AXS TV’s original series, “TrunkFest” returns for a second season beginning Sunday, July 7 at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT. The show airs as part of AXS TV’s Sunday Night Rocks lineup, which includes the talk and rock series “Rock & Roll Road Trip With Sammy Hagar,” and the hilarious and heartfelt reality series “Real Money” starring Eddie Money and his family.

The new season kicks off with Trunk visiting Sammy Hagar’s High Tide Beach Party and Car Show, where Trunk takes in all the sights and sounds at one of summer’s ultimate beach bashes. He’ll also spend time with a slate of musical heavyweights, including The Red Rocker himself, along with Eddie Money, Vince Neil and Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon).

Future episodes of “TrunkFest” include Trunk experiencing Vail Snow Days with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; hanging out with Judah and the Lion and lovelytheband at Gulf Shores’ Hangout Music Festival, and visiting Country Jam for a weekend of tricked-out trailers and interviews with Jon Pardi and Craig Campbell.

What makes the new season even more exciting is the addition of several special events which include the Monsters of Rock Cruise (featuring Tesla and Extreme), the NAMM festival—with guitarists Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon) and Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard), a visit to a Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp, and a celebration of the 50^thanniversary of Woodstock.

With such wide variety of festivals and events to choose from the stage is set nicely for the second season to connect with its existing audience and give even more people the chance to discover it for the first time. Unlike his radio show and work on his previous series like “That Metal Show,” “TrunkFest” takes host Eddie Trunk out of his comfort zone, which is what really excites him the most.

I recently spoke with Eddie Trunk about the new season of “TrunkFest” music and more in this exclusive new interview.

What can fans expect from the new season of “TrunkFest” on AXS TV?

It picks up where first season left off. It’s the same format of me going to various music festivals and events. The difference this season is the diversity. We’re getting a little wider in what we cover. There’s one episode in Las Vegas at a Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp. Then there’s another where I’m at NAMM, which is the biggest gathering of music merchandisers in the country. Then there’s one from The Monsters of Rock Cruise. So in addition to the regular traditional festivals, this season also features a wider variety with a trade show, cruise and a rock camp.

What were some of the things you did this season that took you out of your comfort zone?

Skiing in Vail, Colorado was pretty cool. I’d only ever skied once and to get out in one of the most beautiful locations in the world and get a lesson was a lot of fun. I also went to Gulf Shores, Alabama and a festival called Hangout. It’s not something I’d normally go to as a fan but it exposed me to a completely different world. That’s what the show is really about. Me going into the festival and having that first time experience right along with the audience.

How much work goes into filming an episode?

Traditionally, most festivals happen over the course of a weekend. My shooting is normally a day or day and a half and then the crew spends an extra day shooting footage of different things going on that can be cut into the show. I have to give a big shout out to the crew because they put a lot of work into it. You have to deal with the elements at a lot of the places we go. I’m only there for a short time but they’re carrying around heavy gear and sound equipment for days. It can be grueling and not always in the most comfortable conditions. People who watch the show know it’s not glamorous. Since there’s no make-up or wardrobe, I can look rough, hammered and sweaty at times [laughs]. But that’s me. I don’t try to fake it. I’m out enjoying the festival and bringing the experience to the people as best I can.

Were there any cool revelations you learned in doing the interviews this season?

A lot of what I do during the interview segments is talk to the artists about the day and what’s going on. One of the cool things this season was an episode we did on the 50^thanniversary of Woodstock. One of the most well-known guys from that day was John Sebastian, who told me a great story about how he had no intention of even going. He just stumbled upon it and got roped in to help out and it became one of the event’s most legendary performances. That was really revealing.  

You’ve interviewed some of the all-time greats in the world of hard rock and heavy metal. Is there one person you haven’t interviewed that you’d like to?

After so many years in the industry I’ve checked off a lot of boxes as far as that’s concerned. Jimmy Page would certainly be one along with Howard Stern (who’s not really music}. I interviewed Eddie Van-Halen briefly over the phone once but I’d also love to do an in depth interview with him.

Speaking of Van-Halen, there’s been a lot of rumors circulating again about a reunion. Do you think one will ever happen?

It’s funny you mention that because Michael [Anthony] was on my radio show recently and told me he wasn’t doing anything at this time because they [Van-Halen] were supposed to be rehearsing for shows this year. The plan to go out was real but it was aborted. Michael’s technically not in the band and doesn’t know why. It just kind of went away. I think they just have a hard time getting everything in line and deciding what they want to do with who and how. They’re very quiet and no one really talks. It’s a band I’m asked about daily and the reality is no one really knows but them.

You’re a big Dio fan so I wanted to get your thoughts on the Dio Returns show with the hologram. Have you had a chance to see it?

I haven’t had a chance due to scheduling but many of the people who go say that they enjoyed it. Others aren’t so sure. Something that people may not realize is that the guy produced the show, Jeff Pezzuti, is a huge Dio fan. People think this is being done just to make a cash grab but that’s not the case at all. Jeff built his business around his love of Dio and trying to keep his music and legacy alive. I think that’s important for fans to understand.

Are there any other projects you’re currently working on?

My daily radio show has been my main thing. It’s like sports talk for rock fans on Sirius/XM Channel 106. We do a live show from 2-4 with a replay every night, 9-11 E.T. I also do a monthly show from The Rainbow in L.A. and it’s been a blast to do. Outside of that, I’m doing a bunch of hosting and speaking engagements. I also recently found out that my publisher wants me to do a revised edition of my first book, “Essential Hard Rock and Heavy Metal”, with updated sections on the bands along with a new forward. Every day is a different adventure.

What excites you the most about the new season of “TrunkFest”?

The thing I’m looking forward to the most is watching the show grow and connect with new people. In season one we only had eight episodes. Now, we’ll have about eighteen in total and my hope is that more people will get to see it and talk about it. We have more music festivals in this country now than we’ve ever had, including a lot that most people don’t even know about. This show is the eyes and ears to these festivals and what goes on. We still pay attention to the genre of music and who’s playing, but it’s also about seeing what goes on in the ultra-VIP areas, backstage, on stage and in the audience. It’s a travel and experience show. People who loved season one will love the new season and we’re looking forward to getting some new people on board as well. 

Season Two of AXS TV’s original series, “TrunkFest” premieres Sunday, July 7 at 9:30pE/6:30pP on AXS.