Conan O’Brien Debuts His New Rock Cover Band, The Vigodas
The legendary talk-show host explores his musical passion through a new Los Angeles-based band.
1A New Musical Chapter
Conan O’Brien recently took the stage at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles with his new cover band, The Vigodas. Despite his massive fame as a television host, this project represents a personal creative shift. The band has performed approximately ten shows across Southern California since their debut in August.
2Eclectic Setlist Origins
The band performs a diverse mix of rock and roll tracks spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s. O’Brien selects songs that resonate with his personal taste, including hits by Elvis Presley, Bo Diddley, and John Lennon. He describes these high-energy tracks as the music that constantly occupies his mind.
3Formation Through Connection
The project began after a conversation with musician Norah Jones on O’Brien’s podcast in May 2023. Jones introduced him to guitarist Jason Roberts, who began providing lessons. Roberts eventually helped assemble a full band, connecting O’Brien with musicians twenty years his junior to form a cohesive and energetic performing group.
4Honoring Abe Vigoda
The band is named after the late actor Abe Vigoda, a frequent guest on O’Brien’s former late-night programs. O’Brien admired Vigoda’s expressive face and comedic timing, viewing him as an iconic figure. By using his name, O’Brien pays tribute to a man he considered both sweet and hilarious during their professional collaboration.
5Lifelong Musical Ambition
O’Brien admits that his desire for a late-night show was partly driven by the opportunity to have a house band. Throughout his career, he frequently jammed with his show bands during rehearsals. He notes that the musical segments during his comedy tours were always his personal happy place on the road.
6Feedback From Rock Legends
O’Brien’s musical style is characterized by high-tempo reinterpretations of classic songs. His energetic approach even caught the attention of Keith Richards, who jokingly compared O’Brien’s vocal delivery to an auctioneer. O’Brien embraces this feedback, finding humor and validation in the fact that rock legends are aware of his musical output.
7Exploring Local Venues
The band utilizes their performances as an excuse to tour various intimate Los Angeles venues, including the Troubadour and the Lodge Room. O’Brien enjoys the humble reality of small-club backstages, recalling advice from Bob Newhart about the inevitable presence of dead lettuce on dressing room floors regardless of one's professional success.
8Collaborative Hootenanny Vibe
The band features Erik Kertes on bass, Ben Alleman on keys, and Josh Adams on drums. O’Brien intentionally invites opening acts, such as Malena Cadiz, to join them onstage for songs. He describes the desired atmosphere as a hootenanny, prioritizing community and shared joy over traditional music industry career goals.
9Personal Fulfillment Over Fame
For O’Brien, The Vigodas represent a departure from the pressures of network television. He finds genuine joy in the collaborative process of playing live music with new friends. While he acknowledges he has no future in the music business, he is content to be a small part of the rock scene.
Original article: Rolling Stone — Conan O’Brien Debuts His New Rock Cover Band, The Vigodas