JamBase continues looking back at the year in music by revisiting 10 memorable live television performances that took place in 2018. All of the television performances and appearances that were covered last year can be found in the JamBase DVR Rewind collection (though some of the featured videos are no longer available).
David Byrne – Everybody’s Coming To My House – The Late Show
Talking Heads frontman David Byrne’s acclaimed American Utopia Tour was previewed during an appearance on The Late Show. Byrne’s highly choreographed performance was a sample of the intricate shows he staged around the globe this year. Watch “Everyone’s Coming To My House” with the help of host Stephen Colbert:
John Prine, Sturgill Simpson & Brandi Carlile – Summer’s End – The Late Show
John Prine appeared on The Late Show in support of The Tree Of Forgiveness, the renowned singer-songwriter’s first album with new original material in 13 years. Introduced by Colbert as three of his favorite artists, Prine was accompanied by Brandi Carlile and Sturgill Simpson at the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Watch that collab here:
Fleetwood Mac – The Chain – The Ellen Degeneres Show
Fleetwood Mac’s tumultuous 2018 featured the firing of longtime guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and a subsequent, now-settled lawsuit between the former band mates. The new lineup featuring Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell and Crowded House’s frontman Neil Finn alongside Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie made their public debut on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Check out the new formation performing “The Chain”:
The Marcus King Band – Where I’m Headed – Conan
The Marcus King Band made their late night television debut during an appearance on Conan. The group played “Where I’m Headed” from their recently issued album Carolina Confessions. Host Conan O’Brien exclaimed “Good god, that was fantastic!” at the end of the performance, see if you agree with Coco:
Conan O’Brien & The Basic Cable Band – Forty Days – Conan
In 2019, late night talk show Conan will be moving from a one-hour to a 30-minute format. Part of that reconfiguration is the loss of program’s house band, The Basic Cable Band, last led by guitarist Jimmy Vivino. O’Brien gave the musicians a touching tribute on their final show, and joined the band for a special rendition of “Forty Days,” the Ronnie Hawkins’ version of Chuck Berry’s “Thirty Days.” Watch O’Brien playing guitar below:
St. Vincent – New York – Jimmy Kimmel Live
St. Vincent (Anne Clark) followed her 2017 album MASSEDUCTION with this year’s reworking of the record, MassEduction. The stripped-own reissue featured Clark accompanied on solo piano by Thomas Bartlett. Here’s the pair performing the reworked “New York” on Jimmy Kimmel Live:
Paul Simon – Bridge Over Troubled Water – Saturday Night Live
On his 77th birthday, legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Simon, who recently concluded his farewell tour and released an album of reworked favorites In The Blue Light, was joined by yMusic on “Can’t Run But” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” the latter of which can be viewed here:
Mavis Staples – Friendship/I’ll Take You There – CMA Awards
Legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples stole the show at this year’s CMA Awards. Part of an ensemble that included Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, Marty Stuart, Morgane Stapleton, Dave Cobb and others, Staples accompanied Stapleton on his “Friendship,” before taking charge of The Staples Singers’ classic “I’ll Take You There.” Here’s the 79-year-old vocalist in action:
Dave Matthews Band – Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin) – The Ellen Degeneres Show
Dave Matthews Band made the late night and daytime talk show rounds this year in support of their long-awaited studio album Come Tomorrow. A stop at Ellen produced a live performance of the LP’s single, “Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin).” Watch DMB on TV below:
Jeff Tweedy – Let’s Go Rain – The Late Show
Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy issued a solo album, WARM, that was a companion to his debut memoir, Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back). Appearing on The Late Show in support of the album and book, Jeff brought along his sons Spencer Tweedy (on drums) and Sammy Tweedy (on vocals) to be part of his supporting cast during the performance of the WARM original “Let’s Go Rain.” The family Tweedy’s Late Show spot can be viewed here:
