Machine Gun Kelly is a dual threat hot streak these days. When’s he’s not risking it all at big time festivals such as Soundset and Rock on the Range, he’s patiently awaiting the editing process of his TV and film appearances.
Come Sunday, June 26 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, Showtime will premiere the first episode to its new one-hour music series, Roadies, which gives viewers an insider’s look on the perils and perks of live on tour and HipHopDX is proud to give you an exclusive look at Wes, the character MGK has been nabbed to play. The series salutes the oft-unheralded efforts of backstage workers for the successful arena-level group, The Staton-House Band.
Kelly (real name Richard Colson Baker) describes his character as a “lovable and sweet guy” who just happens to be based off on an actual roadie.
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“He fits in everywhere,” MGK elaborated during his Showtime behind-the-scenes interview. “He’s inspired by Pearl Jam and he’s trying to go find his twin sister (played by Jacqueline Byers) and be a part of her scene. Everybody loves Wes except for his own blood,” he said with a grin.
The troublemaking antics should have come naturally for MGK, who has already won audiences over for his portrayal of a bad boy rapper (get it?) in the award-winning 2014 film, Beyond the Lights and as a rambunctious youth named Crash in Punk’s Dead, the recently released sequel to the cult classic, SLC Punk.
Roadies marks the first original series from acclaimed creator, executive producer, writer and director Cameron Crowe, who leads an ensemble cast consisting of Luke Wilson (Old School, Enlightened) Screen Actors Guild Award nominee Carla Gugino (San Andreas, American Gangster) Luis Guzmán (Narcos, Code Black) Finesse Mitchell (Saturday Night Live), Imogen Poots (The Look of Love), Rafe Spall (One Day), Academy Award® nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider), Peter Cambor (NCIS: Los Angeles) and many more.
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The ten-episode first season was shot in Los Angeles and utilizes the writing and production talents from Emmy winners J.J. Abrams (Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Lost), Bryan Burk (Lost, Fringe, Person of Interest) and Len Goldstein (Hart of Dixie). Emmy® and Tony® Award nominee Winnie Holzman (My So-Called Life, Wicked) serves as a writer and executive producer, Kathy Lingg (Person of Interest, Fringe) is co-executive producer. Kelly Curtis, known amongst the industry as Pearl Jam’s longtime manager, will also produce.
Roadies is produced by Bad Robot Productions, Vinyl Films and Dooley & Company Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Check out the series’ official social media handles Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and tune into on June 26 on Showtime to see the debut episode. The official trailer can be seen below.
