New York, NY – November 27, 2006 – RAVE HD, the first and only 24/7 high-definition music channel, announced today the world broadcast premiere of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Live from Gatorville. The performance was shot in their hometown of Gainesville, Florida and includes a special performance by Stevie Nicks. The concert was acquired from HD Ready and is slated to premiere December 15th on RAVE HD. RAVE HD is one of the VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high-definition channels nationwide and currently available on DISH Network.
“RAVE HD’s mission is to bring new artists and the live music experience right into your living room, delivering compelling original high-definition programming made specifically for the HD medium,” said Sal LoCurto, RAVE HD’s Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions. “RAVE HD, the first 24/7 high-definition music channel, offers commercial-free programming that harnesses the surround sound power of Dolby Digital 5.1, and the breathtaking depth and clarity of state-of-the-art HD video technology, to showcase music with a physical and emotional impact that television has never before delivered.”
Since the channel’s launch in 2003, RAVE HD has gone on to deliver compelling high-definition music programming including Beautiful Noise, the channel’s first original series showcasing up-and-coming talent before a live audience; Talks with Dave Fanning, conversations with celebrated musicians for a rare and intimate look at their life’s work; Soundstage, an acclaimed concert series; and Later…with Jools Holland, an extraordinary and eclectic mix of acts in a high-octane musical blow-out.
Returning to where it all started for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Live from Gatorville, the group will perform songs from their three-decade career, including rarely played gems, influential covers and songs from Petty’s new solo album, Highway Companion. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Gainesville’s Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan presented the band with the key to the city and proclaimed September 21 “Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Day.”
Since his band’s self-titled debut in 1976, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers have sold more than 50 million records, Petty has 16 Grammy Award nominations, and in 2002 the group was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Petty’s third solo release, Highway Companion, became his highest ever chart debut when it was released earlier this year to tremendous critical acclaim. Highway Companion is out now on American Recordings.
About VOOM HD Networks
The VOOM HD Networks are the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere. Produced exclusively in true high definition and 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound for distribution in the U.S. through satellite and cable operators, the 15 VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. The VOOM HD Networks are commercial-free and available nationally on Echostar’s DISH Network. Developed by Rainbow Media to meet the growing demand for quality high definition programming, the VOOM HD Networks build on Rainbow Media’s history of original programming innovation.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media creates and manages some of the country’s most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE tv, and two FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also manages Mag Rack and sportskool, two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.