Staff Favorite Moments: CBS Orchestra Drummer Anton Fig | Letterman

The drummer for the World's Most Dangerous Band and the CBS Orchestra recalls guessing expiration dates, playing with the great Miles Davis and more.
#antonfig #warrenzevon #letterman
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Welcome to the Letterman KZbin Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. And for those of you who like Miscellaneous, you may very well find some Miscellaneous here.

[@noahtenshen]

Absolutely Love Anton's style of play. Fun retrospective of his Late Night gig.

[@brentanthem]

Please never stop doing these until you have had every staff member who ever worked on the show get their own staff favorites episode. I could watch these forever.

[@leokimvideo]

Thanks Anton for your work with Ace Frehley

[@kennewickmanatgmail]

That's how I first learned his name too! Ace's solo album 1978.

[@blindjasper]

Will Lee too!

[@LuisSancho-v7o]

Among with plenty of wonderful credits with other artists, too.

[@winonafrog]

@@kennewickmanatgmailAnton’s drumming on “New York Groove”?! Whoa

[@Cape-Dweller]

@@LuisSancho-v7onot before 1978

[@gamma1695]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this trip down memory lane. It truly brings me back to my youth.

[@JMDavidson-n3r]

The fact they have the clip of the first rim crash thing Anton did during Dave's monologue is incredible. What a taken-for-granted staple of the show.

[@hibob418]

Depending on the host, that impromptu rim shot would either get you hired of fired. Just glad Dave liked Anton and the contribution he made to the show.

[@SnortGravy]

Dave's always loved the drums. A man of taste

[@midnightmist871]

That butterfly bit was joyous 😊

[@rybones1311]

Of all of Anton's accomplishments, his work with KISS and Ace is what sticks out the most for me. Phenomenal drummer.

[@josephlinnell9855]

Love those drum fills in RIP it Out

[@Occupant]

My dad and I saw Anton perform with Booker T. & the M.G.'s and he killed it. So much talent in the CBS Orchestra.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Anton, I did a stupid human trick in June 1990. Before the show, you and Will stopped by the green room for a drink and a snack then hung out with us for a few minutes. You two chatting with me really calmed me down and my trick was a success! Thank you and congratulations on your years in the World's Most Dangerous Band.

[@prmaninla]

OK, I'll ask... do you have a video of it????

[@Trickdude]

I was like, no way they can replace Steve Jordan on the show. Then came Anton, I knew him from his work with Frehley's Comet, so I knew his work and I knew he was a very versatile drummer, but I was soon to learn just how versatile he really was. Anton was just incredible! What a great gig! I really miss this show sooooo much!

[@johncornell3665]

Anton Fig was a great drummer and made the show. Miss the show so much, it was so much more then a talk show. There will never be anything like it again. Thanks Dave!

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Could not agree more

[@paulkevinkoehler9490]

is*

[@videogameobsession]

Yes! *is*., you had me worried for a second there, given the timing of some of these videos. 😲

[@johncornell3665]

I said "was" meaning the program is no longer on the air. Yes he "is" a great drummer. Sorry folks

[@videogameobsession]

No problem. I was mostly joking.

[@Mo_Taser]

I was impressed by the entire video, but when Anton mentioned Warren Zevon, I got a tear in my eye. This video ended perfectly.

[@RipperFromYT]

I gotta say whoever handled the archival of this show did a fantastic job. Constantly able to find relevant clips in decades worth of shows. Celeb passes away.? Same day the relevant clips go up. Someone mentions something that happened in 1986?...relevant clip goes up. I can't imagine the sheer amount of material there is to wade through so here's to you unsung hero! ;)

[@hootmor]

This channel is how I usually find out that someone has died

[@paulocuaresma9480]

I think The Donz have something to do with it with Walter doing the staff moments. And who can forget The Barbara Gaines Show.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Absolutely. The Pants team is incredible at showing the relevance of this incredible body of work, and it’s important place in history. Also, we hear they have ‘keggers’ of epic proportions.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I believe it's Don Giller.

[@renhoek3851]

was just about to say, Don Giller used to do this himself, and had a huuuuge archive of great stuff from the show. It's how I came to watch it- I'm from UK and wasn't old enough to watch back in the day. I think they made an agreement with Don, and I hope they're looking after him, he must have gotten the show a lot of new fans

[@rockturtleneck]

Fantastic and funny recollections by the brilliant Anton Zip. Anyone who plays an instrument will tell you that it takes a true master to be able to play well with such a wide variety of musicians and styles, from Miles Davis to James Brown to Springsteen, etc. I saw the show live several times and one of the best parts is that the World's Most Dangerous Band/CBS Orchestra would play before the show and through the commercials to keep the audience pumped up..

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Well said. Also his ability to listen to the comedy and contribute rim shots and such at the perfect moment.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

@@thelettermanpodcast Yes, this part is underappreciated. He couldn't phone it it, he had to pay attention and listen to the entire show.

[@theinternationalvoyager]

This is just an absolute joy. Solid gold. Anton Fig was one of those minor characters from my elementary school years in the 80s... I'd record Late Night on VHS on timer and then watch it the next day when I came home from school. Anton was such a likable, funny, laid back personality and it fit so well on the show and with Dave and Paul. It is so great to hear him talk about the moments that meant the most to him. This was just such a delight.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

It was so neat hearing Anton say ‘they made me seem funny.’

[@sleestak1971]

I did this exact thing, the late night show informed my sense of humor, I had so many moments that aired at 1245 am and I watched them at 430 the next day. Crispin Glover can kick....any Chris Elliot anything....but yeah, Anton was 100 percent one of those supporting characters that was and is so ingrained in the fabric of Late night. And then he shows up on Frehley's Comet! Anton. You are a hall of famer.

[@grimdrum2396]

I first met Anton at a clinic and we had a wonderful conversation. I met him 15 years later at a music store and again, we had a nice conversation. When we said goodbye, he said "I'll see you in 15 years". Very nice memories.

[@jasonwilliams6005]

Anton is one of the greatest to ever hold sticks. He can play anything.

[@MM1717mm]

LEGEND !! 🎶🥁🎶🥁🎶🥁

[@MattTee1975]

Anton Zipp! One of my drum icons.

[@chameleonagreen5644]

I was a small child myself when i saw Anton Fig. He was about 4 years old on the stage of the Alhambra Theatre in Cape Town, South. He was an absolute sensation. He was a sensation then and he lived up to his full potential.

[@thejonegcle7759]

always thought working on Letterman would have been the most fun gig in the world ... nice job Anton ... thanks for sharing

[@timallison8560]

tv just isn't the same without these gentlemen. they brought us so much laughter and entertainment.

[@jamesgang6206]

Antons' work on Ace Frehleys 1st solo record alone makes him awesome.

[@terryf5131]

Rip it out.

[@renhoek3851]

That band was fantastic. To be able to play with any artist and compliment their style over all those years and sound great doing it really must have taken a lot of musicianship.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

This guy is such a dynamic and exciting drummer. He injected serious swing and punch into that band. I remember as a kid watching the show and being struck by how exciting his drumming was.

[@nathanreiber6819]

i cant believe there are actually people out there fretting over the rock and roll hall of fame. lol

[@shuntguy]

You should watch Bob Dylan's 30th anniversary concert. Anton plays with a wide variety of musicians. He's especially good on Highway 61 Revisited with Johnny Winter.

[@thomasborger6548]

​@@shuntguyJohnny absolutely tore that one up, as did Anton!

[@yourdrummer2034]

Anton Fig is a legend! He is a very important part of my musical upbringing! A BIG influence on my playing.. Love ya, Anton!!

[@bigbass421]

When I was on the scene in New York, I was fortunate enough to play a couple of times with Anton. He was always extremely cool, and complimentary. A good guy in a crummy business.

[@scottstage4820]

I stayed up a lot of school nights waiting to watch Anton play on Letterman. I had a chance to meet him and shake his hand at a Dave Weckl clinic in NYC in 1989. Very amiable guy and took his time to greet everyone who swarmed around him as he was leaving to tape the show.

[@ob1quixote]

Bless you for your commitment to the bit with the butterflies, Anton.

[@privatepenguin3137]

How is this band NOT in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame?? Not only the best support band for a TV show in history....but they have supported the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony ITSELF for years!!!

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Could not agree more. And it became a kind of tradition on the show that after the many times after the RRHOF induction ceremonies Dave spend time on the show talking about the point that are making. All the members of Paul’s band(s) deserve to be in the Hall.

[@BassByTheBay]

Being great musicians isn't enough to get into the HoF because one of the biggest considerations is the artists' impact on music. They're primarily a cover band, and the small amount of original music they released clearly had no significant impact. I love the band (especially Will), but they don't belong in the HoF.

[@dongiller]

⁠@@BassByTheBayNo, the biggest consideration is Jann Wenner’s input. Now that he’s been ousted, we’ll likely see some progress. For starters, Warren Zevon.

[@BassByTheBay]

@@dongiller The point stands that Shaffer's band was known as a cover band playing on a talk show. What successful musical artists have cited that band as an influence? I'd venture to say none.

[@dongiller]

@@BassByTheBay Their hugest influence was changing the music culture of television talk shows. There was no band before them that played music of its time.

[@graziemille2454]

That last Christmas show with Darlene Love is iconic. Someone should show it every year. I always loved how Dave celebrated the holidays. Miss Dave and the Band.

[@BiscuitTheWonderDog]

I had waited a long time to see Anton play live and finally got to see him with Joe Bonamassa a couple of years ago and I was thrilled

[@PilotsWorld]

All the Staff Favourite vids are freat but this has got to be one of the best. Enjoyed it immensley!

[@BakerStudiosIndy]

As I progressed out of the 1970s as a drummer, Anton Fig started to become one of my serious influences as a "power drummer." Today, I follow his work with Joe Bonamassa with great admiration.

[@TheJuniorMints]

This series continues to be the best part of this channel. Thanks Anton!♥️🥁

[@stephenmiller4948]

I watched Letterman religiously. One thing I loved was the “Anton Cam” where you’d do a double roll at the end of the opener!

[@PokerPillar]

We love you, Anton. Thanks for all the memories.

[@privatepenguin3137]

This was great! Anton was fabulous on the show. Man, I'm showing my age when I remember Steve Jordan as the drummer...now he's a Rolling Stone!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Steve Jordan's part of the John Mayer Trio too.

[@privatepenguin3137]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH Yep - and the Keith Richard's X-pensive Winos - he has certainly kept busy over the years.

[@tylee5291]

Check Steve out backing James Taylor at the Beacon Theater. He KILLED with Hiram and Will during the early days of Late Night

[@75Veritas]

The man could play so deep in the pocket! He just made everything groove!

[@JustK009]

Anton Fig = Legend

[@RobertSaxy]

What a great gig and a great drummer. Playing with and getting approval from Miles Davis… damn

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Interesting tie-in, Darryl Jones bassist for The Rolling Stones toured with Miles Davis and now he plays with Steve Jordan as the Stones' rhythm section.

[@morbidmanmusic]

This was so fun to watch. Anton, what a fun person and great drummer.

[@DanielLDavidson88]

Anton was always my favorite member of the band. Great musician and character.

[@Tommyr]

Anton rules! LOVE his drumming. One of my faves!

[@TheDeathlessDogs]

Anton is the reason my first drum kit was a Yamaha. I still have the image of "Anton Scissorfeet" burned into my brain from when I was a little kid.

[@gustafsone]

All of these late night talk show drummers are great. I still vividly remember when I got to see "The Tonight Show Band" when they went on a small tour after Carson's show ended, and I got to see Ed Shaughnessy, with his glorious sideburns, playing behind the kit. Doc Severinsen was still the band leader on the tour and was an amazing trumpet player. Jumping ahead a bit, Steve Jordan also played with John Mayer quite a bit, and John sat in with Anton and the crew quite a few times from my memory. I'm surprised that Anton didn't mention playing with John Mayer on the show. Those were some great moments.

[@Thee_Dr_Evil]

Grew up watching early Letterman, Loved it when Anton joined the band, and then mind blown moment when I realized he played with Ace Frehley.

[@Darin.Pearson]

Love and peace, Anton. If I could play the drums 20% as good as you, I would feel like a rock star. You are up there in my favorite drummers.

[@DarthMaul747400]

Anton is such an amazing drummer! Love his drumming with Frehley’s Comet!! 👍🥁⚡️

[@jeremyversusjazz]

god i miss everything about this show-especially the band. anton what a beast. goat.

[@colinwilliams553]

ANTON FIG,not only a great drummer,but the funniest dude ever,I especially love it when he participates in those little comedy skits on the LETTERMAN show,love you Anton,miss you twice as much as I miss Dave and Paul on late nights❤.

[@KungEMuller]

Yes! Way to go, Anton, Paul, and the rest of the band! Yes!

[@paulocuaresma9480]

I’ve been waiting for band members to do this staff favorite moments. Thank you 🙏 you made my day 🤩

[@thelettermanpodcast]

We’ve had quite a few of them on our show as well.

[@GAMECLOSET]

Anton!!! I love Anton! A great drummer and funny guy. Good to see you, sir. 😀 (Yes, The writers wrote what they wrote, but you pulled it off. Thank you for all the years of entertainment AND I didn’t forget you were with Ace for a stint too! Thank you there as well.)

[@dennisstrange5035]

Always loved watching Paul and the band!!

[@KiddiAgnars]

I got to play the show once with John Grant and got to hang with Anton and the guys and even played his kit after the show. A very nice guy.

[@BiscuitTheWonderDog]

Letterman was the best talk show ever and Anton was a big part of that

[@stevecapener437]

You were a total inspiration to me as a teen drummer back in the day. Fast forward a couple decades and I became a huge fan of Joe Bonamassa, no wonder. Thank you Anton, your still one of the greats in my books. Cheers!

[@ElectroPercussive]

It's nice to see Mr. Anton Fig again after all these years. Excellent musician.

[@janetglover999]

Such great memories. Miss this show and the Late Show Band. Paul always played great music. Chicago was my favorite.😊

[@pietrobassosilva2379]

Always loved hearing Anton playing drums on the show! Great segment!

[@sirgalahad3574]

I simply remember Frehley's Comet and the Kiss work. Nice video Anton, and great name.

[@missoula2213]

Absolutely heart warming! Loved it.

[@ZolaSongs]

Ah Anton! Loved this ! Such an awesome life doing what you love and adding so much to the prog and to all the musicians you played with! Thanks for sharing your enormous talent. So cool to see Norman there too!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎶💗🎶

[@mikemclenison8200]

Love it! Always thought you were one of the best on the planet! Great job!

[@JackSilbert]

I finally got to see Anton play live in January at a tribute to Robert Gordon at Bowery Electric; such a thrill for me! And just always a delightful presence on the show.

[@donnyleong5298]

Thank you for keeping all these great moments alive and to share them for years to come with new fans.

[@markbirchette8740]

Ace Frehley band as well! Anton is an excellent drummer!

[@scottt5484]

I’m sure that wasn’t one of his fondest or most memorable.

[@by-amrcn]

This one is really good -- would love to hear from the rest of the band too!

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Many of the other band members have been guests on our show as well.

[@videogameobsession]

"Ladies and gentlemen.... ANTON ZIP!". I always loved his work in the Late Night Band. Always a highlight of the show IMO.

[@EightPieceBox]

I always appreciated what a good sport Anton was. Dave put the spotlight on him so many times.

[@stephengiese7549]

Fantastic rememberances of memorable moments of a show I sorely miss😊

[@markmarsh27]

Fascinating to watch the Bio History of something I loved so much. And Anton was a PERFECT choice, a truly brilliant drummer.

[@flyjarrett]

I always liked the Anton Fig cam.

[@LRS905]

9:45 that fly walking under the ride cymbal, LOL

[@BeatlesBowieKrimson]

Great catch.

[@greydawn]

The bird bit is probably my favorite Letterman gag of all time.

[@johngatlin9140]

All Anton's work with Joe Bonamassa is great... his energy and power... amazing

[@janeltranmer2284]

Thank you so much Anton! As Dave might say, that was "tremendous"!

[@curtjunky]

This is AWESOME! Thanks Anton, and thanks Dave!

[@TheTinMan3D]

Anton has always been awesome!

[@greenatom]

I'm remembering why I loved this show so much....

[@josephnotoempire2949]

I saw so much of this in real time. A beautiful trip down memory lane. Bless the writers and musicians, with steady well paid gigs.

[@phillipbarber3648]

The whole band Rocked. They all were very good at what they did.🤘😎

[@brrblack497]

My favorite show of all time! I worked second shift for years, my connection to the world in the 80's and 90's. As a hobby guitarist the band and the guest musicians where the best part.

[@keithkoenig5320]

Fun fact: Anton Fig played most of the drums on "Dynasty", the 1979 album by KISS.

[@steviethunders]

Love Anton. Big reason why I play the drums

[@lynnturman8157]

What are the other reasons?

[@latentsea]

Not much else to do in prison.

[@rickmaudlin2160]

Those were great times Anton and always loved your part in it all. All the best to you and your family. God bless!

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤❤❤❤ we love you, Anton. And I can tell you for a natural fact, we tuned in the Letterman more times than you could ever count just for you.

[@IRgEEK]

What an enjoyable piece! Brought back so many fond memories of this most excellent show. Thank you for sharing!

[@Tank4Life]

The Darlene Love annual song was always incredible!! So special!

[@kevinriddell2105]

Played on "Dynasty" and "Unmasked" by Kiss.

[@privatepenguin3137]

Yes- and was with Ace in Frehley's Comet!

[@kevinriddell2105]

@@privatepenguin3137 Yes. He first played on the self titled album in 1978 for Ace Frehley. And he last played on his "Spaceman" album in 2018.

[@NathanWind99]

Love Anton Zip. He's been around forever and played on some great records. Check out his work on Spider's Better Be Good To Me, the original that Tina Turner later covered.

[@hawkboy71]

Oh man, that was brilliant.

[@newellbate]

Anton is one of drummers i really dig.

[@AndreasWallstrom]

This video was indeed a lovely surprise. Anton's great! :)

[@TonySchopp]

A supremely talented, fun and humble human.

[@jameskonners8304]

Anton’s style is tremendous. Knockout drummer. Ace Frehley is a huge fan and ask him to play on his debut solo album and a few others. Anton’s most recent work with Ace was just a few years ago on an awesome track called Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Rock n Roll. Check it out!!!

[@jimwaters1562]

Just fantastic. Love this.

[@MillCityJam]

Anton - Thanks for putting up w/ Dave!! You're Great!!

[@WilliamJames48]

The best of times. Classic Letterman