Limmy explains how he felt the first time he saw Future Islands on David Letterman

[@Thomas-px2lh]

One of the most iconic performances of the 2010s

[@basedsouljah]

The entire Baltimore indie and hip hop scene was incredible in the 2010s. But this is hands down 1 of the best performances of the decade without question. It's real. Sure it's tongue in cheek but it's real.

[@herbieholcroft]

lol

[@retroesp8880]

Quite possibly one of the most cringe performances ever.

[@dunebugs]

He’s like a drama teacher who’s started a band with some of the other staff but takes his frontman duties life and death serious. Bit of Marlon Brando, splash of Morrissey and a dollop of a coked up uncle at a wedding. And people say that folk aged quicker in the past yet he’s only 29 here which is mad.

[@lcunash8093]

That person was 29 at the time? There's no fucking way lol he looks at least 38

[@girlplanetboy]

I can't top your summary, so I won't bother. I saw them first time on Later with Jools and had the exact same reaction as Limmy. Funny-as-fuck watching Limmy here.

[@canthandleit101]

Foregone Conclusion

[@SeanStewart88]

Don’t forget a little David Brent added in there.

[@videolad3057]

Why Brando?

[@thecrystalcabinet]

Samuel T. Herring: the only person to flummox Limmy who is like a cyborg at reading someone's entire character and motive within seconds.

[@dmuig6193]

Yup: in a sci-fi movie, Samuel T. Herring would be the only one who could defeat the Limborg, by sending its logical apparatus up in smoke.

[@andrewtregoning]

playing music in front of people is weird though, it's hard to disect performance styles if you haven't played music before, it's a bit different to stand up and theatre etc. interesting topic

[@Jeremy-hx7zj]

I'm new round these parts but, in my experience, people who can read someone's entire character and motive within seconds are actually just projecting their biases and preconceptions on other people. Not saying this channel does that, I have no idea. Just my experience.

[@twod0ves]

@@Jeremy-hx7zj I think with most people that's true, but Limmy is genuinely really good at detecting people bullshitting. Some of it is just grumpy old man energy but I think he's honestly pretty good at reading people's intentions.

[@ArcturusAlpha]

i really wish sam would get into acting too.

[@kmpoffc]

I've seen Future Islands live and the thing is Sam Herring always gives his performance a 100%. He's a naturally great performer, a really authentic guy.

[@pudmuddle]

cunt was literally doing highkicks to the forehead with his legs when I saw first saw them live, he was absolutely drenched in sweat with full on mutton chops, it was so good. the gospel preacher character coming out in such strange ways it was totally invigorating

[@Pupenhausen]

....... and VERY funny.

[@Dave-xh9oc]

Sam is unbelievable to watch live and always drenched in sweat by the end. Absolute legend.

[@kmpoffc]

@@bkbj8282 Did I, at any point, say the word "poorly"?

[@pudmuddle]

@@bkbj8282 what's poor about it?

[@H_j8269]

Spot on review ! I was cringing watching this performance but watched it over and over. Fkn love this band now

[@NiallOSullivan]

I love how this video turns Limmy into the equivalent of a cat watching snooker on the telly.

[@DoctorPlacebo]

Incredible line - going straight in the rolodex

[@akf2000]

😂😂😂

[@mr.coolmug3181]

Noel Gallagher said in a documentary about The Smiths that great pop music is both ridiculous and effortlessly cool at the same time. This is Limmy as a performer, trying to understand another performer. I believe the reason the Future Islands Letterman performance is so popular is that Sam Herring's performance is full of light and shade: _contrasts._ Contrast is the essence of all art and beauty. He looks like a normal guy, shirt tucked in, all black: no overbearing stage-costume. Future Islands's music is very minimal, if you take out Sam's changeable vocals: keyboard, drums, bass. Therefore Sam's vocals and performance have to be the central and key element of Future Islands's music. He's in the driving seat of the band. He's also in the driving seat in relationship to the audience. He does his thing without any doubt or irony: it's a totally sincere, but well constructed piece of art. One moment he's dancing to the beat of the drum, like he's in his bedroom with no one looking, and singing about the changing of seasons and waiting for someone he loves: fairly ordinary stuff, and very goofy. Then all of a sudden the song changes dramatically, and he calls the audience to attention as he describes the weather and seasons change, and something lost. Then he does that roaring thing that he does, and he shifts back down to dancing like he doesn't care. There are all these shifts in mood that keep you constantly engaged. Sam Herring is a master performer.

[@johnnyrsj]

The lovechild of Marlon Brando and Andres Iniesta

[@francesprendergast1721]

I love it when singers and musicians don't look / act how they're "supposed to" ❤

[@anniew4105]

Kosher approved sentiment

[@mikekaufmann5311]

This, THIS, EXACTLY. It really bothers, troubles some people. But they can all fack off.

[@Josh-balti]

Saw them live last night, on the UK tour, and no joke best gig I've ever been to, the guy has passion and commitment on another level. One of those bands you either get or you don't

[@LimmyTwitchClipsPlus]

Am seeing them on Monday in Birmingham 😁

[@AehsSeven]

Watching them tonight in Liverpool!

[@fizmo100]

@@AehsSeven Wahey, might have done some Dad dancing in your vicinity in Liverpool. Great night! 😁👌

[@katiewray2525]

Don't get it. It doesn't look sincere to me.. like just a way to become famous for being over the top idiotic.

[@Jessicalightowler11]

​@@LimmyTwitchClipsPlus I trust you loved it

[@ozricaurora6943]

I remember finding it funny but really charming and earnest at the same time. I totally admired how emotional and into the music he was. Me and my friends found it funny but we weren't making fun of it

[@weswheel4834]

Thing is, it seems like the guy isn't a natural singer or dancer. But he's made the best of it and the music kinda works.

[@ozricaurora6943]

@@weswheel4834 That's what makes it so good. It's not manufactured. He looks like a normal guy and so do the rest of the band

[@corintibbetts-harlow8021]

@@weswheel4834 Hard disagree. He's certainly not an orthodox singer or dancer, but he is clearly talented. Especially his voice, he has a sort of classic crooner's voice and incredible vocal range.

[@weswheel4834]

@@corintibbetts-harlow8021 I like their music. Saw them on Jools Holland years ago and listened to their music since. I just think he has a different style to that of a traditional front man (front person?). You might be right about his vocal range though.

[@corintibbetts-harlow8021]

@@weswheel4834 Yeah for sure he has a really idiosyncratic style which is a big part of his appeal, but he definitely has natural talent even if it is unusual. I guarantee most people could not pull off his vocal delivery or his dance moves if they tried! It may look comical but it's definitely not easy.

[@nicholasemmons1755]

What’s funny about the magic that Sam herring conjures up through his voice.? His lyrics ground me to this earth and focuses on the inanimate instead of the physical. I absolutely adore this band.

[@thereverendjoe1130]

Always loved Lettermans reaction at the end of the performance "I'll take all ah that ya got, that was wonderful"

[@awligon]

💯

[@RudyBoy]

Yeah, David got it

[@papafaux1]

Say what’s you want but this performance punched through. They went big virtually overnight after this one appearance. Love it.

[@baikhous]

That's not a good hing...

[@funkychicken4509]

@@baikhous going big overnight not good no? For a band trying to get big? Not good no?

[@Aardvarked88]

@@baikhous yeah you're right it's a bad thing for someone to be successful at doing something they love, top notch comment.

[@baikhous]

@@Aardvarked88 Solid contribution mate. Seriously, well done! 🤡

[@shandybasshead]

@@baikhous Why is it not a good thing?

[@bearimo2867]

Never seen this and was basically experiencing everything Limmy said in real time as he said it this is mesmerising

[@educateme8455]

No you didn't.

[@jhhehhshh]

Honestly, that ending is fantastic. Reaching out to the audience and just going primal.

[@pudmuddle]

1:28 what Limmy sees is actually just some intense genuine performance, he knows exactly what he's thinking when he's looking at the audience like that. It's part of what makes future islands so good

[@ForYour1nfo]

Love how genuine letterman seems to like it

[@SurvivingTheApocalypse]

Saw them on Jools Holland and I had to get off the sofa to stand in front of the tv to watch him. Must have talked about them for weeks afterwards to my wife, then they popped up on the Glastonbury coverage and we both fell in love with them. Epic band.

[@Nooneimportant21]

It’s very enthralling isn’t it, almost like a siren call. You’re like is this serious, but deep down you know it is. It’s like a performance piece

[@ohmikey7]

I did the exact same 😄

[@PTPVods]

The song Sam did with BADBADNOTGOOD, Times Moves Slow, is a heartbreaker. Incredible track. Future Islands are incredible live.

[@penguin0075]

Love Time Moves Slow! When I first heard it, I thought it was a classic motown artist! Incredible voice. Love the album by BBNG too.

[@20david06]

The guys a physical manifestation of all the Brookside Characters into one.

[@tompoynton]

Fucking hell lmao

[@NixCM]

😄

[@syrus3k]

Great comment

[@mmabennyj]

That landed. Applause

[@TheDarkInstall]

I have just died

[@rapunzelagain]

I used to watch Letterman every night and GOD, do I remember this performance! Mind-bogglingly unusual, but so charming. I loved how Letterman clearly appreciated it too.

[@Jimbob7595]

7:27 someone stop my Da he's got a heart hing

[@mikekaufmann5311]

"I've watched this again and again and again." Me too, man. Me too. Never seen anyone reach so far with such conviction.

[@rowgly1]

The long lost Mitchell brother who was sent away to performing arts school as a child

[@squareinsquare2078]

Brilliant performance, had me from the start the first time I saw it. Told so many people about it too. Total genius.

[@1nfiniteSeek3r]

It's a typical Scotch trait to see a man who is unrepressed and to be shocked, fearful and confused.

[@ariescustom]

Scotch is a kind of whisky. It's a typical trait of the ignorant to not know that. 😉

[@tomrichardson4896]

Scotch🙃

[@storiesnotstuff]

Seen these live twice and it's incredible each time, I think he's a bit like a warewolf the way he moves so strangely and quickly, it's mesmerising really

[@lucacycles8623]

Discovering Future Islands is such a joy, where you go from to: 1) "WTF is this?" 2) a dozen tunes later you're like, "there's something here I need to listen more" 3) They're totally unique geniuses

[@lachlanbriscoe1430]

I saw Future Islands live first back in 2014 and it was absolutely incredible. Has remained one of my favourite bands since I first found them.

[@RubyRhodSuperGreen]

I saw them in a small tent in LA FYF fest and he was miming having a golden orb on a chain and swallowing it, screaming, crooning, dancing like a maniac, and then taking it back out again. I thought to myself “this mother fucker is our Elvis”. Could not stop thinking about them. Even during Death from Above 1979 headlining.

[@dmuig6193]

FFS, the guy was 29 at the time of broadcast! 😂

[@getheroutofthetruck]

Use can see spiceheads in Glasgae recapitulating this performance on the high street, most days.

[@devo7079]

The lead singer took uncle dancing to a next level, take a bow sir. I believe his influence was max wall

[@Kit-Katts]

I know exactly what Limmy mean, seen the same performance on Jools Holland n it stuck way me for days... Didn't sit right, couldn't stop rewatching it.

[@michaelbalfour3170]

Hes just singing acting and dancing with the commitment we all do when alone in a room with our tunes on. True freedom.

[@sonofthesea]

I've seen Future Islands live twice now, and in Scotland, and while any performance is just that, a performance, Sam Herring's utter commitment to his vocals and movement is both contagious and a delight to join in with. Highly recommend!

[@tink06tinker]

Saw them play a club show back in 2010/11 and was absolutely mesmerised, they also totally divided opinion that night too. Picked up "In Evening Air" and absolutely fell in love with it. Their break with this performance was such a long time coming and it still kinda bowls me over every time I see it

[@faithclark391]

Never heard this song or this band but its been love at first sight. Im going to listen to everything they've done. Cheers Limmy

[@thefaulkness]

Whatever you think about Sam's performing, he's utterly mesmerising, you can't take your eyes off him

[@IAmPez]

Until you notice the absolute negative charisma that the bandmates have. Then you are sucked into their charisma vortex instead.

[@terryterryd]

With no sound, he's like a bloke excited for his giro... (the Future Islands)

[@RobbieSherman]

Seen Future Islands maybe four time. Most recently about a week ago in Nottingham. Sam had injured his knee performing a few nights earlier but was still dancing around on the stage. Man is 100% committed and brilliant.

[@Waytheresawill]

Only Limmy can spend 7 and a half minutes sounding confused and affronted by a performance only to turn around and say “I then saw them live” and heap praise on the act haha. Herring is what a unique and sincere artist looks like. That’s why it stuns you the first time.

[@Nooneimportant21]

He’s like a siren. One of the most enthralling performances

[@lookmagazine2667]

Limmy you’re like an old ship builder watching Boy George in the 80s! He breaks a lot of staid pop moulds with his theatrics, classic look, death metal interludes but the genius is that he makes it work. I listened to it nearly everyday for about three months and been a fan ever since. Was almost a Smells Like Teen Spirit moment in music for me.

[@benomara8622]

There's no doubt in my mind that the thinking behind this performance is the closing scene in the Clare Denis classic film "beau travail".

[@YA-ck9gq]

Best Frontman to ever exist. Watching him live is holy experience. The guy is so connected to his memories through the music he writes. He teleports there every song. There's nothing like Future Islands!

[@themarzipanster2190]

The growling he does only came about because he damaged his vocal chords and there's notes he can't hit. Once he got of a plane collapsed had an adrenaline shot went and did his show and then went to hospital. The live show is mesmerising. You get tired just watching how much energy he expels but damn if it doesn't give you the biggest smile. Easily one of the best bands I've seen live even did a tour of Scotland a few years back. Top class.

[@GardinerChris5]

Banger! This is what makes music so vital. It can be weird and different to everything else in the world.

[@superjules]

Felt the same way the first time I heard Fine Young Cannibals (Their cover of the Buzzcocks' Ever Fallen in Love?)

[@akf2000]

This performance and TV on the Radio "Wolf like me", that's all you need.

[@Lindenrd25]

Oasis, Live Forever, as well.

[@conorlynch2879]

I saw them in Toronto a few months ago and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen

[@dubblleeyou2768]

Samuel T herring is genuinely one of the best live performers ever not by vocal talent but in the way he moves, it’s like the epitome of standing out as a band. It’s also to me giving people a reason to go see them. Love it or hate it, most people can’t get enough

[@tehcolemanator4179]

I went to see them live a couple of weeks ago. I've never seen a man bodyslide across the stage in his own sweat. Best gig I've been to in a long time.

[@davidpotts1778]

No, he's a joke!!!

[@dubblleeyou2768]

@@davidpotts1778 that’s like, your opinion man

[@IAmPez]

To be fair, it wouldn't be that hard to stand out in that band. A colourful T-shirt would do it. I've never seen such lifeless bandmates.

[@birdy-numnum6321]

I laughed so loud, and for so long at Limmys reaction to this!! 😂😂😂 good for the soul!

[@Mileslikeshisdoge]

i'LL TAKE ALL OF THAT YOU GOT !

[@ArcturusAlpha]

im so glad im not the only one who loved this so much. this and the episode of austin city limits with john mayer are my top favorite late night performances.

[@BalearicBeatnik]

His vocals on BADBADNOTGOOD's 'time moves slow' are a masterpiece, haven't seen him cut the rug until now. INTENSE.

[@dh8496]

Giving the Ricky Gervais 'The Office' funny dance a run for it's money right there.

[@jeanniekarlsen7201]

Samuel T Herring is awesome. He's the Marlon Brando method actor of the music world and we love him for it. Plus killer voice

[@avtist5639]

he's performing exactly as I would, like I do in my dreams all I can think is "glorious"

[@TheDarkInstall]

It's like the spin-off Christmas record from the TV series, 'Southcliffe'.

[@robturner1068]

Last night’s gig was great! Loved it, and I’m glad Limmy’s a fan too!

[@beverlybradley5485]

My eldest son is a massive fan of Future Islands and I wasn’t sure about his singing style, but I’ve listened to their albums that my son has played and now I quite enjoy them.

[@gigsfunk]

We why might be witnessing the first singer who don’t give a fuck about being cool

[@mickaziza]

It’s a great moment. We need them.

[@TheVeiledCollective]

Aye I've seen a few interviews with this guy, he's totally self aware, he knows his actions on stage are polarising, he self confesses his act is art and full of drama that he creates for himself. He's switched on and funny. I personally think if he was shite his act would fall into bad parody....but he knows what he is, and I love that energy. He's a talent.

[@nectarinedreams7208]

If he was doing this in the early 70s he'd be a genius

[@SeanStewart88]

I felt the exact same way. I remember hearing this song on the radio a lot in the summer of 2014, I finally looked them up to listen so some more songs and how Limmy is describing it is exactly how I felt watching it.

[@Chilli6025]

The biggest shock is to hear they are an American band. Style and visually was expecting them to be from the UK for sure.

[@ReturnTheSanity]

You gain a peach, but you lose one too -future islands

[@Batehoven21]

Rewatched this after Limmys recent review of meeting them!

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Ten years later ... Definitely one of the great music monents of the 2010s.

[@TroutMaskReplicaa]

I loved it, shame their records don't capture this live element.

[@ryangilby]

He looked exactly like 50s Marlon Brando!

[@richmond9841]

It's hypnotic; accept and enjoy.

[@vonwalrusberger]

Sam just really loves what he does, and it shows.

[@hisclarkyness]

I saw the Later BBC version first and we all had our fucking jaws on the floor. A scattering of WTFs here and there but in a good way mind, because the fella is mesmerising. Great tune and all sorts of shit going on.

[@kinskifilms]

This is the greatest endorsement for future islands I have ever seen. Limmy absolutely gets it. On all levels.

[@davidmartell1525]

Never gets old and then this comes along. What a reaction. Brilliant. One of those clips you have to share with friends. The Jools Holland performance is weirder still. I sent to a friend who then posted back a pic of him on the beach with her kids, when they bumped into him after a Brighton gig. Lovely man too!

[@jamestaylor2376]

I just watched it and thought too weird at first but the guy won me over because he can sing and the sheer comitment

[@gustavmarie]

If anything, He kind of reminds me of a mellowed out Jello Biafra, who used to mimic the lyrics while singing in the Dead Kennedys.

[@ulture]

you'd love John Maus, man's a professor of philosophy with a pop band and he screams like the world's ending in the middle of choruses

[@celiabonwick6785]

LOVE Future Islands since I've seen your review, thank you Limmy

[@garethatkinson7765]

It's just very raw and it's absolutely brilliant.

[@urbananimalz]

The performance is classic Bob Mortimer

[@ConstantThrowing]

He's trying to avoid being on camera

[@graemer1511]

Such a criminally underrated band, been all about them since they were on the Hogmany show!

[@dans5664]

Limmy. This is art, and this is art. You ask questions, it asks questions. The point is made.

[@narcoticundertow]

Don't know a lot about Future Islands but the music he made under the name Hemlock Ernst is incredible hip hop, he even did a project with Madlib

[@stephenthecreator4848]

Love that guy, emotion in human form

[@iownu92]

Saw them in Brooklyn in 2017. Such a fun show, everyone in the audience was into it. Just awesome high energy performances, while a man pours his heart out on stage. I need to see them again! Watch their performance of “Cave” on Conan too (on Dailymotion). This guy is a true performer, not just a singer. The amount of emoting you might expect from a stage musical. And the Late Night hosts are always stunned with him. I love how Conan walks on stage in the end and says “you seem to MEAN that!”. You can tell Letterman and Conan were genuinely impressed with what they just witnessed, and it wasn’t just another musical guest for them.

[@allanstelmach]

Saw them at End of the Road, incredible. One of my top 5 gigs, just amazing

[@dalehart7238]

Awesome band. Favourite song of theirs is 'Run'.

[@Kazza_8240]

I'm just starting down this rabbit hole....I'm gonnae check that out 😆

[@michaelparkinson4119]

his rap project hemlock earnst is incredible, i listened to it for a whole year before i found out it was him. His voice is from another planet

[@NedInYaHead]

Same! I didn't even know about Future Islands until I decided to look his name up. Just when I thought I'd got my bearings again there's a whole new wave of albums to knock me off my feet 😁.

[@chrisww2308]

He’s just very passionate

[@menikmati9057]

I've seen this performance many times and was completely encapsulated by it

[@richardwantuch9026]

Haha! Limmy! I remember seeing this the first time too! First thought that popped into my head was : 'Al Capone on an ecstasy pill'. But I do love 'em!

[@rossshepherd9836]

I love it. It's like he's in this band but is trying to show his vocal skills to a deathmetal band he wants to be in.

[@Itsasabotage-m9i]

It is like someone gave Colin Hay some Ecstasy and he is pouring his heart and his soul while getting lost in the music. You can't help but admire the showmanship.

[@jsheekey1]

Something authenticly beautiful about this performance 💕

[@MartialGolf]

As soon as he starts singing you should know it’s not a joke-great voice

[@smartarsebutler]

His passion and intensity either makes sense to you or confues you. It makes sense to me and I LIVE to watch FI live. Even better was the fact that Dan Deacon supported the last tour. Two of my favourite things.