Fred Armisen on Creating The 8G Band for Late Night and Having Over 200 Guest Drummers

Fred Armisen talks about Lorne Michaels asking him to curate a band for Late Night with Seth Meyers, how he and The 8G Band create original music every night for the show and working with Seth and the band for the past 10 years.


Watch Late Night with Seth Meyers Weeknights 12:35ET/11:35c on NBC.


LATE NIGHT ON SOCIAL

Late Night with Seth Meyers on YouTube features A-list celebrity guests, memorable comedy, and topical monologue jokes.

GET MORE NBC

Fred Armisen on Creating The 8G Band for Late Night and Having Over 200 Guest Drummers - Late Night with Seth Meyers

Late Night with Seth Meyers

[whattheash]

The bond between the SNL class of the mid-2000s is always so wholesome. Seth never hesitates to let his friends know how much he loves them, it’s so nice to see. Such a loss for the show though.

[jjunture]

I’ve been biting my tongue about the 22” ride cymbal for a while now, but I’m glad someone finally addressed it. It’s been the elephant in the room for so long.

[garycpriestley]

Seth losing it at the end got such an emotional farewell :(

[wyskass]

It's almost impossible to distinguish between Fred being sincere and doing a bit. I can't take anything he says seriously without wondering, because his delivery doesn't change at all.

[chicgal]

Seth is such a standup guy and probably one of the best people in Hollywood and entertainment. He just seems so kind and genuine. I’m sure he fought for Fred and the band to remain on the show maybe if enough of ice protest they’ll bring them back but if they’re OK with that, I wish them the best and their next endeavors and their continued success playing

[williambrackin]

Really stinks NBC took the band away from Seth. So much for 20 plus years of loyalty to the peacock! I know he doesn’t really interact with them like Jimmy does with The Roots, but that band is an integral part of the fabric and soul of the program.

[that_jason_black]

Late Night never feels like a talk show. It feels like you are hanging out with friends . . . Seth, Staff, Guests and Jackals. Thansk ❤

[sweetlows]

What a 22" ride it's been, thanks 8G Band!

[temporaladvisor]

The 8G band has been nominated for an Emmy award, yet the Comcast/NBC suits have cut them from the show due to budget cuts. I can't find the amount the band was receiving, but I know it wasn't anywhere near the amount CEO Brian Roberts is earning. In 2022, Roberts received $2.5M base salary, $13.4M in stock awards, $8.4M in option awards, and a $7.5M cash bonus, totaling $31.8M. Funding the 8G salaries obviously isn't the reason. Greed is the reason.

[scottmcarthur]

This was a very sweet moment with Fred. Great band, bandleader and host.

And a great farewell with Bob Mould.

[lynnstlaurent]

Seeing Fred so sincere is unusual. Nice to see three longtime friends together cherishing their friendship.

[gratefuljackal]

Seth being loving to his friends and showing his feelings is so wholesome. I'm sorry they took away his band, especially because of Fred. We love you, Seth 💙🐾🐾

[philjohnson]

Love how Armisen has the reverse of his hair in the 90s

[JohnFrancisShade]

This is why this show has become such an important part of my life. Real people, real feelings, real talent. Thank you, 8G.

[CaptainNemo-su]

Fred is so funny. I hope he returns frequently as a guest.🥁

[crys]

I hate seeing Seth holding back tears and hate that budget cuts are why the band will be gone.

[rddave]

I haven't been this upset about an NBC decision since Conan and the Tonight Show.

[cynthiamason]

NBC executives cutting costs by cannibalizing the shows band, and putting that money in their pockets, is such a corporate misstep. It's also so disrespectful to Seth, and Fred, the rest of the band, and all the creative people who make this brilliant late night gem shine.

[jeanee]

I’m so sad abt this for Seth, for Fred, for the band, and all the folks that did and could have benefited from the guest drummer program. End of an era and I’m so glad Seth sent them off with their flowers. I expected nothing less. 😢

[Epicurus]

Well, that got quite emotional at the end. I think I have something in my eye...