Sum 41 Kicks-Off New Run Of Guitar Center Sessions Episodes On DIRECTV, 5/28

Guitar Center, the world's largest musical instrument retailer, and DIRECTV, launch a new series of episodes of the award-winning music series Guitar Center Sessions this Saturday, May 28 with a new episode featuring Sum 41. Guitar Center Sessions features exclusive performances and intimate conversations conducted by Nic Harcourt. The Sum 41 episode premieres Saturday, May 28 at 10pm ET/PT in 2D hi-definition on DIRECTV'S The 101 Network (channel 101) and in 3D on DIRECTV'S n3D powered by Panasonic.

A sneak preview of the Sum 41 episode and exclusive performance of their hit single "Screaming Bloody Murder" can be seen at http://www.guitarcenter.com/sessions.

Started by high school friends who found a common bond in their love of punk bands like the Sex Pistols and the Ramones, Sum 41 is now in the second decade of a career highlighted by multi-platinum worldwide sales, two JUNO Awards (Canada's equivalent of a GRAMMY) and a devoted fan base. Sitting down with Harcourt, lead singer Deryck Whibley discusses the band's beginnings as he cherry-picked the best players from other local groups to form Sum 41, how touring and a love of performing is the driving force for the band today, and what success means in an uncertain music business climate.

"You can't imagine selling 10 million albums anymore," Whibley declares. "It can't happen, it just doesn't exist. Once you take that out of the equation it doesn't matter anymore. All I care about is if we put on a concert, are people there, that's all I care about."

After spending nearly all of last year on the road, including their 4th headlining run on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour, the group recently released their long-awaited new studio album SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER on Island Records. The album marks the first to be fully self-produced by Whibley. 

Continuing its commitment to inspiring musicians, each episode of Guitar Center Sessions is filmed live in front of a studio audience in the world famous Guitar Center Hollywood Vintage Room. The show gives real music fans a rare peak inside the minds of their idols, with Harcourt's thoughtful, conversational questions drawing out new and intimate details from their storied careers. Audiences hear first-hand accounts from each artist about their personal and musical journeys and the influences that molded them into the icons they have become. "Sitting down to talk with Nic felt like a great discussion with a friend, not an inquisition," says Peter Frampton. "I can honestly say it was the best interview of my entire career to date."

Other upcoming episodes include: Peter Frampton, Bad Religion, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Saint Motel, Social Distortion and the incomparable Blondie.

After its series debut, featuring episodes with artists including Peter Gabriel Weezer, Jane's Addiction, The Cult, CAKE and Jakob Dylan, Guitar Center Sessions was the recipient of the International 3D Society's award for Best Music Television Series in 2010.