Late Night With Seth Meyers has made a significant change, parting ways with its house band, The 8G Band. This move marks a notable shift in the late-night television landscape, where house bands have long been a staple, providing live music and adding a unique flavor to each show.
The 8G Band, known for its indie rock roots, has been a fixture on Late Night With Seth Meyers since the show’s inception in 2014. The band, led by keyboardist Eli Janney, guitarist Marnie Stern, bassist Syd Butler, and guitarist Seth Jabour, has been instrumental in creating the show’s distinctive musical identity. They composed original music for each episode, crafting unique “walk-on” songs for every guest.
The band’s creative process was a well-oiled machine. They would gather in a small practice room at 30 Rock, deep in the building’s eighth floor maze, to put together the night’s music. Eli Janney, the associate musical director, would lead the process, with Marnie Stern and Seth Jabour on guitars, Syd Butler on bass, and a rotating guest drummer. During one visit, the guest drummer was Allison Miller, an NYC-based musician with a diverse background in jazz, folk, and rock.
The band would start their day at 1:00 PM, diving straight into the music without any warm-up. Eli Janney, from behind his keyboard and desktop Mac, would command the room, producing master recordings of the songs they were working on. The band had over 1600 songs saved on their hard drive, a testament to their prolific output since the show’s start.
Each song was crafted with care, ensuring it matched the guest’s personality and style. For instance, for a show featuring TODAY anchor Hoda Kotb, Game of Thrones star Pedro Pascal, and author Tahereh Mafi, the band created songs titled “UBHoda,” “Pascal’s Theorem,” and “Romano’s Way.” The process was a blend of creativity and efficiency, with the band often finishing their compositions by 2:00 PM.
The 8G Band’s formation was spearheaded by Fred Armisen, a friend of Seth Meyers and a fellow SNL alum. Armisen, who had a background as a punk rock drummer, put the group together as a last-minute endeavor. Although he led the band about a quarter of the time, his frequent absences allowed for a rotating roster of guest drummers, adding a dynamic element to the band’s performances.
The band’s dressing room was adorned with headshots of guest musicians who had played with them, including notable names like Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Abe Laboriel Jr., Paul McCartney’s longtime drummer. These guest appearances were a highlight for the band members, who relished the opportunity to play with their idols.
Despite the band’s success and the joy they found in their work, the decision to part ways with The 8G Band signals a new direction for Late Night With Seth Meyers. The show’s producers have not yet announced a replacement or what the future holds for the musical component of the show.
The departure of The 8G Band is a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of late-night television. House bands have long been a crucial part of the format, providing live music, comedic interludes, and a sense of continuity. The Roots, for example, have become synonymous with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, bringing their legendary hip-hop sound to the late-night stage.
The 8G Band, with its indie rock sensibilities, carved out its own niche on Late Night With Seth Meyers. They were not just a house band; they were an integral part of the show’s identity, contributing to its unique voice and style. Their departure leaves a void that will be challenging to fill.
As Late Night With Seth Meyers moves forward, fans will undoubtedly miss the familiar faces and sounds of The 8G Band. Their contributions to the show have been significant, and their legacy will be remembered by viewers and guests alike. The band’s departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for new musical possibilities and innovations on the show.
In the world of late-night television, change is constant, and the departure of The 8G Band is a testament to that. As the show evolves, it will be interesting to see how it continues to innovate and entertain its audience. For now, we bid farewell to The 8G Band, thanking them for the music and memories they have provided over the years.
