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

[@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.

[@loganswiss6903]

Spoken like a true, knowledgeable, empathetic Jackal 🙏🙏🙏

[@WilliesGarden]

They're all at or approaching 50. Maybe the most difficult period of time for everyone. Nobody talks about it, certainly didn't to me, but around that age I lost everyone I loved, parents and lifelong friends. So those who remain become extremely valuable. That might be some of what you're witnessing.

[@Babaziba]

I think he's grateful they're there to ask onto the show when they can't seem to get many other guests for some reason. I haven't watched it much at all but it seems like they've gone beyond "friends of the show" and "neck-savers for bookers".

[@garycpriestley]

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

[@loganswiss6903]

You & me, brother... all of us Jackals for sure 💔💔💔

[@aaronpeart]

I hope you watched corrections this week

[@calibby85]

💔😭😭😭 the sweetest

[@wyskass861]

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.

[@VarAyal]

I know!

[@TabethaAurochs]

It doesn't change. Plus, a big part of what makes him uniquely funny is how earnest he is when doing a bit. No way I can tell if he's seriously being earnest!

[@daydream_believer]

Yeah, I'm completely lost about the cymbal discussion!

[@wyskass861]

@@daydream_believer He seemed to imply because it was expensive, and obvious to musicians due to its 22 inch size, but nobody noticed. That's my guess at least. Inside joke to musicians maybe. He's done those bits before too.

[@daydream_believer]

@@wyskass861 It's pretty funny that he has us guessing!

[@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.

[@loganswiss6903]

Thank you for truly making me laugh with your comment, fellow Jackal 🙏🙏🙏 I (we all) needed that so effing much on this sad day 💔💔💔

[@stingray1irwin0]

I had a 22" Taylor Hawkins prototype zht ride that cracked after a year of gigging 😭.

[@sharplessguy]

I know! At first I was agast when Seth completely ignored the change... I lost it. I decided to quit watching but kept checking corrections to see if Seth would apologize. Still nothing. And now the whole band is leaving in protest. Apologize Seth Meyers! Do it!

[@seventen7195]

everyone moved from 20” to 22” on 2023

[@classylady107]

I knew immediately, but I thought it must be industry secret or something. I’m glad Seth and Fred are FINALLY discussing this…

[@chicgal3]

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

[@loganswiss6903]

I feel and hope the exact same 💔❤‍🩹❤

[@WilliesGarden]

Hollywood? He lives with his wife and kids in NYC. Doesn't do much, a podcast with his brother and this 25 weeks a year. Don't get over your ski's, he's no Keanu Reeves.

[@braddiehl37]

​@@WilliesGardenI hope you feel better now 😂

[@holographic-simulacrum]

Who doesn’t love Fred Armisen? He rocks!

[@Lanwarder]

you have a very large definition of what Hollywood is lol

[@sweetlows1]

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

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

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

[@temporaladvisor3958]

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.

[@jaxlaxsurprise]

WHAT?! I had no idea they were cut for "budget" reasons. That's such absolute BS.

[@kindabluejazz]

Obviously you don't understand how business or budgets work. The amount spent on a show has to match the amount it generates. NBC suits make salaries based on the amount that all their shows produce. The suits actually make more money if they cut a show that is losing money and they save the network from losses.

[@mnchls]

@@kindabluejazz why tf are you licking the boots of a multinational conglomerate?

[@kindabluejazz]

@@mnchls Why are you watching a show that's produced by a multinational conglomerate? Why are you posting a comment on a platform owned by a multinational conglomerate? Why are you using a smart phone made by a multinational conglomerate? Hypocrite.

[@kindabluejazz]

@@mnchls Why are you watching a show that's produced by a multinational conglomerate? Why are you posting a comment on a platform owned by a multinational conglomerate? Why are you using a smart phone made by a multinational conglomerate?

[@scottmcarthur9251]

This was a very sweet moment with Fred. Great band, bandleader and host. And a great farewell with Bob Mould.

[@JohnFrancisShade]

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

[@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.

[@loganswiss6903]

Well said regarding Seth's 20+ years at NBC... shame on them!!! 💔💔💔

[@dshizzleize]

And to find out the band won an Emmy, just speaks volumes to how out of touch NBC is with their audience.

[@kindabluejazz]

@@dshizzleize *nominated, not won (yet).

[@tonysangiovanni5396]

It is COMCAST cuts.

[@ElishaDavid]

I've always wondered how Fallon swings it with The Roots. Paying for a 12 person band's salary to live in NYC is crazy when most late night bands only have 4-6 people.

[@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 ❤

[@LisaLisa001]

And Buck lol

[@SharinganMan]

probably because you watch the clips that appeal to you on youtube instead of watching actual episodes on TV with guests like Channing Tatum and Sabrina Ionescu (the episode immediately before this one)

[@that_jason_black]

@@SharinganMan Why so sour? As an individual you are entitled to share your opinion(s) like EVERYONE but know this, It will get better BUT I don't know you enough or at all for you to assume my Internet viewing habits. That's what Google does. Tend to step on toes, make sure they're not of a giant's.

[@SharinganMan]

@@that_jason_black i'm sorry what are you trying to say to me? what was the opinion i shared? what was my sourness?

[@philjohnson1744]

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

[@gratefuljackal8183]

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 💙🐾🐾

[@crys383]

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

[@TTM9691]

I had no idea! That sucks!

[@lovetrioni]

Oh gosh it was the budget? That's heartbreaking 💔

[@jacquelinecane4663]

So sweet of Seth to express his heartfelt gratitude. Always love those SNL folks…the challenge of sketch comedy strips away all the pretence. ❤

[@bobwiegers]

I was lucky enough to see a taping of the show last year, and especially lucky that Fred was there too. such a bummer that the band is done!

[@cynthiamason4069]

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.

[@Buckboy2024]

Agreed.

[@davidg3944]

Not to sound like a corporate shill (nothing to do with NBC), but there has been a significant loss of income to the "old school" TV businesses due to the rise of the Internet and dilution of audience (and so decline in ad revenue). I'm sitting here watching on YT, paying nothing for my enjoyment. It does eventually have a knock-on effect. That's why I always "Like" any LNwSM video and try to comment to help with the algorithm. I'd even do micro-payments (~$20/yr) if it was possible, with enough people doing that it could support the show.

[@PaulMcCannWebBuilder]

It was the expensive 22" cymbal that was the last straw.

[@cynthiamason4069]

@PaulMcCannWebBuilder And that last straw was plastic produced by some subsidiary of the evil Peacock empire sucking dry every bit of money they can from creative endeavors that MAKE them ALL their cash. They are fools.

[@LateBloomerMedia]

Ikr! $400?!?!​@@PaulMcCannWebBuilder

[@CaliforniaBushman]

It blew me away being a fan of Fred on SNL that he was a drummer. Because I've been drumming (growing up in Westchester County) since 1980. Go Fred!

[@rd0dave]

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

[@marcelo-ramos]

Oh, you need to pay more attention. They screw up on a daily basis.

[@loganswiss6903]

My sentiment exactly 💔💔💔

[@RyanKellar-q8l]

Or Craig Ferguson. Hell even late night with Carson Daly had great underground bands

[@kiwiangeldust6912]

Fr

[@MartinLopez-ol6dm]

The three people on stage have caused hours of laughter and have brought so much joy to many. ❤

[@jeanee1228]

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. 😢

[@JdubU]

A gazillion THANKS to the 3 of YOUs for creating so much laughter for us

[@Epicurus341]

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

[@AaronLaZox]

Same

[@loganswiss6903]

All the feels for all of us Jackals 💔💔💔

[@SnootchieBootchies]

I will miss Fred and The 8G band terribly going forward. Kudos to Fred for mentioning Marnie Stern. There was zero acknowledgement about her when she left the show. She was a big contributor to the show. This was a wonderful ride though. If you had told me in the 90s that members of Les Savy Fav and Girls Against Boys would lead the studio band on a late night television show on a major broadcast network for a full decade, I would have thought you were crazy!

[@thenymphomancer5592]

Yeah, she was great. Do you know why she left and they didn’t mention it? Her Wiki is pretty bare bones and doesn’t say.

[@SnootchieBootchies]

@@thenymphomancer5592 My understanding is that it was not Marnie's decision to leave. It was a financial decision made by the network at the time, one that clearly portended the later decision to eliminate the entire 8G band.

[@gecafe]

@@SnootchieBootchiesthank you. I'd been wondering why she went out for cigarettes in March 2022 and never came back. Where did you learn this info? I wanna read more and I feel better citing something besides YT comment section lol.

[@SnootchieBootchies]

@@gecafe There is nothing to cite, unfortunately. My understanding is based on the preponderance of evidence. In May 2020, NBC Universal reported the CEO and 15 executives took 20% pay cuts. In March 2021, NBC Universal laid off 130 employees throughout the organization. In January 2022, NBC Universal reported a $1.7B loss for the 2021 fiscal year. In March 2022, Marnie Stern played her last show. In July 2022, she made a comment on her Instagram in response to questions about her absence that she "didn't quit" the show. In September 2022, NBC Universal announced it was looking to cut $1B from its budget over the next few years. In January 2023, NBC Universal reported a even greater loss for the 2022 fiscal year (over $3B).

[@gecafe]

@@SnootchieBootchiesincredible. Thank you for the info, I didn't know any of that (I had somehow missed Stern's IG! Gah.) I really appreciate finally having an answer to this question. I'm so sorry again that this has happened to not just Marnie and the band, but to Detrick and anyone else who worked in the music department.

[@gingerhitzke9185]

I love this group of friends so much. Everyone is aging on tv (except Amy 🤷🏻‍♀️) and they get to be happy and successful even though this industry doesn’t respect aging. These are incredibly talented and lovely people.

[@The-Truth-Bomb]

Melipnos finally getting the credit he deserves for being a musical genius..😅

[@FunkensteinsMeunster]

Small correction, it’s spelled mlep(clay)nos 😂

[@grainnemcnelis1081]

....guitar

[@michaelmurphy2585]

Correction: We all love Fred and band.

[@tysonmckinney5494]

Keep the Beat going. Congrats Fred and the Band. So appreciated the drum comedy special as well.

[@BenjamintheTortoise]

I'm going to miss having Fred on the show 😢

[@C2C.]

Rooting for the 8G Band on the Emmy Award! So sorry to see them leave.

[@Geekeric]

I've loved everything Fred Armisen has ever done. He probably poops gold.

[@bullseyecanada]

"Congrats on the Emmy, Fred. A real shame we gotta let you go."

[@revengefrommars]

But seriously, why is the band leaving? Who are they being replaced with? I wish they could've covered that in this interview.

[@MachaMongRuad]

​@revengefrommars From what I've heard, no replacement, just budget cuts. 😞

[@pre-covid-conan]

Sounded like cause SNL's moving to LA and Fred will be in the band so he's leaving too?

[@pjforde1978]

@@pre-covid-conan lol yeah, you nailed it

[@Symphing12]

Typical NBC move

[@brianmoore5498]

Really hate to see this. Fred is really something special. I hope he returns one day

[@donflatt]

I think Fred should come on in the future as a guest, sitting in front of a drum kit on a close-up. I'm sure they could come up with a script.

[@brigitperry4991]

I fell in love with Fred whem he played Mackie on drums in the SNL Kattan lounge singer sketch. Love him so much.

[@adam_flash]

That old photo of Fred in the leather jacket looks like Jack Antonoff 😂

[@larryyz_hideaway]

the closing credits music is a little bitter-sweet gem

[@LoveProWrestling]

I wish to hear more about the 22" ride cymbal please.

[@polcommwatcher]

I adore Fred Armisen!

[@alexswystun6112]

Fred is a national treasure that must always be protected!!!

[@raymondgilbert7887]

Fred and the 8G band are the best

[@jessamineprice5803]

I was so sad when I read a few days ago that execs were retiring the band and Friday would be their last night. This segment legit made me tear up a little. The end of a great tradition and some great music, and another sad retreat from full-feature late night shows. I hope everyone in the band will continue to find successful careers in music despite the challenges of show biz. And I hope we can keep Seth and his writers for many more years. ❤ Maybe Fred can guest drum on Correvtions sometime?

[@funnyshortsXL]

Fred is so great 😊

[@oscarquesada3294]

Very good interview. Showed you guys' friendship well.

[@lovepeace3041]

❤these three❤

[@markriffey8899]

I only listen to the podcast and for years I, thought it was either "the a.g. band" or "the h.e. band". Nice to finally see it in print and clarify things.

[@nardo218]

hi fred! i hope you know you are wonderful and we love you!

[@welcomestranger]

I had a feeling with Fred being back this week, and being so close to the end of season that we were going to have an 8G goodbye. I know we all knew that NBC pulled the pin on the live band for next season, but thought it a little odd that Seth didn't address that this would be their last week. (I haven't watched the band performance clip yet)

[@LisaLisa001]

😢Fred😢❤❤❤

[@LeezPgh]

Umm. Best show ever. Could watch these three all day long.

[@micahpilson9836]

"Nominated for another Emmy? Sorry, we're gonna have to let you go" - NBC

[@keeshiabrie]

Thank you, 8G Band 💛

[@OddOneOut665]

I’d give anything for a Portlandia Reunion Movie…

[@odradekk]

I didn’t know any of it!!! This is so brutal and stupid. Huge huge loss. The 8G band sound is so unique ! And Fred segments are the absolute best. One of the main reasons I’ve ever watched this show. The top brasses could have reached in their pockets a little more, instead. Shameful and wrong. Very sad.

[@libbyjohnson8351]

omg i love all three of these legends!

[@joncheuvront5487]

I loved those Trenchmouth days with Fred.

[@LiquidToddnyc]

We got a 22 inch ride stand for the cymbal. Seth didn't even care. That's a $400 cymbal!

[@badbiker666]

Fred Armisen is my hero. He is married to Riki Lindhome, who I consider one of the most talented and beautiful women who ever lived. On a side note, I would give ANYTHING to be a guest drummer for the show. I've been playing since 1968; it's part of my life and I love it. But, the largest audience I have ever played for is 100 people.

[@thefantasyreview8709]

he is well dodgy.

[@808illegalstate]

That was a sweet moment.

[@kellyroper5256]

Keep The Band NBC

[@loganswiss6903]

Yes!!! Can't you hear & feel the backlash, NBC?!!!

[@Wutevrz2b]

Portlandia is one of the funniest shows ever made. 🥰

[@MapleDaze]

I watched the corrections episode before this and was like... why does it look like seth is about to cry like... frfr right now, did someone pass away -- like what is happening right now?! now it all makes sense

[@WilliesGarden]

Little insight into being near 50, you have or about to, loose everyone you love. So those who remain become extremely valuable.

[@kennethburke9707]

That guy was awesome in The Wonder Years. Always wondered where he ended up. ...

[@stingrey1571]

fred's netflix comedy special was sooo awesome. it was comedy for drummers. alot of music and drum oriented jokes for an audience comprised of only musicians. best bit when he drummed through the decades.

[@TheNerdLemon]

You made this jackal cry!

[@loganswiss6903]

Our entire pack is crying 💔💔💔

[@asynchronicity]

That was amazing! Thanks!

[@RVCfilm]

This is a very sad loss for the show, but the clip of Fred from the 1990s also brings to mind the nearly perfect SNL sketch where a punk band called Crisis of Conformity gets back together at a wedding. Please go watch it if you haven't. It's perfect.

[@blackpointmaine]

♥ in♠♠♠. That last bit made me feel emojinal.

[@Thisworldthisweek]

Love these guys!!!!

[@damondbarbee]

NBC has beaten revenue expectations for the last four years. Why do they need to cut a 4 piece band?

[@JoeO.]

@@damondbarbee the peacock ain’t what it used to be…

[@keepyerstickontheice]

So sorry to hear about nbc shitty decision. . . I wish nothing but the best for all involved! Love you, Fred and Amy! And of course, Seth.

[@iola80]

Am I crying? 😢

[@loganswiss6903]

Yes we all are!!! 💔💔💔

[@DarrenNakamura]

It's gotta be such a bummer knowing the show will be objectively worse from now on without the 8G Band.

That's not how music works you absolute weirdo.

[@SM-qe4wd]

I hope the music from the show streams somewhere

[@Nhfilz]

I didn’t even know that Seth had a band since Covid shut things down. The other late night hosts highlight the band in the opening and the monologue and in the feature sets a lot.

[@abarfriedrich5027]

I'm crying

[@loganswiss6903]

We all are!!! 💔💔💔

[@fustigate314159]

@5:58 "Buddy, buddy, buddy!"

[@ChipCain]

Possibly the funniest man alive. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@chloefortyhands]

I love you both.

[@GoldenEdgedGreg]

Les Savy Fav is maybe your favorite band you’ve never heard of, they were for me.

[@francescaa8331]

Can't believe NBC is firing the band. So sad.

[@loganswiss6903]

Shame on NBC!!!

[@literaticrux8292]

Les Savy Fav is the best live band ever! Just saw them a few weeks ago.

[@marcibecker1030]

I listened to this whoooole thing thinking they were just doing a bit. 😆

[@PistachiaGirl]

Awwww!

[@thefantasyreview8709]

I have to admit, seth doesn't interact with the band like JImmy Fallon does, and Jimmy is a musician so he probably naturally interacts with them. I honestly don't think losing the band will make much difference.

[@LoverOfBellies]

I didn't know that Fred curated a band for Seth's show & that he's a drummer

[@leilaniaileenlove]

😲😲😲😲😲😲🤯 AN INTERVIEW OF FRED ARMISON??????????????? ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@beetarun]

Love the hair Freddie

[@Ccc-t5w]

❤❤❤

[@WilliesGarden]

Love the Fred 1994 pic. Should go on Seth's desk, shrunk. Flock of Seagulls look would've gotten your ass kicked in the wrong place in 1994. Fred was a brave kid as well as burgeoning talent.

[@AndyAction]

Love

[@keenan13jpn]

Honestly hadn't noticed there was a band all this time.

[@loganswiss6903]

Cuz you haven't watched the entire shows... Can't you tell those clips on KZbin came from something else?!? You really missed something, big time!

[@gecafe]

@@loganswiss6903yup. I have a sort of OCD, where things like that bother me; clipping a segment for online but trimming the head and tail. It removes context, and it hurts the impression of the show. Don Giller understood this; you watch his old Letterman comps and they have a beautiful flow, because the act breaks are preserved. The official Letterman channel comps have an off-putting vibe by comparison, sterile or what have you. Obviously, the official channel can't play fast and loose with music licensing, they don't have the freedom Don has, but that doesn't diminish the point. The 8G Band composed nearly all the music they ever played, the network could have worked out a modest blanket agreement. Penny pinching bastards.

[@audioa41]

I like that Seth doesn’t wear a Suit.

[@Xel-Wellness]

The end of this video is a killer.

[@johnmcwatters480]

Fred and bill hadeŕ,possibly the most comically pair of people who have ever seen. 🎉

[@chadd1428]

What the hell is going on with this comment?

[@ChicoCabra]

Marnie Stern is seriously underrated.

[@DNTXPCTMCH]

I just found out Fred is in FALLOUT. I should have known he was coming at some point once I saw Parnell with 1 eye. I heard Will Forte in the first episode. If Bill Hader isn't in season 2, I'll be disappointed 😂❤

[@gmassa7404]

Bob Mould!!

[@LapsedPacifist79]

I had to scroll far too far to see this. People have no idea how influential that guy is.

[@loganswiss6903]

@@LapsedPacifist79 ...but some of us do, and that makes us grateful above all else!!!

[@CivisCaeli]

♡