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 Opening Ceremony (7:30 p.m. Friday, NBC)

The 2012 London Summer Olympics begin with the traditional opening ceremony. As part of the event, the British will pay tribute to their rich musical heritage with a focus on rock ’n’ roll. At this point, the only performer who is confirmed to take part is music legend Paul McCartney, but fans can likely expect a few surprises when it comes to English rockers.

Monday, July 23

The Late Show with David Letterman (11:35 p.m., CBS): Rufus Wainwright

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35 p.m., NBC): Aretha Franklin

Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05 a.m., ABC): The Head & The Heart

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (12:35 a.m., NBC): R. Kelly

 

Tuesday, July 24

Conan (11 p.m., TBS): The XX

The Late Show with David Letterman (11:35 p.m., CBS): Allen Stone

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35 p.m., NBC): Jay Sean

Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05 a.m., ABC): Nas

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (12:35 a.m., NBC): Nelly, Beach House

 

Wednesday, July 25

Conan (11 p.m., TBS): Tennis

The Late Show with David Letterman (11:35 p.m., CBS): Milo Greene

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35 p.m., NBC): The Lumineers

Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05 a.m., ABC): Trey Songz

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (12:35 a.m., NBC): Wilco

Tavis Smiley (check local listings, PBS): Carole King (rerun)

 

Thursday, July 26

Conan (11 p.m., TBS): Flo Rida

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35 p.m., NBC): MoZella

Jimmy Kimmel Live (12:05 a.m., ABC): Rick Ross

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (12:35 a.m., NBC): No Doubt

Tavis Smiley (check local listings, PBS): Buddy Guy (rerun)

 

Friday, July 27

Good Morning America (7 a.m., ABC): No Doubt

The Ellen DeGeneres Show (check local listings, syndicated): Lionel Richie (rerun)

XXX Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony (7:30 p.m., NBC)

The Late Show with David Letterman (11:35 p.m., CBS): Airborne Toxic Event (rerun)

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (11:35 p.m., NBC): Joss Stone

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (12:35 a.m., CBS): Joss Stone

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (1:35 a.m., NBC): The Gaslight Anthem

 

Saturday, July 28

That Metal Show (11 p.m., VH1 Classic): Dave Mustaine, Vinny Appice, Rex Brown (rerun)

Austin City Limits (check local listings, PBS): M. Ward, Okkervil River (rerun)