Original title
Rock School
Released
8/19/2005
Origin country
GB
Genre
Reality
Status
Ended
Number of seasons
2
Number of episodes
11
Rock School is a British reality TV series starring Gene Simmons, in which he has a short time to turn a class of school children into a fully fledged rock band, at the end of which they must perform in a supporting slot for a leading rock band. Rock School is made by British production company RDF Media and has been shown on Channel 4 in the UK, RTL 7 in the Netherlands, Channel Ten and Channel V in Australia, TVNZ's TV2 in New Zealand, VH-1 in the United States and Latin America, TV2 Zebra in Norway, Nelonen in Finland, TV4 in Sweden, Much Music in Canada, Vitaya in Belgium and ORF1 in Austria. A comedy film with a similar theme, starring Jack Black, called School of Rock, was released in 2003, before the first series began although the creative team and Gene Simmons insist that it was not because of the success of that film they made it, and say it was in the works since 2002. Since series 2, Simmons seems not to be planning any more series yet due to commitments with KISS.
KISS frontman Gene Simmons must transform a group of British boarding school students into a rock band. In the series premiere, Gene holds auditions for lead singers and the pupils choose their rock names.
Gene’s second week at Christ’s Hospital boarding school finds him attending hymn practice in the school chapel and later he is under attack from the school debate society. This week Gene selects the band’s guitarist and drummer.
As the audition process wears on, the children begin to tire of Gene. Gene receives an invitation to perform for a local group of pensioners and then a KISS tribute band performs for the school. Gene selects the final members of the band – a keyboardist and a bass guitar player. As usual, the children are less than thrilled with the choices.
Gene leaves the new band to their own devices as he has to return to the US to present at the American Music Awards. Gene shows the Deputy Head around his mansion in LA, while back at the school the band rehearses for their first gig, but there seems to be revolt brewing against the lead singer.
Tensions between Gene and the band flare again after his criticism of their performance during a national radio interview. While rehearsals are strained, the band's costumes and stage set come together for their opening gig for Motorhead.
After cutting their first single, tensions in 'The Class' come to blows between the manager and lead singer over his singing ability. The band opens for 'Motorhead' in front of a sold out concert audience.
Six months after the The Class's triumphant performance at the Hammersmith Apollo in front of the 5,000 Motörhead fans life is back to normal at Christ's Hospital school, or is it? The band have returned to their classical roots, with one exception. With rock still running through his veins, former lead singer Josh is listening to Alice Cooper in his dorm and styling himself on Brian May. Josh's dreams of living the rock star lifestyle might just become a reality. Direct from LA, Gene Simmons sends the children an invitation to join him in La-La land. The band hurriedly reform, learn a new song to surprise their old teacher and head off to the bright lights and Gene's million-dollar mansion. What will they make of Gene's lifestyle and how will the arrogant rocker react to seeing his protégées again?
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