Paul Shaffer Planning to Keep On Jammin’ After Letterman Retires

David Letterman may be going into retirement next year but the same cannot be said of his sidekick and band leader Paul Shaffer. After more than 3 decades in late night Shaffer plans to continue with his music career.

Fans of David Letterman’s have known Shaffer as the piano playing, band leading, and wisecracking guy who always takes it away after letterman finishes his opening monologue. Shaffer and his CBS Orchestra have often fit seamlessly into the performances of many a world star musician who has appeared on Late Show over the years.

While on the red carpet leading into the Humane Society of the United States’ To the Rescue! New York gala at Cipriani 42nd Street over the weekend, the soon to be 65 year old musician discussed his future plans with the New York Daily News. “One can hardly be sad after a 33-year run, ” he told the Daily News. “It’s been fantastic, so we’re just grateful. I’m not going to retire, I’m going to keep playing piano. I can do all different kinds of things, and I intend to.”

This is in keeping with an interview with Rolling Stone from last summer in which Shaffer said, “I’m not retiring, as many people have assumed. I gotta keep playing and want to keep making music. I’m excited about the fact that after almost 33 years, my schedule will open up a little bit.”

The Canadian born Shaffer got his start on television as part of the Saturday Night Live Band from 1975 to 1980. He also made numerous appearances in sketches on the show.

After that, having proven himself a talent at both music and comedy, he joined David Letterman for 11 and a half years on Late Night on NBC and has now been with Letterman for more than 22 years on Late Show on CBS.