Just because MTV doesn’t play music anymore doesn’t mean there’s not tons of live music on television these days. Consider our weekly feature “Live Wire,” your guide to performances, concerts and rock star appearances on the tube. All times are ET.
Live Wire Spotlight – XXX Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony (8 p.m. Sunday, August 12, NBC)
The London games are sure to go out with a bang at this grand finale. Expect to see plenty of British pop and rock stars, including The Who, Muse, the Spice Girls and Liam Gallagher. Plus, there’s bound to be some surprises. For instance, it has been rumored that the surviving members of Pink Floyd will reunite for a performance at the ceremony. “Wish You Were Here,” indeed.
Monday, August 6
The Colbert Report (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central): Pete Seeger
The Late Show with David Letterman (11:35 p.m., CBS): The Gaslight Anthem (rerun)
Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05 a.m., ABC): The Head & The Heart (rerun)
Tuesday, August 7
The Ellen DeGeneres Show (check local listings, syndicated): Steven Tyler (rerun)
Conan (11 p.m., TBS): Grouplove
The Late Show with David Letterman (11:35 p.m., CBS): Zac Brown Band (rerun)
Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05 a.m., ABC): Marina and the Diamonds (rerun)
Wednesday, August 8
Conan (11 p.m., TBS): Ziggy Marley
The Late Show with David Letterman (11:35 p.m., CBS): Trampled By Turtles (rerun)
Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05 a.m., ABC): Zac Brown Band (rerun)
Thursday, August 9
The Ellen DeGeneres Show (check local listings, syndicated): Lupe Fiasco (rerun)
The Late Show with David Letterman (11:35 p.m., CBS): Tom Waits (rerun)
Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05 a.m., ABC): Nas (rerun)
Tavis Smiley (check local listings, PBS): Buddy Guy (rerun)
Friday, August 10
Good Morning America (7 a.m., ABC): OneRepublic
The Ellen DeGeneres Show (check local listings, syndicated): Miranda Lambert (rerun)
The Late Show with David Letterman (11:35 p.m., CBS): Rufus Wainwright (rerun)
Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05 a.m., ABC): Trey Songz (rerun)
Saturday, August 11
That Metal Show (11 p.m., VH1 Classic): David Draiman, Adrenaline Mob (rerun)
Austin City Limits (check local listings, PBS): Fleet Foxes, Joanna Newsom (rerun)
Sunday, August 12
XXX Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony (8 p.m., NBC)