10,000 Maniacs (Natalie Merchant) Live on The Tonight Show, Dec. 4, 1987 (Peace Train & Don't Talk+

[@markwaldron8954]

I could watch Natalie dance forever.

[@joeherald7319]

There is nobody like her. Period.

[@MrDLOC11]

Don't Talk is the real prize here as it contains both Natalie's hypnotic, signature dance moves & Robert buck's epic, shimmering guitar work....Impressably 10,000 Maniacs rocks. 🔥🔥🔥🔥👍👍👍👍 10k TKO

[@timwimpee8556]

shimmering is a good word for his guitar work. he was one of a kind.

[@superorangeish]

She was feeling those lyrics!!

[@edwinjosue317]

Natalie Merchant is simply the best!

[@lemurianchick]

I just heard a couple of new songs from her. Still has the same quality of voice and songs.

[@humanbeing2420]

Her confidence is quite stunning.

[@peterkim1999]

I did a cross country drive in 2012, and drove more than 12 hours straight from from Utah through Colorado listening only 10,000 Maniac albums over and over... a lot of those songs made me tear countless number of times. Natalie Merchant is a legend and always will be.

[@MaySecond07]

Used to spend summers in Bemus Point and Jamestown, New York. They would play at "The Casino" and "The Grog Shop" Little did we know. My cousin was friends with Steve Gustafson's wife. Just based on that, they used to comp us tickets and Backstage Passes when they came to Chicago. They are the nicest group of people you could ever meet. Godspeed Rob Buck.

[@briansauk6837]

I remember seeing this when it first aired - was in awe then, and still in awe now.

[@PinkMuffin420]

Man. Music was great back then. True story telling.

[@EdwardSnowYen]

This woman is a special talent.

[@rapman5791]

She does have that whole spinning, whirling dervish thing down though. 😊

[@shawnb1956]

I tell you what ain't nobody can sing like Natalie Merchant

[@michaelcraig9449]

ANN WILSON!

[@alexnutcasio936]

Karen Carpenter tops em all.

[@billryan9350]

In My Tribe was my first CD after hundreds of vinyl purchases. What a voice!

[@patriciaherlevi6217]

I remember this album. I think up until that point the band was nearly obscure, playing at universities across the US. I remember meeting the band in Bellingham, Washington during the spring of 1986. I had a college radio show at the time and I played songs from The Wishing Chair on regular rotation.

[@80spenn37]

Wishing Chair is a great album.

[@theswansons8527]

I remember watching this live on TV and being completely mesmerized and blown away. Still gives me chills. What a song and what a presence.

[@dannykumite]

Unforgettable voice

[@francescomoretta656]

The Greatest female Artist all over the world!!! ❤ An Angelic Great Marvellous Voice performing wonderful lyrics that become Heavenly spells. ❤💘❤

[@MISTERFANCYPANTS1000]

Outstanding live performance from one of the most important bands of that time.

[@mistersixpence]

Natalie is a force of nature with an exquisite voice. Her voice, the band (those sublime guitar riffs) and the poetic narrative of her lyrics all combine beautifully here.

[@DJCoachCookie68]

She has a very powerful, country style voice. Plus a beautiful smile x

[@davidm.6936]

Not only they removed Peace Train off their album in second presses, they stopped playing it live. Awesome, post of a rare performance!

[@jacksonurenmusic]

I always wondered why they removed it! It’s one of my favorites, I have my moms original record copy that I discovered it on.

[@RhiannaBarr]

@@jacksonurenmusic because Cat Stevens called for the execution an ex Muslim whistle-blower.

[@WildDisaster]

@@RhiannaBarr Salman Rushdie is not a whistle blower by any stretch. Just propped by the Western propaganda machine as the US and UK supplied Saddam Hussein with weapons including chemical weapons to wage war against Iran. Get the context right next time.

[@ananonymoususer4698]

Cuz cat stevens wanted salmon rushdie dead, although that statement was immaturely edited and taken out of context.

[@robsanz9746]

Hopefully, any new presses of the album put Peace Train back on it. I'm not sure if it was them who "dropped the ball" and believed the lie against the Beautiful Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam, or if it was their record company who bowed down, but either way...do The Right Thing now. 🙏🏽

[@eseir64]

Just blessed I had a chance to experience the 10000 Maniacs numerous times during the greatest times. I miss them and I miss the times. Music is just not the same

[@unclebozo9845]

they're still around but with a different singer, who is excellent in her own right. Her name is Mary Ramsey.

[@christopherhoward7753]

I always wanted to play guitar like Robert Buck.

[@80spenn37]

Agree 1000%. What a unique talent. Left the world far too soon.

[@audibletapehiss3764]

The drummer is killing it on Peace Train. That pocket is deeeeeeep.

[@timothyslaughter476]

I used to have a cat Steven's best of and play along on the drums. Peace train and Another Saturday night were sooooo fun. Great performance by 10k maniacs and Natalie here.

[@stephendonnelly327]

Saw them at the Ritz the night after this. Bought an lp of Aida at Tower Records before the show and gave it to her during the show. Very happy when she played "Verdi Cries" later. True Geek fan story.

[@stephaniejefferson6566]

Very sweet. I love that you did this!

[@steverok67]

A moment in time, and one of the very best TV clips I have found. The drummer Jerry Augustyniak had a profound snap, with Natalie Merchant singing and moving at her youthful peak, as the band performs two songs from their finest album. Jay Leno’s facial expressions book-ending this performance are also classic. Such a unique-sounding group.

[@johnfox4446]

I saw them in Savannah, GA 10 days after this. Great concert! Great music!

[@sartainja]

They got around in those days.

[@kensellers4082]

I saw them perform at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ in 1988. They were outstanding in concert. However, Ms. Merchant became annoyed with all of the incessantly shouting teen-aged girls in the audience, and finally walked off the stage in disgust, saying, “This place is a zoo.”

[@JohnF405244]

@@kensellers4082 I had a similar experience. She came out to do the encore and some guys yelled "Freebird!" several times. She said, "That's rude" and walked off stage. I had been hoping to get autographs from the band, but quickly figured out that was the end. I gave a roadie several small pieces of paper and a pen and asked if he could get the autographs for me. A few minutes later he came back with the autographs......all from Natalie. So instead of having each band member's autograph, I have like 5-6 of Natalie's. Coincidentally, I met Robert Downey, Jr. after the concert. He was in Savannah filming a movie. I talked to him a little and got a picture of him. Not sure why I didn't also get his autograph.

[@kensellers4082]

@@JohnF405244 On the “Chicago:Live at Carnegie Hall” album, some jerk in the audience kept shouting out, “Play ‘Beginnings!’” so much, that the late, great Terry Kath said, “Hey, you, shut-up!” And, at the Schaefer Beer Festival in Central Park, after rude fans kept shouting, “Play ‘Windy!’ Play ‘Windy!’” The Association’s Brian Cole replied, “Feed the pigs!”

[@JohnF405244]

@@kensellers4082 There have been a few concerts I went to that I kind of wanted to yell out a song I wanted to hear, but two thoughts kept me from doing it. First, they can't play everything that fans want to hear. Some fans want to hear every hit song, no matter how minor. Some fans want to hear rarely played songs. Second, I respect, to a point, the performers have reasons for what they play. I do agree with the thought that performers should play what got them to the fame they have. But I do understand that they might sometimes get so tired of playing those songs concert after concert for years and years.

[@Highinsight7]

how I adore Natalie....

[@darrinvickers5949]

In my tribe is topn ten on my favorite albums list. Fantastic songs

[@alejandrocurado5134]

Amazing voice

[@erickoide3925]

I remember sitting in my dorm room in college watching this original broadcast. At that moment it struck me that I was witnessing a truly extraordinary music moment. I loved Natalie’s strength and conviction in her voice, her dancing, the toss of her hair, tilt and turn of her head, the vibe and the groove of her sound. There is no other. Hope she is on tour again soon.

[@sharonwilson4099]

My Honors group in college actually sang this in one of their meetings; they'd always open with a cultural performance.

[@Krissy493]

I live in Jamestown NY , the home of Natalie Merchant , I know right where her parents house is !

[@davidallen346]

It was during 1990 Our time in Eden abum that I became a 100% 10,000 maniacs fan. It's incredible to watch and hearing their performance esp this one. Natalie Merchant really devoted herself fully into her performance with her spinning dance. It'd be incredibly to see them live in concert during the 1980's and 1990s era. Theyre a great live band and seeing Natalie on stage. What a dream

[@rbl4641]

They were spectacular, Natalie - a Goddess, or as she says, a Wonder

[@80spenn37]

Agree 1000%. I heard her respond to a guy in the audience that yell at her in between songs --- "Natalie...I love you" and she responds, by saying ---- "That's because you don't KNOW me." Classic Natalie. The band was amazing. RIP Rob Buck....guy could make his guitar hum and roar.

[@FreshGrey-pm4vw]

oh wow- I remember enjoying her show in the 90's in Los Angeles, and the crowd called for Peace Train. Natalie screamed out something like "dont you people want to hear anything else besides this dusty old song??!!". haha. threw a monkey wrench in that show.....she is an amazing artist.

[@joehart7260]

She could be spiky alright. I remember seeing them at the Lyceum in London. Between songs she kept crouching down and staring out hecklers and potential troublemakers at the front of the stage. " What the hell you talkin about?" she shouted at one guy who kept mouthing off.

[@alicetulllyhall1]

Don't talk, I will listen Don't talk, you keep your distance For I'd rather hear some truth tonight than entertain your lies So take you poison silently Let me be, let me close my eyes Don't talk, I'll believe it Don't talk, listen to me instead I know that if you think of it, both long enough and hard The drink you drown your troubles in is the trouble you're in now Talk talk talk about it, if you talk as if you care But when your talk is over tilt that bottle in the air Tossing back more than your share Don't talk, I can guess it Don't talk, well now you're restless And you need somewhere to put the blame for how you feel inside You'll look for a close and easy mark and you'll see me as fair game Talk talk talk about it, you talk as if you care But when your talk is over you tilt that bottle in the air Tossing back more than your share You talk talk talk about it, you talk as if you care I'm marking every word and can tell this time for sure Your talk is the finest I have heard So don't talk, I was sleeping Don't talk, let me go on dreaming How your eyes they glow so fiercely I can tell you're inspired By the name you just chose for me, now what was it? Oh, never mind it We will talk talk talk about this when your head is clear I'll discuss this in the morning, but until then you may talk but I won't he

[@jamesrsfo]

Wow!! She doesn’t even need the band. She’s a vocal powerhouse. Love her version of this classic.

[@sanjaygandhi7962]

Singing acapella 2:25

[@edpoe4591]

Unique voice 🎶

[@youngproscia]

Ah…don’t underestimate that band…she needs them

[@geoffreyyoste45]

Well, I agree but after she left her band I moved on to other bands. I still love Natalie but a band brought it together. I understand her leaving, my daughter is 18 and I can’t imagine her starting to tour for the next 12 years 😳😳✌️😎

[@electrictroy2010]

@geoffreyyoste45 SHAME because Natalie had many solo hits that were also very good .

[@edpoe4591]

That's the I don't care dance 😍

[@nyyankeesbaby7]

She is fabulous and underrated!

[@salsaeightyone]

Another one of my faves to watch over and over! I can't believe Jay Leno was only 37 here!! Such an amazing performance. I feel like the current generation just doesn't have the attention span for music like this. :(

[@elizvan5758]

Wow! I miss this time period so very much!! Natalie is refined , down to earth, modestly beautiful...a lady and an original! She appears to be a good and nice Jewish girl...is she?? We need more leader types and role models with amazing talent like her right now in show business!!🙏✨🖖👋👍👍💖🇺🇸🌃

[@timlynnbaxter6047]

She's Italian

[@nickmulcahy9199]

Modestly beautiful? She's gorgeous

[@patrickwilder6492]

She’s Italian on her father’s side, and French, Irish and German on her mother’s side.

[@elizvan5758]

@@nickmulcahy9199 she beautiful AND modest at the same time😊👍..meaning classy, and simpy respectful.

[@deadhorse1391]

I met Natalie Merchant when as teens we both worked in a health food store in New York. We hit it off right from the start and had heady summer that we spent every day together, I told her if we weren’t in Heaven we could see it. Finally summer ended and I was set to go to school in Cambridge, I begged her to come with me but she had just started singing in the band Still Life and she begged me to stay I didn’t. We kept in touch over the years as she hit it big, she got married and so did I. I had a career I loved and she was…Natalie Merchant ! Finally a few years ago I got a call from her, she was doing a show in my town and wanted to know if I wanted to get together for dinner? Of course We met at this little restaurant that I knew had a good vegan menu as I knew she had become a vegan. When she came in I swear to god she was lit in a beam of light from heaven ( she later told me it was just a street light ) At first it was kind of awkward but soon it was just like the old days with us laughing and her singing softly…I told her if this wasn’t heaven we could see it from here…she winked and laughed. Finally the restaurant was closing and we had to leave,I walked her to her car with us dancing along the sidewalk We get there and she kisses me good night and asked me if I ever think about her much I told her “ occasionally “ and we laughed she kissed me again and told me she still “ occasionally “ thinks of me and how things might have been I told her she has never been out of my thoughts

[@susanross519]

Nat , been listening to you forever !! You're freaking awesome & never age !!!

[@TM-vq1bf]

I really like her motions

[@total2992]

i will never forget this music , since its release to this day

[@김굉필-q7j]

Beautiful... 그때부터 지금까지.. 아직도 미래에도 그녀를 영원히 좋아 할거야..

[@billryan9350]

My first CD was In My Tribe. My fellow NYer, Natalie.

[@total2992]

Who remembers in the 80's they had a music video for this song, I couldn't find it anywhere. Can anyone find it?

[@patearly9492]

Is always Natalie being fantastic! Thank you for sharing!

[@Peter-rq8xy]

The Natalie dance.

[@SaintMartins]

I wish during those 3 years when Natalie Merchant & Michael Stipe dated they had a kid. Could you imagine the talent that child would've had?

[@sartainja]

I thought the same thing. If they ever had a child, what a rocker that child could be.

[@kensellers4082]

If they had a child together, the child would have inherited its good looks from Ms. Merchant.

[@taddyd1]

Thought he was Gay. Maybe it was more close friends.

[@MrDLOC11]

@@taddyd1 lol

[@num1Jaysta]

@@taddyd1 Maybe he was Bi

[@medicalnegligence]

What a voice!!!

[@PinkMuffin420]

I remember I got the album with this song on it. Didn't realize they removed it soon after.

[@brad9205]

Top of her game here.

[@timblock3483]

What a woman!

[@edpoe4591]

Im back for MORE CLASS ❤️👑🌹

[@cookie5335]

Wow. Fantastic

[@Shackleton71]

Her dancing somewhat reminds me of Elaine’s All Woman dance moves (revolutionary and bold - no shits given!)

[@danburinaru6268]

Orchestra is supper!!

[@portcullis5622]

Not breakfast lunch or dinner then?

[@paul7754]

No one can do 'Peace Train' like Cat Stevens - no one - but Natalie can sing - so unique...short of angelic maybe but I can still dream...and I do!

[@diegogallegos633]

Como amo a esta banda no hay día que se extraña talento y energía y inspiración recordarlos.

[@danburinaru6268]

She is good!!!!

[@shawnb1956]

Not only that she's beautiful

[@guitarguy5]

The 90s before the 90s

[@evanhughes1510]

Huh?

[@num1Jaysta]

@@evanhughes1510 Think they mean their sound

[@Devsfan202]

1987

[@danatherrien1712]

When band kids crush it.

[@LuciferFitzgeraldChrist]

10,000 skittles!

[@glyaw1]

nice

[@normanbonk8064]

❤❤❤

[@nanettenovak5752]

❤

[@silverload3622]

Wow

[@irgski]

I heard one of the band members quit so they were going to have to change the name to 9,999 Maniacs!

[@brendanekins2159]

Very nice.

[@eriksoder8952]

It's like being serenaded. By snow white after she woke up ❤ and she's a little disilusioned😅 saw her live once at a small venue what a talented woman🎉

[@mikenayl]

I'd like to see Steve hop like that again

[@KrustyKlown]

Where did the Music go??

[@nathanhenke0007]

Don’t talk about it

[@chrissharkey9644]

Peace tain?

[@tanyaaldridge9695]

What went right/wrong with her and Michael Stipe?

[@milart12]

He's gay

[@portcullis5622]

One thumbs down from Salman Rushdie?

[@waynealvarez6519]

She’s cute

[@bjscorpio4041]

That hairstyle suits her.

[@ba-hz4zn]

9999 would never do!!!!

[@zeke5491]

Guitar player thought it was all about him😅

[@mackmackenzie851]

Yeah. And F cat Steven's aka Yusuf Mohammed

[@danh.2834]

Bad cut there..shoulda stayed with Natalie when she danced..

[@HughesMath1]

She is so centered

[@bobwhite137]

So much for that Peace Train crap, huh Cat...

[@jeffkaufman9875]

@Bob Ah, but Cat was Yusef Islam by then…

[@rapman5791]

He’s a typical leftie hypocrite 🤷‍♂️

[@bebblaw]

Just sing Natty please don't dance😢

[@stevefanslow3530]

Love the musick why isnt jane wyden there?