Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | Paul Shaffer |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band is a U.S.-based musical group led by Paul Shaffer. It functioned as the house band for David Letterman for over three decades.
The ensemble was originally created in 1982 to serve as the house band for NBC's Late Night with David Letterman. When Letterman transitioned to CBS in 1993 to host the Late Show with David Letterman, the band grew to include a horn section and an additional guitarist. Due to an intellectual property conflict with NBC, the group adopted the name CBS Orchestra, which it retained until Letterman’s exit in 2015. After a pause lasting two years, Shaffer revived the original band name in 2017, releasing an album titled Paul Shaffer & The World's Most Dangerous Band and embarking on a subsequent tour.
Band name
At its inception, the ensemble lacked an official title but was humorously dubbed "The World’s Most Dangerous Band" early in 1982. It was also informally called names such as "Paul Shaffer and the Orchestra" or "Paul Shaffer and the Melody Makers." By mid-1982, these informal names were discontinued, and from 1982 through 1987, it was primarily recognized as "Paul Shaffer and the Band," except for a brief period in spring 1983 when it went by "Paul Shaffer and the Party Boys of Rock and Roll."
In the summer of 1987, the group was announced as "Paul Shaffer and the NBC Orchestra," though Shaffer himself favored "The World’s Most Dangerous Band," reserving "NBC Orchestra" for The Tonight Show's ensemble. Beginning September 25, 1987, the band officially adopted "Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band" during its tenure on Late Night until mid-1993.
Upon Letterman’s move to CBS, NBC asserted ownership over "The World's Most Dangerous Band," necessitating a name change. The band initially released an album under "Paul Shaffer and the Party Boys of Rock 'n' Roll" before settling on "Paul Shaffer and The CBS Orchestra" in 1993. This designation was exclusive to Late Show productions; CBS holds the trademark, reviving its historic orchestra branding last seen on programs like The Ed Sullivan Show.
Following Letterman’s retirement and a subsequent hiatus, the band reclaimed the original "The World's Most Dangerous Band" moniker in 2017 after NBC relinquished its trademark claim.
Beyond Late Show
In addition to its role as house band for the Late Show, this group has served as the house band for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies since 1986, including the 2015 event broadcast on HBO shortly after the conclusion of Late Show with David Letterman. In 1999, they performed at the Concert of the Century held at the White House, and in 2001 appeared at The Concert for New York City alongside artists such as David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Macy Gray, and James Taylor.
After Letterman
Following the conclusion of the Late Show on May 20, 2015, the orchestra disbanded. On June 4, 2015, new host Stephen Colbert appointed jazz musician Jon Batiste as bandleader, with Batiste’s group Stay Human becoming the show's new house band.
In 2016, The World's Most Dangerous Band reunited to record a self-titled album released on March 17, 2017, followed by a concert tour.
They also served as house band for the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony in 2018.
In 2023, excluding Sid McGinnis, they appeared as guest house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, substituting for The Roots. This marked their first full appearance on NBC since Late Night ended in 1993. Paul Shaffer returned to The Tonight Show in December 2024 alongside Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. They made another return for a week-long stint in February 2025 during The Roots’ rehearsal break for Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary.
Membership
The original lineup of "World's Most Dangerous Band," established in early 1982, featured Paul Shaffer (keyboards), Will Lee (bass), Hiram Bullock (guitar), and Steve Jordan (drums). Lee, Bullock, and Jordan were members of The 24th Street Band—a jazz/rock fusion group active in the late ’70s—whom Shaffer enlisted as his backing musicians for Late Night.
Bullock departed near late 1983; he was succeeded by guitarist Sid McGinnis, whom Shaffer had met in 1978. Jordan left in 1986 and was replaced by drummer Anton Fig, known for his work with Kiss. Saxophonist David Sanborn frequently guested from the mid-1980s until 1993 and was initially intended to be a permanent member.
During NBC-CBS negotiations over naming rights—where NBC retained ownership of "World's Most Dangerous Band"—the group released an album under "Paul Shaffer and the Party Boys of Rock 'n Roll."
When Letterman transitioned to CBS in 1993, the band expanded its lineup and adopted "Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra." Guitarist/vocalist Felicia Collins, who had previously collaborated with Lee and Shaffer, joined at this time. A prior contract restriction prohibiting horn sections on NBC was lifted at CBS, enabling additions such as trombonist Tom Malone, saxophonist Bruce Kapler, and later trumpeter Alan Chez. After Kapler's departure in 2012, saxophonist Aaron Heick took his place; trumpeter Frank Greene replaced Chez.
The World's Most Dangerous Band
- Paul Shaffer – keyboards (1982–1993)
- Will Lee – bass guitar/vocals (1982–1993)
- Steve Jordan – drums/percussion (1982–1986)
- Hiram Bullock – guitar (1982–1984)
- Sid McGinnis – guitar (1984–1993)
- Anton Fig – drums/percussion (1986–1993)
Final CBS Orchestra members
- Paul Shaffer – keyboards, harmonica, vocals (1993–2015)
- Anton Fig – drums/percussion (1993–2015)
- Felicia Collins – guitar, vocals, percussion (1993–2015)
- Sid McGinnis – guitar, pedal steel guitar, vocals (1993–2015)
- Will Lee – bass guitar, vocals (1993–2015)
- Tom "Bones" Malone – trombone, trumpet, saxophone, piccolo, percussion (1993–2015)
- Aaron Heick – saxophone (2012–2015)
- Frank Greene – trumpet, percussion (2012–2015)
Former
- Bernie Worrell – synthesizers (1993)
- Bruce Kapler – saxophone, flute, vocals (1993–2012)
- Alan Chez – trumpet, vocals, percussion (1997–2012)
Paul Shaffer & the World's Most Dangerous Band (2017 revival)
- Paul Shaffer – keyboards/vocals
- Felicia Collins – guitar/vocals
- Anton Fig – drums
- Will Lee – bass/vocals
- Sid McGinnis – guitar
- Tom Malone – horns
- Frank Greene – horns
- Aaron Heick – horns
Guest members
On occasions when Shaffer was unavailable, substitutes included Warren Zevon until his passing in 2003 and Booker T. Jones in 2005. Jeff Kazee also occasionally filled in. Michael Bearden played keyboards temporarily before leading Lopez Tonight. For a special April 6, 2001 performance, the band's size increased to a massive 50-piece ensemble dubbed "CBS Giant Orchestra."
Distinguished guest musicians have included Phil Collins (drums), Eddie Van Halen (guitar), Shawn Pelton (drums), bassist Larry Graham from Sly and The Family Stone, Neil Jason substituting for Will Lee, saxophonist Lou Marini during various '80s and '90s appearances, along with other guest saxophonists prior to Aaron Heick becoming permanent.
Discography
Albums
The ensemble has produced three albums:
- 1988: Paul Shaffer's Coast to Coast (Capitol Records) featuring "Late Night," known as the theme from Late Night with David Letterman
- 1993: Paul Shaffer & the Party Boys of Rock 'n' Roll's The World's Most Dangerous Party (SBK Records)
- 2017: Paul Shaffer & The World's Most Dangerous Band (Sire Records/Rhino Records)
Singles
- "What is Soul"
- "You Kill Me"
- "When The Radio is On"
- "Happy Street"
Noteworthy tracks include renditions of "Louie Louie", "Wang Dang Doodle", alongside their original theme composition for Late Night with David Letterman.