OnTV is a Tomorrow’s Verse feature compiling recent television performances from our favorite artists.
Phoebe Bridgers on Saturday Night Live
Following the release of 2020’s excellent album, Punisher, indie songwriter Phoebe Bridgers seems to finally be receiving the recognition she deserves. The terrific lyricist brought two of the album’s songs to SNL this weekend. Opener “Kyoto” showed her more delicate side, performed with a full band, including a horn section, decked out in Bridgers’ often-used skeleton suits. Raucous album-closer “I Know The End” came next, complete with an outfit change, its apocalyptic message slowly building up to a climax before Bridgers smashes her guitar at its conclusion. Both terrific performances, if America wasn’t aware of Bridgers prior, they surely are now.
Metallic on A Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Following the conclusion of the Super Bowl, Colbert hosted a special episode with an extremely special guest – metal legends Metallica. The band performed their seminal 1991 hit “Enter Sandman” while using a variety of speaker cabinets from throughout their career. Relive the song’s classic, lasting greatness below.
Cory Wong on A Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Vulfpeck guitarist Cory Wong never seems to slow down. Outside of countless collaborations and a new album, Wong created a YouTube variety show, Cory and the Wongnotes. Playing off this series, Wong was joined by his huge, horn-laden band as well as saxophone legend Eddie Barbash and multiple Late Show houseband members for an uplifting, energetic take on “Bluebird.”
Fontaines D.C. on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Irish post-punk revivalists Fontaines D.C. found worldwide recognition with their sophomore release, A Hero’s Death, this past year, earning widespread critical acclaim as well as a Grammy nomination for best rock album. The band celebrated in a predictably dark yet fitting fashion for The Tonight Show, performing the track from a local pub. A theatrical and creative late-night performance, the music still speaks for itself.
H.E.R. on A Late Show with Stephen Colbert (and at Super Bowl LV)
Soulful singer-songwriter H.E.R. had a busy week, performing “America The Beautiful” at the Super Bowl while also contributing to the Late Show with a take on “Fight For You,” written for the HBO film “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Featuring multiple percussionists, horns, strings and backup singers, the song takes on a massive feel that attempts to match the power of her vocals. Watch both below.
Courtney Marie Andrews on A Late Show with Stephen Colbert
With a sound that blends country, folk and indie-rock, Courtney Marie Andrews has an overwhelmingly appealing musical sensibility, which earned her a Grammy nomination for 2020’s Old Flowers. Joined by songwriter and frequent Andrew Bird band member Madison Cunningham, Andrews performed a stripped down, acoustic rendition of “If I Told” for the Late Show this week, sitting beside a campfire.
Bahamas featuring The Teskey Brothers on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Laid-back folk songwriter Bahamas performed the smooth “Trick To Happy” for Jimmy Kimmel Live this week, joined by Australian blues-rock artists The Teskey Brother. A thoroughly enjoyable and soulful take on the track, it’s remote recording fits the late-night spot well.
Rhye on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Undoubtedly amongst the most fun late-night performances of the year so far, electronic R&B songwriter Rhye performed for Kimmel from a Los Angeles skating rink. Performing in a tracksuit in front of a full band featuring strings and skaters, the song’s disco vibe will transport you back to the early 80s.