It’s a tradition as old as The Johnny Carson Show: Most nights, since 1966, bands big and small play on the national stage of late night television. Sometimes good things happen, sometimes bad things happen, but the performances are always worth watching. They’re captivating mostly because they offer the raw sound of a live band and the professional video and audio recording of a late night television show.
This week, April 8-12, sees the return of Brad Paisley, whose new album Wheelhouse is out this week, and a surprisingly old Hanson, as well as country royalty Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell. Plus watch Tegan and Sara continue down their unlikely path of pop domination, while Paramore and The Jonas Brothers return from lengthy hiatuses.
Late Show With David Letterman
Tuesday, April 9 – Gary Clark Jr.
Wednesday, April 10 – Jake Bugg
Thursday, April 11 – Emmylou Harris with Rodney Crowell
The white-haired queen of country Emmylou Harris has been touring the States with Rodney Crowell, one of Nashville’s greatest songwriters. The two collaborated on the recently released “Old Yellow Moon,” and are sure to bring the most credo to late night this week.
Friday, April 12 – Wavves (repeat)
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Monday, April 8 – Kid Rock
Tuesday, April 9 – Foals
Wednesday, April 10 – Alice in Chains
Thursday, April 11 – Paramore
Paramore return to the Kimmel stage in preparation for their very-soon-to-be-released self-titled album, their first in four years. The album finds the now-trio back from controversy as a new and improved band that veers more into alt-rock territory than the pop-punk of their past.
The Tonight Show With Jay Leno
Monday, April 8 – Vintage Trouble
Tuesday, April 9 – Hanson
Hanson is 21 years old. And they’ve got a new album, Anthem, due out June 18. This is the performance to look to as a reminder of mortality.
Wednesday, April 10 – Brad Paisley
Paisley’s new album Wheelhouse is out this week and includes versatile collaborations with LL Cool J, Charlie Daniels, Dierks Bentley, Hunter Hayes and Mat Kearney. He’s likely to bring his new – and controversial – single, “Accidental Racist,” to the Leno stage.
Thursday, April 11 – Tegan and Sara
Friday, April 12 – The Airborne Toxic Event
Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
Monday, April 8 – Ghostface Killah
Tuesday, April 9 – The Jonas Brothers
Thursday, April 11 – Major Lazer
Major Lazer is the cartoon dance duo comprised of Diplo and Switch, who are separately responsible for oodles of dance hits. Together as Major Lazer, they create frustratingly danceable songs that revel in ridiculousness. Definitely a fun way to end the week.
Friday, April 12 – Shuggie Otis
Conan
Tuesday, April 9 – Escondido
Wednesday, April 10 – The Three O’Clock
Thursday, April 11 – Dropkick Murphys
-Shane Barnes, Radio.com
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