Fred Armisen to Host CNN Series Delving Into Nirvana, GN’R, and Other Universal Music Artists

CNN and Universal Music Group are teaming up for a new television series that will be hosted by actor-comedian Fred Armisen. The as-yet-untitled CNN Original Series, which will premiere later this year, will dive deep into the UMG vaults, spotlighting such acts as Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, and others.

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A press release describes the series as follows:

“The untitled music docuseries will give fans an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into Universal Music Group’s vaults, which form the world’s largest music archives… With Armisen as their dynamic and knowledgeable host, viewers will explore pivotal moments in pop culture, and the stories of the iconic artists and songwriters who changed the course of history. UMG’s archives include a massive, highly secure vault within the Iron Mountain facility in Boyers, Pennsylvania, located 220 feet underground in a former limestone mine. The series will unearth priceless artifacts, encompassing original recordings, master tapes, rare photos and performances, alternative album art and music videos, many of which have not been seen or heard publicly before.”

At UMG’s “Music Is Universal” showcase over the weekend, Armisen said of the series (as reported by Variety), “I’m honored and I can’t wait to get started with this project. I want to move into that vault! I hope we get to dive in, deeper and deeper, into these recordings.”

He added, “And I also want to say that to Universal Music Group that whenever you put out boxed sets with the demos and everything on them, I buy all of it! For real, I buy the LPs and CDs, because I want both collections. I’m really honored, and thank you so much for having me — I can’t wait to get started.”

Stay tuned as more details of the series, including a premiere date, are unveiled.