When Late Night with Seth Meyers announced it would part ways with its live backing group, The 8G Band, due to budget constraints, keyboardist and associate musical director Eli Janney wasn’t entirely surprised. Janney, who had been a bassist and keyboardist for the indie rock band Girls Against Boys before joining Late Night in 2014, reflected on the change with a mix of nostalgia and acceptance.
The 8G Band, initially assembled by Fred Armisen to bring an indie rock vibe to late-night TV, featured Janney on keyboards and Armisen on guitar, alongside Seth Jabour, Marnie Stern, Syd Butler, and Kimberly Thompson. Despite Armisen’s departure to focus on other projects, the band continued to perform with various guest drummers until their final appearance. Their last show, with Armisen returning for a final stint on drums, marks the end of an era for Late Night’s musical landscape.
As Late Night’s live band fades into memory, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on some of the most iconic bands in late-night TV history:
### 1. **The World’s Most Dangerous Band/CBS Orchestra**
**Late Night with David Letterman (NBC) and The Late Show with David Letterman (CBS)**
The World’s Most Dangerous Band, led by Paul Shaffer, defined late-night TV music for decades. Their blend of funk, rock, and jazz, combined with a rotating cast of top-tier musicians like Steve Jordan and Will Lee, made them a standout feature of Letterman’s shows. Their ability to shift from tight backing for legends like James Brown to playful interactions with Letterman himself set a high bar for late-night bands.
### 2. **The NBC Orchestra**
**The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (NBC)**
Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show was anchored by a big band led by trumpeter Doc Severinsen. Known for his flashy outfits and charismatic presence, Severinsen’s orchestra brought a vibrant energy to the show, featuring a host of talented musicians and creating memorable musical moments with the audience.
### 3. **The Roots**
**Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (NBC)**
The Roots, led by Questlove, brought a unique fusion of rap, soul, and funk to Late Night when they joined in 2009. Their innovative approach, including the popular "Slow Jam the News" segments, provided a modern, genre-blending soundtrack that became an integral part of Fallon’s late-night era. Their deep musicality and versatility quickly made them a fan favorite.
### 4. **Jon Batiste and Stay Human**
**The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)**
Jon Batiste’s band, Stay Human, offered a refreshing mix of jazz, R&B, and pop when they were the house band for Stephen Colbert’s show. Batiste’s dynamic performances, often involving the band moving through the audience, paid homage to New Orleans’ Second Line tradition and added a lively, engaging element to Colbert’s show.
### 5. **David Sanborn and Friends**
**Sunday Night/Night Music (NBC)**
David Sanborn’s Sunday Night/Night Music was an innovative late-night experiment featuring a diverse array of musical guests. With a backing band that included jazz and funk legends like Marcus Miller and Hiram Bullock, Sanborn’s show offered eclectic performances that bridged genres and showcased incredible talent.
As Late Night moves forward with pre-recorded music, these iconic bands remind us of the rich tradition of live musical performance on television, each bringing their unique flair and setting standards that future bands will aspire to.