BURBANK, CALIFORNIA - UNSPECIFIED: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this image released on January 28, Dave ... [+]
Paramount+, the new streaming service launching March 4th, is cooking up some fine offerings for rock and general music fans. Just a few days ago it was announced that the streaming service has plans for a new Beavis and Butt-Head movie — the cartoon duo who’ve long inhabited the sub-cultures of rock and metal. For longtime fans of the show it was some exciting news, but it’s not the only ‘rock based’ programming Paramount+ plans to bring to the table.
The streaming service has announced a number of new and returning music programs that are set to launch under its wing. As for new programs, Dave Grohl is getting his own series which is being co-hosted by his mother, Virginia Halon Grohl. From Cradle to the Stage will be a six part series that explores the relationship between iconic rockers and their mothers, and it’s based on Virginia Grohl’s critically acclaimed book (which shares the same name). While the guests for the show haven’t been announced, the 2017 book featured the mother’s of Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, Adam Levine, Amy Winehouse, and Rush’s Geddy Lee to name a few.
As for classic music programs, Paramount+ is reviving the Behind The Music docuseries as well as MTV’s Unplugged concert series. Similar to Dave Grohl’s new show, there’s no word on what bands or artists either series will be featuring. But back when they first debuted, both MTV Unplugged and Behind The Music were landmark programs for the grunge-rock and metal bands of the time. The Behind The Music on Pantera, Metallica, Megadeth, and Mötley Crüe are still some of the best produced ‘rockumentaries’ to this day, and it goes without saying that MTV’s Unplugged Nirvana performance is still revered as one of the most iconic rock performances in history.
It’ll be interesting to see how these programs incorporate modern musical acts, and if they decide to include any rock or metal acts as well. Specifically with Behind The Music, the rockstar lifestyle and music industry are certainly not what they used to be. There are few rock/metal acts that come to mind who’d be a good fit for this show, but hands down, Slipknot would make for an incredible Behind The Music episode. Tragedy and inner-turmoil have been themes throughout the band’s music and personal lives, and as leaders of the metal genre they’ve long deserved a thoughtful documentary that showcases their history. But maybe their own standalone documentary is a better option, either way it’s exciting to think about the new possibilities for these iconic series.
