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Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band
Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band
Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band
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Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band is an American musical ensemble led by Paul Shaffer. It was David Letterman's house band for 33 years.

Key Information

The band formed in 1982 to serve as house band for NBC's Late Night with David Letterman. When Letterman moved to CBS and began hosting the Late Show with David Letterman in 1993, the band added a horn section and second guitarist, renaming itself (due to an intellectual property dispute with NBC) the CBS Orchestra, a name that lasted until Letterman left the Late Show in 2015. After a two-year hiatus, in 2017, the band was revived by Shaffer using its original name and released an album titled Paul Shaffer & The World's Most Dangerous Band, followed by a tour.[1][2]

Band name

[edit]

The band was initially unnamed, although in early 1982 it was occasionally jokingly referred to as "The World’s Most Dangerous Band" when closing the show, sometimes alternating it with "Paul Shaffer and the Orchestra," "Paul and the Organization," "Paul Shaffer and the Folks," "Paul Shaffer and the Melody Makers," or a combination: "Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Orchestra." These were all unofficial names, and were dropped by mid-1982; from 1982 to 1987, the group was simply referred to as "Paul Shaffer and the Band" (except for a very brief period in spring 1983 when the band was referred to for several episodes, again unofficially, as "Paul Shaffer and the Party Boys of Rock and Roll").

The 1985 video "You Kill Me" (aired on the David Letterman Holiday Film Festival special) is credited on-screen to "Paul Shaffer and the Band".

In the summer of 1987, the band began to be announced as "Paul Shaffer and the NBC Orchestra," both in on-air conversation and in the show's opening announcements. In on-air conversations between Letterman and Shaffer, Shaffer, when asked which band name he preferred, made it clear that his preference was for "The World’s Most Dangerous Band", feeling that the "NBC Orchestra" name rightly belonged to The Tonight Show band of Doc Severinsen. Accordingly, with the broadcast of September 25, 1987, the band was officially announced as "Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band," and was always announced with that billing for the rest of Late Night's run (through mid-1993).

The group was forced to rename itself when Letterman left NBC, and NBC claimed that the name "The World's Most Dangerous Band" was its intellectual property. Around this time, the group released an album credited to "Paul Shaffer and the Party Boys of Rock 'n' Roll". The name "Paul Shaffer and The CBS Orchestra" dated from the start of the show on CBS in 1993. The band was not featured on CBS programming outside of the Late Show. According to the Late Show with David Letterman credits, the name "CBS Orchestra" is the property of CBS; CBS had not had an orchestra since The Ed Sullivan Show (whose house band absorbed most of the Alfredo Antonini-led CBS Orchestra that had served as the CBS Radio Network's primary band during its existence) ended its run in 1971.

When the band reassembled after the end of Late Show in 2016, it was able to reclaim its former name, "The World's Most Dangerous Band", as NBC had not used the name for several years and thus had abandoned any trademark claim over it.

Beyond Late Show

[edit]

Besides being the house band for the Late Show, the group has also been the house band for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies since 1986 and continued in this role for the 2015, award ceremony, which was held April 18, 2015, but aired on HBO several days after the finale of the Late Show with David Letterman.[3] In 1999, the group was the back-up band for the Concert of the Century at the White House. In 2001, they also served as the backup band for The Concert for New York City, where they performed with David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy, Macy Gray and James Taylor.

After Letterman

[edit]

The orchestra disbanded after the Late Show ended on May 20, 2015.[4] Jazz musician Jon Batiste was announced by new host Stephen Colbert as the new Late Show's bandleader on June 4, 2015,[5] with his band, Stay Human, becoming the show's new house band.[6]

The World's Most Dangerous Band reassembled in 2016 in order to record a self-titled album, released on March 17, 2017, followed by a tour.[1]

The group performed as the house band for the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony in 2018.[7]

The group, without Sid McGinnis, performed as the guest house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on February 3, 2023, subbing for The Roots, who traveled to Los Angeles for that weekend's Grammys.[8] This occurred two days after the 41st anniversary of Late Night with David Letterman and marked the band's first full appearance on NBC since Late Night ended in 1993. Shaffer reappeared on The Tonight Show on December 18, 2024, as a member of Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, reviving Shaffer's tradition of backing Darlene Love on "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)."[9] They returned to the Tonight Show for a week in February 2025, again without McGinnis, when The Roots took a week off to rehearse for Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary special.[10]

Membership

[edit]

The original membership of "The World's Most Dangerous Band" was assembled in early 1982 and consisted of Paul Shaffer (keyboards); Will Lee (bass); Hiram Bullock (guitar) and Steve Jordan (drums). Lee, Bullock and Jordan were all previously members of The 24th Street Band, a jazz/rock fusion ensemble that released three albums in the late 1970s. The fourth member of the 24th Street Band was keyboard player Clifford Carter. Shaffer was a regular attendee at their shows and had worked with Lee as a session musician. When it came time to create a band for Late Night, Shaffer simply recruited the three non-keyboard-playing members of the 24th Street Band, in essence hiring a ready-made supporting band for himself.

Bullock dropped out of the band around the end of 1983. Shaffer had met guitarist Sid McGinnis in 1978; McGinnis became a permanent member of the group, replacing Bullock, in 1984. Jordan was the second to exit, in 1986, and was replaced by Anton Fig, who had been the backup drummer for Kiss in the late 1970s. Shaffer and Fig had first played together at a Joan Armatrading recording session in March 1980. From the mid-1980s through 1993, saxophone player David Sanborn was a frequent guest player, usually sitting in with the band on Thursday or Friday nights. Sanborn was originally intended to be a permanent band member.

During the interregnum between the end of Late Night on NBC and the beginning of Late Show on CBS, being unable to use the name "The World's Most Dangerous Band" due to an intellectual property claim by NBC, the band released an album, The World's Most Dangerous Party, under the name "Paul Shaffer and the Party Boys of Rock 'n Roll".

When Letterman moved to CBS to host the Late Show in 1993, the band came along, renaming itself, with CBS's blessing, "Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra", and was greatly expanded. Felicia Collins was added as a second guitarist and eventually a vocalist (over the course of the show, she occasionally shared top billing with Shaffer, as "Paul Shaffer, Felicia Collins and the CBS Orchestra"); she had first performed with Lee in 1985 when they backed the Thompson Twins at Live Aid in Philadelphia. Two years later, she and Shaffer had first performed together at a benefit concert for homeless children, hosted by Paul Simon.[11] A contract stipulation with previous producer Johnny Carson prohibited the World's Most Dangerous Band from having a horn section, so as not to emulate the NBC Orchestra seen on The Tonight Show. With Carson's retirement and the change of network, the stipulation was no longer in effect, and Shaffer was now free to add horns. Initially he did not do so, instead using a lead synthesizer operated by Bernie Worrell; Worrell departed after two months, and a horn section was added. The band added trombonist Tom Malone and saxophonist Bruce Kapler. Trumpeter Alan Chez was added in February 1997. Shaffer and trombonist Malone had first worked together in 1975, as original members of the Saturday Night Live Band; they had also helped organize the original Blues Brothers in 1978.[11] Kapler and Chez occasionally sat in with the World's Most Dangerous Band starting in 1988.

Following Bruce Kapler's departure from the CBS Orchestra, saxophonist Aaron Heick eventually became Kapler's permanent replacement. Heick was the most frequent substitute during the roughly seven-month transition period between permanent saxophonists. He can be heard alongside Will Lee on the 2008 Terry Silverlight album Diamond in the Riff. In addition, a frequent substitute for Anton Fig, Shawn Pelton (of Saturday Night Live fame), had been the drummer on Heick's own 2009 debut album, Daylight and Darkness. Al Chez would leave the band in 2012 and be replaced by trumpeter Frank Greene, who like Tom Malone, is an alumnus of the famed One O'Clock Lab Band at the North Texas State University.

The World's Most Dangerous Band

[edit]
  • Paul Shaffer on keyboards (1982–1993)
  • Will Lee on bass guitar and vocals (1982–1993)
  • Steve Jordan on drums and percussion (1982–1986)
  • Hiram Bullock on guitar (1982–1984)
  • Sid McGinnis on guitar (1984–1993)[11]
  • Anton Fig on drums and percussion (1986–1993)[11]

Final CBS Orchestra members

[edit]

Former

[edit]

Paul Shaffer & the World's Most Dangerous Band (2017 revival)

[edit]
  • Paul Shaffer on keyboards and vocals
  • Felicia Collins on guitar and vocals
  • Anton Fig on drums
  • Will Lee on bass and vocals
  • Sid McGinnis on guitar
  • Tom Malone on horns
  • Frank Greene on horns
  • Aaron Heick on horns

Band member timeline

[edit]

Guest members

[edit]

When Paul Shaffer was unavailable, Warren Zevon was usually the substitute bandleader prior to his death in 2003. On October 13, 2005, Booker T. Jones filled in for Shaffer, and Anton Fig was bandleader. Jeff Kazee also filled in for Paul on occasion after Zevon's death. Michael Bearden infrequently substituted for Shaffer as a keyboardist, with drummer Fig taking on the role of bandleader. However, this was before Bearden was named the bandleader on George Lopez's ill-fated TBS talk show, Lopez Tonight. For the April 6, 2001, show, the band expanded to 50 players to become the CBS Giant Orchestra with 16 violins, 8 violas, 4 cellos, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, 1 bass trombone, 4 saxophones, 2 harps, 1 keyboard and 1 percussionist.[12]

Phil Collins played drums with Steve Jordan in the band when he was a guest on the Letterman show on March 26, 1985. Eddie Van Halen also performed guitar for the band on a 1985 episode taped in Los Angeles.[13] Drummer Shawn Pelton of the Saturday Night Live Band sits in on the drums when Anton Fig is absent.

On the June 15, 2010, episode, bassist Larry Graham of Sly and The Family Stone and Graham Central Station was a guest of the band, playing bass and providing vocals. Graham also sat in on October 8, 2012. New York area bassist Neil Jason often fills in for Will Lee, most recently on August 21, 2012.

Saxophonist Lou Marini made several guest appearances on the show during the '80s and '90s.[14]

David Sanborn on saxophone was an occasional guest member of the band during its NBC days. In February 2012, after longtime saxophonist Bruce Kapler departed the orchestra, a string of guest saxophonists (including Tom Timko of Will Lee's Beatles tribute band The Fab Faux) substituted for him until one of the substitutes (Aaron Heick) was named the permanent replacement. During the week of August 13, 2012, trumpeter Greg Adams from Tower of Power sat in with the band.

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]

The band has released three albums:[11]

Singles

[edit]
  • "What is Soul"
  • "You Kill Me"
  • "When The Radio is On"
  • "Happy Street"

Among the most famous songs of the band are also the covers of the classic songs "Louie Louie" and "Wang Dang Doodle" and the original theme song for Late Night with David Letterman.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band

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from Grokipedia
Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band was an American led by Canadian-born musician, composer, and bandleader , serving as the for David Letterman's late-night talk shows from 1982 to 2015. Formed in 1982 for the debut of on , the band initially operated without a formal name before being dubbed "The World's Most Dangerous Band" in 1988, referencing wrestler in a nod to host David Letterman's roots, a moniker that suited its eclectic, high-energy style blending rock, , , and R&B to accompany musical guests and provide thematic music. Shaffer, born on November 28, 1949, in Fort William, Ontario (now Thunder Bay), Canada, brought his extensive experience as a session musician and keyboardist—having previously worked on Saturday Night Live and for notable artists—to the role of musical director. The band's core lineup evolved over the years but typically featured Shaffer on keyboards, bassist Will Lee, drummer Anton Fig, guitarist Sid McGinnis, and guitarist/vocalist Felicia Collins, with earlier members including guitarist Hiram Bullock and drummer Steve Jordan, plus a rotating horn section from Tower of Power alumni like Tom Malone. Upon Letterman's move to CBS for Late Show with David Letterman in 1993, the group was rebranded as the CBS Orchestra due to a naming dispute with NBC, though it retained its signature improvisational flair and backed performances by diverse acts ranging from R.E.M. and Radiohead to the White Stripes. Beyond the Letterman programs, where Shaffer also composed the iconic , the performed at major events including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions from 1986 to 2015 and the 2018 . Following the end of Late Show in 2015, Shaffer and select band members reunited under the original name, releasing a self-titled album of cover songs in featuring guest vocalists like and touring sporadically. The group made a notable return to in 2023, guest-hosting the band slot on Starring to mark the 41st anniversary of Letterman's NBC debut, performing classics like "Hollywood Swinging," and underscoring their enduring legacy in American television music. In February 2025, the band reunited to fill in for house band on Starring for a week, with making a surprise appearance during the stint.

History

Formation and Band Name Origin

Paul Shaffer was recruited in 1982 to serve as musical director and bandleader for the premiere of NBC's . Having recently departed , Shaffer assembled a tight-knit ensemble of session musicians to function as the show's , providing accompaniment for musical guests and thematic cues. The band debuted without a formal name, but during an early on-air bit in 1982, humorously dubbed it "The World's Most Dangerous Band" as a nod to , the wrestler billed as the "World's Most Dangerous Wrestler" and a from Letterman's hometown. This moniker, initially intended as a one-off , quickly captured the band's irreverent, high-energy style and began to appear in show promotions. The core early lineup featured Shaffer on keyboards and vocals, Will Lee on bass and vocals, Hiram Bullock on guitar, and Steve Jordan on drums and percussion, forming a versatile quartet capable of spanning rock, , and idioms. As audience enthusiasm for the band's improvisational flair and chemistry grew through the mid-1980s, the nickname evolved into the official designation "Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band" by 1987, solidifying its identity beyond the show.

Late Night with David Letterman Era

Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band debuted as the house band on the premiere episode of NBC's Late Night with David Letterman on February 1, 1982, marking the start of their 11-year tenure in the show's 30 Rock studio. Led by Shaffer on keyboards, the core quartet—comprising bassist Will Lee, drummer Steve Jordan, and guitarist Hiram Bullock—quickly integrated into Letterman's signature comedic and improvisational format, providing energetic musical cues that complemented the host's offbeat humor and unpredictable segments. Their role extended beyond standard late-night accompaniment, as they frequently engaged in on-air banter and sight gags with Letterman, enhancing the show's irreverent tone. The band's musical style was a versatile blend of rock, R&B, jazz, and pop, characterized by tight improvisation and high-energy arrangements that supported a diverse array of guest performers. They handled walk-on themes, transitions, and full accompaniments for musical guests, often adapting on the fly to match the eclectic lineup—from rock acts to jazz legends—while maintaining a playful, genre-crossing vibe that fit the show's subversive spirit. This flexibility allowed the ensemble to back nearly every musical guest during the NBC years, contributing to Late Night's reputation for innovative late-night programming. Key moments during this era included the official adoption of the name "The World's Most Dangerous Band" in 1987, a moniker coined by Letterman to reflect the group's bold, irreverent energy. The band appeared in various sketches, such as "Stupid Pet Tricks," where their live presence added to the chaotic fun, and they gradually expanded their instrumentation for more eclectic sounds, incorporating additional players like drummer in 1986 to replace Jordan. Despite a limited budget that kept the core setup as a lean , the ensemble thrived on Letterman's humorous interactions, including elaborate pranks like set-trashing bits and food-themed gags that showcased their comedic timing alongside their musical prowess.

Late Show with David Letterman Era

In 1993, following David Letterman's transition from NBC to CBS, Paul Shaffer and his ensemble relocated to the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City for the premiere of The Late Show with David Letterman. Due to the network change and associated branding requirements, the group was officially renamed the CBS Orchestra, a shift necessitated by the prior use of "World's Most Dangerous Band" under NBC affiliation. This rebranding marked a departure from the edgier, improvisational identity of the NBC era, aligning the band with the more polished prime-time broadcast standards of CBS. By the mid-2000s, however, the ensemble informally reverted to its original moniker in external contexts, such as live performances, while retaining "CBS Orchestra" for on-air credits. To accommodate the expanded format and higher production values of the late-night slot, the band's lineup grew from its core configuration to 11–13 members, incorporating a fuller with added horn sections and guitarist . This augmentation, including musicians like Tom Malone on trombone and multiple woodwind players, enabled a richer, more versatile sound capable of supporting diverse musical guests and thematic segments. Collins, recruited directly from Cyndi Lauper's tour, brought rhythmic guitar and vocal contributions that enhanced the band's dynamic presence. The larger setup reflected the show's evolution into a flagship program, with elevated staging and audio quality that amplified nightly performances. Shaffer's compositional role prominently featured in the show's signature "Late Show Theme," an original piece he crafted to capture the program's upbeat, irreverent energy, performed at the open of each broadcast. The band maintained consistent visibility through end-credits sequences billed as the Orchestra, often incorporating humorous banter between Shaffer and Letterman. Over the 22-year run from 1993 to 2015, the group delivered music for more than 4,000 episodes, underscoring their integral contribution to the show's rhythm and spontaneity. Key milestones included 20th-anniversary specials in , where the band revisited the theme and highlighted their enduring partnership with Letterman through retrospective performances.

Activities Beyond the Late Show

Paul and the World's Most Dangerous Band served as the for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies beginning in 1986 and continuing through 2015, providing musical backing for a wide array of inductees and performers. In 1988, during the induction of , the band opened the event with a fanfare and supported various performances, including romps through tunes alongside inductees and guests. Similarly, at the 1999 ceremony, they backed during his induction, contributing to all-star jam sessions that featured artists like and . The band participated in several high-profile benefit concerts outside their late-night television commitments. In 1999, Shaffer served as musical director for the Concert of the Century at the , organized by VH1's Save the Music Foundation, where the ensemble backed performers including , , and . Two years later, in 2001, they acted as the backup band for The , a post-9/11 benefit event at , supporting artists such as in performances aimed at aiding victims and first responders. Beyond these concerts, the band made selective appearances at major award shows and television specials. Shaffer and the group provided musical direction and backing for multiple ceremonies, earning nominations for outstanding music direction in years including 1992, 2003, and 2011. They also contributed to occasional TV specials, such as the 1994 CBS New Year's Eve special hosted by Shaffer, and limited recording sessions associated with these events, often capturing live performances for broadcast or archival purposes. These activities underscored the band's elevated status as a versatile ensemble capable of supporting elite musical collaborations, demonstrating their adaptability and prestige in prestigious settings far removed from daily studio obligations.

Post-Letterman Revival and Recent Activities

Following the finale of The Late Show with David Letterman on May 20, 2015, Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band officially disbanded after a 33-year tenure as the program's house band. Shaffer reflected on the run as a profound chapter in his career, noting in interviews that the daily rhythm of late-night television had defined much of his professional life, though he expressed openness to future musical endeavors without immediate plans for the ensemble. The band remained inactive for two years until Shaffer revived it in 2017 under its original moniker, and the World's Most Dangerous Band. This revival included the release of a self-titled album on March 17 via , marking the group's first full-length recording in over two decades and featuring covers and originals performed with original members such as on drums. The album's promotion coincided with a national tour that spring, reuniting core personnel for live shows emphasizing their signature blend of rock, R&B, and . In the years since, the band has maintained a selective schedule of performances, often centered on high-profile television appearances and nostalgic events. They served as the house band for the 2018 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony on January 28, where Shaffer hosted and the ensemble backed artists including India.Arie and performed an opening rendition of the Rolling Stones' "Bitch." A guest spot on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon followed in February 2023, filling in for The Roots for one episode and reuniting Shaffer with bandmates like Felicia Collins and Sid McGinnis for a nod to their late-night legacy. This momentum continued into 2025, with the band substituting for The Roots across four episodes of The Tonight Show in February, providing musical support amid preparations for Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary celebrations. During the February 10 episode, David Letterman made a surprise appearance, crashing the monologue and reuniting onstage with Shaffer. Further highlighting their ongoing collaborations, Shaffer and vocalist Christine Ohlman, a longtime associate from Saturday Night Live and Letterman eras, appeared together at VersoFest on April 6, 2025, for an oral history podcast event at the Westport Library in Connecticut, discussing television music history and the band's enduring influence. Complementing these engagements, the ensemble has undertaken sporadic tours and one-off concerts, such as select dates in 2025 that draw on their catalog for audiences seeking a mix of classic covers and original material. As of 2025, and the World's Most Dangerous Band remain active on a part-time basis, prioritizing selective opportunities that leverage their nostalgic appeal and allow for collaborations with fellow musicians from Shaffer's extensive network.

Membership

Core and Long-Term Members

serves as the bandleader, keyboardist, and vocalist for Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band, a role he has held continuously since the band's formation in 1982. Prior to leading the ensemble, Shaffer gained prominence through his work on starting in 1975, where he played keyboards, composed music, and became a featured performer by 1980; he also collaborated with on her Broadway show. His extensive session work includes recordings with artists such as , , and Robert Plant's , as well as co-composing the 1980s hit "" and producing the ' triple-platinum album. Will Lee has been the band's bassist and vocalist since 1982, providing foundational rhythmic support across its three-decade run on David Letterman's programs. Lee received formal musical training at the , initially studying before switching to bass. His prior experience includes playing with local bands like Goldrush and touring with the Buzzy Feiten Band after auditioning through Randy Brecker's Dreams project, followed by prolific studio sessions with artists including , , , , , and ; he has performed with all four former . Sid joined the band as guitarist in 1984, initially as a guest before becoming a permanent member, and has remained with the group ever since, known for his versatility on both acoustic and electric guitars. He replaced in the lineup, bringing a broad stylistic range to the ensemble's performances. McGinnis's earlier career featured tours with , , , , , and , alongside recordings with , , , , and . Anton Fig has been the band's drummer since 1986, succeeding Steve Jordan and contributing to its signature groove for nearly three decades on Letterman's shows. Before joining, Fig built an impressive resume through collaborations with and , among others. During his tenure, he recorded and performed with luminaries such as , , and . Felicia Collins added guitar, vocals, and occasional percussion to the band starting in 1993, coinciding with the move to for , where she served until 2015 and participated in subsequent revivals for rhythmic and vocal depth. She joined the original quartet for the show's premiere broadcast and became a featured vocalist in the Orchestra. Collins's prior work includes tours with , , and , as well as guitar contributions to Whitney Houston's "" alongside .

Personnel Changes

The World's Most Dangerous Band underwent several key personnel changes during its tenure on (1982–1993), primarily in its , which helped refine its rock-oriented sound. Hiram Bullock, an original member since the band's formation in 1982, departed in 1984 to focus on his solo career, including recordings like his debut album From All Sides. He was replaced by Sid McGinnis, who had initially joined as a substitute in 1983 before assuming the role permanently. Similarly, Steve Jordan, another founding member from 1982, left in 1986 to pursue other musical projects, paving the way for Anton Fig to take over on drums, a position Fig held through the band's remaining years on Letterman. The band's transition to CBS for Late Show with David Letterman in 1993 prompted its most significant expansion, evolving from a compact rock quartet into a fuller ensemble akin to a to suit the broader broadcast format. This included the addition of a dedicated on November 1, 1993, featuring trombonist Tom "Bones" Malone, who contributed over 350 arrangements to the show and remained until its 2015 conclusion; saxophonist Bruce Kapler (1993–2012), a who had occasionally performed with the band since 1988; and trumpeter Alan Chez, who joined full-time in 1997 after prior guest appearances and remained until 2012. Subsequent minor adjustments in the maintained stability while allowing for fresh contributions. Trumpeter Frank Greene replaced Chez in 2012, serving as lead trumpet through 2015 and bringing experience from ensembles like the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Aaron Heick joined in 2012, replacing Kapler, and providing woodwinds and until the end. These rotations were occasional and limited to the horns, with no major alterations to the core rhythm section after 1986, preserving the band's signature groove amid the expanded lineup. The overall shifts enhanced the group's versatility, enabling it to support diverse musical segments on the show, from rock anthems to orchestral cues.

Revival and Guest Lineups

In 2017, revived the World's Most Dangerous Band to support the release of their self-titled album on , centering the core lineup around Shaffer on keyboards and vocals, alongside bassist , guitarist , drummer , and guitarist . This configuration was augmented for the album and subsequent tour with horn section members, including trombonist Tom "Bones" Malone and trumpeter Frank Greene, to provide fuller arrangements for live performances. The band's configurations have varied for special events since the revival. At the 2018 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band served as the , incorporating additional session players to back performers such as , , and & Keb' Mo'. For appearances on Starring Jimmy Fallon, the group used the core members in 2023 for a surprise one-night performance, and in February 2025 for a four-night stint substituting for . As of 2025, the band operates in a flexible setup for events, typically expanding to 8–10 members by drawing from alumni and semi-regular contributors such as saxophonist Aaron Heick, while maintaining no fixed full-time roster beyond the core group of Shaffer, Lee, McGinnis, Fig, and Collins. This approach allows adaptability for tours, television specials, and recordings without a permanent larger ensemble. Unlike the original Late Show era, the revived band places greater emphasis on guest vocalists for its recordings, as evidenced by the 2017 album's features from artists like Dion, , and , which add diverse stylistic elements to the ensemble's output.

Notable Guest Musicians

Throughout its tenure as Letterman's house band, and the World's Most Dangerous Band frequently collaborated with prominent guest musicians, adding diverse sounds and star power to performances without altering the core lineup. These appearances often occurred during musical segments, walk-ons, or special sketches, showcasing the band's versatility in supporting high-profile artists across genres like rock, , and blues. Saxophonist was one of the most regular contributors, joining as a guest from the mid-1980s through 1993, particularly on Thursday and Friday broadcasts of , where he enriched the band's sound with his on improvisational jams and backing tracks. Sanborn's involvement extended into the Late Show era, providing a seamless blend of inflection to the ensemble's rock-oriented foundation. Warren Zevon emerged as a frequent piano and vocal collaborator in the 1980s and 2000s, often substituting for Shaffer as bandleader during appearances on both Late Night and Late Show. His performances, including poignant 2002 segments where he played hits like "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" amid discussions of his health, highlighted the band's role in intimate, career-spanning showcases. High-profile rock figures also made memorable one-off contributions, such as drummer , who sat in with the band for an entire 1988 episode of Late Night, propelling segments with his dynamic percussion on originals and covers. Guitarist joined for a 1984 instrumental rendition of "" on Late Night, delivering his signature tapping technique alongside the band's to electrify the studio audience. At Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, where Shaffer led the house band, added harmonica and vocals to all-star jams, notably trading lines with on "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" in 1988, amplifying the event's collaborative spirit. Show-specific highlights included the , featuring and , who integrated with the band for comedic blues sketches in the 1980s on Late Night, drawing on Shaffer's prior role as their original keyboardist to recreate high-energy revues like "Soul Man." Similarly, Sting participated in 1990s opening themes and walk-on performances during Late Show episodes, contributing vocals and bass to upbeat medleys that transitioned into guest interviews. Over the band's 33-year run, more than a hundred such guests rotated through, from jazz icons to rock legends, ensuring fresh interpretations of material while preserving the ensemble's tight, improvisational core. These collaborations underscored the band's function as a dynamic platform for musical dialogue, enhancing the late-night format's entertainment without necessitating permanent roster shifts.

Discography

Albums

Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band have released only two studio albums, reflecting their primary focus on performances during the Late Show era, which limited opportunities for extensive recording projects. The band's discography emphasizes covers of , R&B, and pop songs, often featuring guest musicians to capture the eclectic energy of their stage shows. The first album, The World's Most Dangerous Party, was released in July 1993 by as a double CD under the billing Paul Shaffer & The Party Boys Of Rock 'N' Roll, aligning with the band's name at the time on NBC's . Produced by , it consists of 22 tracks, predominantly instrumental covers that blend R&B grooves with rock edges, evoking the band's high-energy jam sessions from the show. Featured guest vocalists include on "I Can't Make You Love Me," on "," and on "You Shook Me All Night Long," adding soulful depth to selections like "" ( cover) and "" ( cover). Key tracks such as "Black Dog" (Led Zeppelin) and the medley finale highlight the band's tight musicianship and improvisational style, rooted in their role as Letterman's . After a 24-year hiatus dedicated to television commitments, the band revived with their self-titled album Paul Shaffer & The World's Most Dangerous Band on March 17, 2017, via and . This 12-track release marks a comeback with modern production by , focusing on soulful pop and R&B covers that showcase the core band's chemistry alongside high-profile guests. Standout collaborations include on the upbeat "Happy Street," Shaggy on the jazz-inflected "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" ( cover), on "Sorrow" (), and on "Why Can't We Live Together" (). Other notable tracks feature Dion on "Win Your Love," Valerie Simpson and on "," and band members like on "Enjoy the Ride," emphasizing themes of joy and resilience through tropical and rhythmic arrangements. The album's recording reunited original members and extended the band's legacy beyond TV, leading to a supporting tour. These albums represent the band's selective output, prioritizing quality interpretations over prolific releases, with singles like "Happy Street" drawn from the 2017 project for broader promotion.

Singles

Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band released few standalone singles during their tenure as Letterman's , with most tracks emerging as promotional efforts or lead singles tied to album releases rather than commercial chart pursuits. These releases often showcased the band's eclectic mix of R&B, rock, and humorous elements, reflecting their energy, but they did not achieve major chart success, instead gaining exposure through late-night airplay and radio spots. The band's most prominent single is "Happy Street," the lead track from their self-titled 2017 album on , featuring vocals by . This upbeat, animated video-accompanied release celebrated themes of joy and , with a limited-edition 7" vinyl pressed for 2017, emphasizing the band's revival post-Letterman. It received positive media coverage and streaming play but no significant charting.

References

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