioneer’s legendary catalog while playing music by artists that he was close to, inspired by and collaborated with. Maya Rudolph, Naomi Campbell, The Revolution, Morris Day, Jerome Benton, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis of The Time will take turns taking over the special Purple Playlist. Channel 50 will be crowned The Prince Channel from next Wednesday, July 22 at 12 p.m. ET to July 28.
The six artist channels will be available on the SiriusXM app, internet-connected devices and home smart speakers. Listen to them here.
