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.

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

7 ай бұрын

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.

Thanks Anton for your work with Ace Frehley

@kennewickmanatgmail

7 ай бұрын

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

@blindjasper

7 ай бұрын

Will Lee too!

@user-id8nr2yo4s

4 ай бұрын

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

@winonafrog

2 ай бұрын

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

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

7 ай бұрын

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

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

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.

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

7 ай бұрын

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

@sleestak1971

7 ай бұрын

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.

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

8 ай бұрын

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

@paulocuaresma9480

8 ай бұрын

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

8 ай бұрын

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

7 ай бұрын

I believe it's Don Giller.

@renhoek3851

7 ай бұрын

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

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

8 ай бұрын

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

@OMGWTFLOLSMH

7 ай бұрын

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

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

8 ай бұрын

Could not agree more

@paulkevinkoehler9490

7 ай бұрын

is*

@videogameobsession

7 ай бұрын

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

@johncornell3665

7 ай бұрын

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

@videogameobsession

7 ай бұрын

No problem. I was mostly joking.

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

@terryf5131

7 ай бұрын

Rip it out.

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

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

8 ай бұрын

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

7 ай бұрын

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

7 ай бұрын

⁠@@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

7 ай бұрын

@@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

7 ай бұрын

@@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.

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

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!

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

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

Anton Zipp! One of my drum icons.

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

Anton Fig = Legend

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

@scottt5484

7 ай бұрын

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

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

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

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

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

@privatepenguin3137

8 ай бұрын

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

@kevinriddell2105

8 ай бұрын

@@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.

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.

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

7 ай бұрын

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

@shuntguy

7 ай бұрын

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

7 ай бұрын

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

I always liked the Anton Fig cam.

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

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

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❤.

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

Letterman has a decent double stroke roll!

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

Oh man, that was brilliant.

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

@thelettermanpodcast

7 ай бұрын

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

That butterfly bit was joyous 😊

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

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

7 ай бұрын

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

@privatepenguin3137

7 ай бұрын

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

@tylee5291

7 ай бұрын

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

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.

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.

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

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.)

Great stuff! And always worked great with Ace Frehley :)

Absolutely heart warming! Loved it.

Anton ripped when he played with Frehleys Comet

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

Always loved you Anton...saw you live at NBC and CBS. So glad to see you are doing well.

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.

I had no idea Dave could play!

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

Fantastic episode. Next from the band to be interviewed has to be Will Lee. Bassist from day one

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!!!

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

@thelettermanpodcast

7 ай бұрын

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

Anton was a great sport about all the comedy skits. Good to see the NBC Bookmobile lady was also the show’s Special Effects specialist, I assume along with the gruff but lovable Gus?

Thank you Anton Zip!!🤓❤️

Love Anton. Big reason why I play the drums

@lynnturman8157

7 ай бұрын

What are the other reasons?

@latentsea

7 ай бұрын

Not much else to do in prison.

LEGEND !! 🎶🥁🎶🥁🎶🥁

Well, that was friggin' awesome. I hope the entire band does this.

@fritzcolburn

7 ай бұрын

You mean FIGgin awesome?

@latentsea

7 ай бұрын

Zip it!

@fritzcolburn

7 ай бұрын

@@latentsea I see what you did there

ANTON! The coolest snare drum ever. 🥁

The best of times. Classic Letterman

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

@OMGWTFLOLSMH

7 ай бұрын

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.

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!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎶💗🎶

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

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

I never knew Letterman could play the drums.

@lynnturman8157

7 ай бұрын

Actually, that was a pretty impressive drum roll.

😃👍 Well done Ringo!

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

Always loved watching Paul and the band!!

Anton has always been awesome!

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.

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.

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

ANTON!!!!!!

I remember him with Ace Frehleys solo band, Frehleys Comets in the 80s....he was especially great on the live album

Anton Fig is a legend.

This is AWESOME! Thanks Anton, and thanks Dave!

Thanks for Sharing Anton Great Memories!

I've been a long time Anton Fig fan. Much love to Hiram Bullock and Will Lee too!

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

My all time favorite foreign New York drummer!!!! Hah. All kidding aside. His work with Dave was so much fun and superbly played of course. 👍🏻

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

Fig is a great drummer, plus his drums sounded fantastic