When funny man Late Show host David Letterman called it quits, so, too, did his sidekick/bandleader Paul Shaffer disband the CBS Orchestra. While everyone else is paying attention to Letterman's retirement, it's easy to overlook another painful fact that Classicalites will soon have to get used to--the end for America's most pithy bandleader, Paul Shaffer.
Shaffer has worn many hats throughout his career, other than Letterman's funny(er) version of Andy Richter. Over the years, his credits and accomplishments include: being the bandleader for the original Saturday Night Live (SNL) group, composed or been a part of several hit songs ("It's Raining Men"), appeared or starred in several movies, music director for the annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions. Still, at the age of 65, you would think the music man would be ready to call it quits with showbusiness--especially after 33 years with Letterman and his current gig.
According to Times Free Press, though, had Paul Shaffer returned Jerry Seinfeld's call, we might know him as George Constanza today.
Shaffer isn't ready to leave showbusiness just yet. During an interview in his office behind the Ed Sullivan Theater, he admits, "of course, I had the old mixed feelings, sadness, etc. Now I have come around to just being absolutely thankful for such a wonderful run--such a long run working for a guy who has been nothing but encouraging to me."
Below you can watch a clip of Shaffer discussing those very mixed emotions, as well as what he has planned ahead.
Shaffer does reminisce about the old days when he and Letterman were just starting out together. He remembers going on after Johnny Carson: "the hippest opportunity, like in Las Vegas when a performer would do a late, late show for the other performers or cab drivers on the strip. That's how I related to it. It was all perfect for me." After what seemed to be an eternity at SNL, Shaffer recalls that he's never felt tempted to leave Letterman because he's had the freedom to do other things.
Shaffer knows he has plenty of options after the CBS Orchestra disbands, some of them better than others. He says, "this was such a long run, so if I'm meant to get a gig in a piano bar in Palm Springs...I'm not too worried at this point."
Well, for all of our sakes, let's hope Mr. Shaffer has a few years left in the tank before he moves out west.
