The legends of Rock are back with their best concerts

History Rocks III starts May 15, 2009 at 10:30 pm only on FOX History and Entertainment.An exclusive History Rocks Album in partnership with Sony Music to hit stores soon. Also up for grabs is the Gibson “Les Paul” guitar for contest winners and 3-city rock concerts

New Delhi, May 11: Did you know that as a self-taught guitarist, the left-handed Jimi Hendrix played a right-handed guitar turned upside down and re-strung it to suit him? Or that before finally becoming “Pink Floyd” the band was also known as Sigma 6, The Screaming Abdabs, The Megadeaths and Tea Set?

All this and more in the much awaited, History Rocks III, that’s back on FOX History and Entertainment. This time, with hotter riffs, cooler concerts, top of the order rock bands and their thrilling stories. Starting May 15, every Friday at 10.30 PM, History Rocks III will take a whirlwind look at the greatest stars in rock history. Premiering this season are Jimi Hendrix, Queen, Pink Floyd and The Doors.

A sixteen-part series, History Rocks III is dedicated to the definitive sound of legendary rockers. This May, FOX History and Entertainment allows music lovers a peek into the lives of rock legends and devour their biggest concerts. Featuring this season is Jimi Hendrix’s legendary performance at the Woodstock festival; Queen’s live performance to a jam-packed Wembley Stadium; Pink Floyd’s electrifying do of what is considered their best album ever amongst others.

Commenting on the return of History Rocks, Sudha Sadhanand, Vice-President, Programming, FOX History and Entertainment said, “In its third season, fans of History Rocks are going to see a very different show – combining the trivia and stories of their days of classic rock with entertaining concerts of their favourite rock legends. You will see what makes these rock legends the gods of rock. From the heaviest riff drippers to the most beautiful ballads – every episode here has those thrills.”

The renewed programming strategy will be supported by top of the line marketing and viewer outreach initiatives. Rajesh Sheshadri, Sr. Vice-President, Content and Communication, agrees: “History Rocks is one of our most important properties on FOX History and Entertainment. We have broadbased our marketing initiatives for the show this year through a three-city concert, exclusive History Rocks quizzes, consumer contests and a multitude of History Rocks memorabilia for fans and viewers.”

The History Rocks III consumer contest will be centered on finding the truest disciple of the Gods of Rock. Fans will be invited to send in videos and still photographs to claim the ‘Truest Bhakt’ title and in store for them is an original Gibson “Les Paul” guitar.

Adds Rajesh Sheshadri, “We are also collaborating with Sony Music to create a special and exclusive History Rocks album with popular rock anthems that will soon hit the stores.”

As part of the on-ground initiatives, there will be three rock concerts in the month of May with Parikrama in Delhi, One Track Mind in Mumbai, and Galeej Gurus in Bengaluru. For rock music lovers, there will be a series of elaborate rock quizzes at the concert venues with popular Rock Quiz Master Mark Rego. The show will be supported by aggressive outdoor, print and radio campaigns.