The 1990's had, easily, the most female lead singers in rock history, and they were so good. Belly Mazzy Star The Cranberries Tori Amos Sixpence None The Richer Alannah Myles Lisa Loeb The Sundays 4 None Blondes Frente Jewel Sarah McLachlan Veruca Salt are the ones that come to mind, and that is a lot in comparison to other decades.
Tanya Donelly is such a dainty, elegant flower of a woman; what a great, talented beauty. I should also add that Gail Greenwood is equally stunning and gifted. Cool band.
I was always told they turned Paul Shaffer's mike off during the performances just so that he could feel a a part of things, but listening to this, he made things MUCH worse
I honestly never understood why Paul's band always had to join in with -- and even displace some of -- the guest bands. I mean, the backing vocals really suck here. Couldn't they just let the band come out and play?
Indie music is a term that means independent music. It has nothing to do with a style but an approach to how a band used to record and distribute their music
Good news, Tanya Donnelly is touring with Throwing Muses. I saw them in DC last night, and she did this song. Her band does not have a drummer, and she called it the "hootenanny version". Great show.
Her expression at the end seems to show she knew how cool that performance was. They go into concrete blonde at the end, which adds to the whole thing a bit too.
Agreed. Not one of her better performances. She was better as a studio musician. Some people just are. Remember when I saw the Cure live. They were 10 times better than studio work.
Thank you for posting, I remember when this came out, then the Pixie merger. Always been a fan of the band, & they needed exposure at that time, but they do rehearse with Paul & the others. The only thing I can't get past is.....Letterman's band's background vocals SUCKED. She is a rocker & has such a sweet voice, they just COULD NOT HARMONIZE. If you can't keep up, step aside.
Tanya's not the easiest singer to harmonize with if you're a dude. Where was this magic backup singer supposed to come from for a single performance? I think they did OK. The background vox are low in the mix anyway.
@@chuckschillingvideos Fair enough bro. We all have our opinions & musical taste is very personal. This reminds me of very early SNL musical performances (70-80's). My friends & I would stay up late to watch. And we were almost always disappointed by the sound quality or performance (check the Clash out). My point was the band was seeking exposure at that time. I guess there is no such thing as bad publicity. And Paul Schaefer was the one in charge. Hopefully, I'd have the guts to mention the backing vocals were off key in rehearsal. I wasn't there & don't know how it went down. If Will had said, "It's an honor to back you up on vocals." I couldn't say, "Dude, you're off key." I am really stoked to be able to go online and watch these old performances from a time when we had to use videocassette recorders, or rent a videotape, to watch it again.
I've seen her play a lot of really cool, unusual guitars through the years. Not sure what she's playing here but in the Gepetto she plays a beautiful Hank Marvin model Burns.
@@FlameFlickers you’re right, it’s an SG 90 Double! I was looking at the inlays, pickguard, pickups and control layout, all of which are the same. All that’s missing is the lightning bolt where the strings come through the body. Gibson is always making guitars that are almost identical but have different names.
Dave and Conan always had the best musical guests. I've always felt like Paul and Max had something to do with that, I don't know if that's actually true, but that's what I tell myself. But I really dig it especially when Paul joins in! Both shows have introduced me to many new bands/artists and entertained me musically for many, many years!
Few things: - what's with Tanya and the guitarist walking onstage before lol? Were they trying to make that a "thing"? - man I miss opaque nylons - "new band Belly" made me sad. 1 year and another terrific album later they became that "old band" - that friggin stomp lol.
I think think walking onstage thing had to do with the fact that for many years, Letterman's band was the backing band for nearly all (if not all) of the musical acts, instead of having the actual band play. That always annoyed me a bit, and fortunately he ended that practice either right after he moved to CBS or fairly soon after
If you're referring to the bass player, that's Will Lee, who is acknowledged as one of the best players on the planet. He appears to be reading this chart down, vocals included. Whoever had the idea to forego rehearsal I don't know, but good luck to YOU on getting to a position of being the bassist in a band on the most popular late-night talk show of its generation and reading a chart live.
@@tomshea8382 Okay. I have nothing but respect for Paul and Will as musicians. This track is the only time I can recall that Will attempted to sing. And I love the album, Star. There are no male vocals on it at all. Why did the guys sing along with Tanya ?
Well just because they are girls does not make them cooler. and you did not mention the Breeders, who I happen to love since I love Kim Deal....and yes, Kurt loved those bands, but that is not what we were talking about. I Enjoyed L7 and Bikini Kill and the Breeders (the breeders were the best of that group for me, easily) Being girls does not simply make them cooler than the bands I mentioned, any more than being boys would make some lame band like Milli Vanilli better than the Breeders.
Was that the reason? Because from what I remember during that time, they did it to every band. Any case, talent stomped on by industry to the point where bands like this are extinct. Today's music is devoid of home gown talent that thrived in the 90s. We got Gaga Brittany Swifted soulless machine product for the masses to consume, and all the kids want to be murican idols. Maybe Tanya's daughter and her gen will be wise to the process and let their souls shine. :)
Thrunavulax Tenticle NYC unions are notoriously thuggish, so I wouldn't be surprised if they did "twist a few arms" to ensure their dues paying musician members played all the high profile gigs at that time.
Fred Abong was their original bassist but left the band shortly after Star was finished, so really the only member absent here at this time was Chris Gorman, the drummer. Gail wasn't around yet. You'll notice there's no bass player in the Feed The Tree video because of this. Still strange.
The Paul Schaefer people should not have been injected into this performance for any reason, It was a unwelcome intrusion with off key un-professionalism tainting the quality of an excellent song. I'm surprised Belly allowed this travesty to occur.
I agree... Not a great performance and something tells me Tanya's mom called the next day and asked her if she forgot to wear a slip under her dress (not that I'd complain mind you).
Well, it was only half (or, perhaps two thirds, depending upon when this was recorded) of Belly. Chris Gorman isn't here. I'm not sure about the timing of Gail Greenwood's joining the group but I suspect she had not yet joined, since she was also not included in the Feed the Tree video. In any case, they're playing with a rhythm section they'd never met before that day, so in my opinion any faults in the performance should be given a pass.
@@jackjude Impossible to tell for sure, since both he and Anton Fig have had similar long hairstyles, but I rather doubt it since he is given absolutely no time on camera. And I don't think it really sounds like him all that much either. Not to mention, Dave didn't even look his way after the performance, whereas a point to shake Tonya and Tom's hands. You'll also note that the band goes right into the next tune (drummer included) as the scene ends. Do you really think they would have asked Chris to learn that? No, it makes much more sense that Chris is NOT here, for whatever reason.
I read she liked to drink red wine before playing live for her nerves and to make it more fun. I didn't like the backing vocal guy in this, she'd probably sound better singing it alone and someone's guitar went out of tune. But I can forgive it all cuz of her hotness.
Scott Ballard a SIDE EFFECT from the NBC rules of following Johnny that Paul couldn't have a full band and had to interact with the bands sometimes meaning not ALL members would be on display!
My friend must have a different opinion of what an ugly girl is? The first time I heard this song, I remember saying:"if this girl looks have as sexy as her voice, I'm liable to start stalking." My friend (from the UK) said "you had better just paint an image or you will really be let down." He went on to say far worse. Not only do I still love her voice (although not as much on Letterman), she is ANYTHING but "the giant letdown," I was warned about.
is this a post to amp people up and get a response? cuz bikini kill and L7 are probably the coolest punk/metal/grunge bands ever. also...Distillers, Kittie and million other female acts. but carry on on your women hate theme which grows like a tumor.
2024 anyone?
2034 actually
I'm actually still alive 30 years later. Can't say the same about the old growth trees in various suburbs outside major cities in the US.
Hell yeah
Just still a little surprised this was "the single" but it still slaps.
Fuck yeah
20 years later and Tanya Donelly still fascinates me.
It's now 30 years later. Does she still fascinate you?
@@davidvillano1566 Absolutely!
Same here
The 1990's had, easily, the most female lead singers in rock history, and they were so good.
Belly
Mazzy Star
The Cranberries
Tori Amos
Sixpence None The Richer
Alannah Myles
Lisa Loeb
The Sundays
4 None Blondes
Frente
Jewel
Sarah McLachlan
Veruca Salt
are the ones that come to mind, and that is a lot in comparison to other decades.
PJ Harvey
Markus E and no doubt
Barely
Letters To Cleo, Michelle Shocked
Can't forget those crazy L7 girls and the Breeders
Wow i havent heard this song in years! out of the Blues I started playing Belly again. Bought Star back in the Day and still have it somewhere lol.
How awesome was that! Nice smile at the end...
What an amazing moment ... love her!
Tanya Donelly is such a dainty, elegant flower of a woman; what a great, talented beauty. I should also add that Gail Greenwood is equally stunning and gifted. Cool band.
+Colin Sherritt never liked Gail.....she looked like she was on crystal meth in concert, not the right fit for the band
She is so BEAUTIFUL
Ok but she would probably prefer to be remembered for her music.
Belly was magic
I was always told they turned Paul Shaffer's mike off during the performances just so that he could feel a a part of things, but listening to this, he made things MUCH worse
I honestly never understood why Paul's band always had to join in with -- and even displace some of -- the guest bands.
I mean, the backing vocals really suck here. Couldn't they just let the band come out and play?
phenomenal song.
Remember when indie music was called college radio?
It was popular on college radio..
Still is! It's called NPR 😉 lol But yes, those were some good days.
Indie music is a term that means independent music. It has nothing to do with a style but an approach to how a band used to record and distribute their music
@S8498 Correct. Star was released by Sire/Reprise in the states and 4AD (the home of Donelly's previous two bands) in the rest of the world.
I remember when it was high school radio.
Good news, Tanya Donnelly is touring with Throwing Muses. I saw them in DC last night, and she did this song. Her band does not have a drummer, and she called it the "hootenanny version". Great show.
Look at that old slim rectangular CD box. I haven’t seen those in a long time.
Haha gotta be honest, I barely remember them and I spent most of 93+94 in Tower Records lol
They were great! I used to cut out the covers and decorate my room with them.
"...I'll only hurt you in my dreams...." one of rock's all time best lyrics.....good on ya', Tanya
I am STILL so in love with that women.....
Great music and shes still hot.
So you're still in line like I am ? Ugghh!
Her expression at the end seems to show she knew how cool that performance was. They go into concrete blonde at the end, which adds to the whole thing a bit too.
Yes! Concrete Blonde! Love them too 💕💕
Love the Tanya stomp.
👍👍🤣👍👍
Lol pretty interesting
I don`t like it.....she looks like a farm girl
@@agt462 YOU look like a farm girl.... idk lol
@@jameskennedy7307 call the fire department!
I just love the way Tanya high struts around the stage ! Reminds mw so much of the 90's. Their music made the Hair Bands look real embarrassing.
The 80’s and 90’s were a blast!
Excellent.
Great!!!!
Saw this band back in the day...1995
Rock/pop music was great back then. OK, she seemed a bit nervous for this performance, but the studio version is great!
Agreed. Not one of her better performances. She was better as a studio musician. Some people just are.
Remember when I saw the Cure live. They were 10 times better than studio work.
Great fucking song. I miss the 90s so much.
Great clip :D Thanks!
Wow she is beautiful and talented.
Ok, Im gonna say it. WHAT THE FUCK IS WITH THE STOMPING DANCING?!?!!?!
She has problems in the metal cavity
Thank you for posting, I remember when this came out, then the Pixie merger. Always been a fan of the band, & they needed exposure at that time, but they do rehearse with Paul & the others. The only thing I can't get past is.....Letterman's band's background vocals SUCKED. She is a rocker & has such a sweet voice, they just COULD NOT HARMONIZE. If you can't keep up, step aside.
Tanya's not the easiest singer to harmonize with if you're a dude. Where was this magic backup singer supposed to come from for a single performance? I think they did OK. The background vox are low in the mix anyway.
@@chuckschillingvideos Fair enough bro. We all have our opinions & musical taste is very personal. This reminds me of very early SNL musical performances (70-80's). My friends & I would stay up late to watch. And we were almost always disappointed by the sound quality or performance (check the Clash out).
My point was the band was seeking exposure at that time. I guess there is no such thing as bad publicity. And Paul Schaefer was the one in charge. Hopefully, I'd have the guts to mention the backing vocals were off key in rehearsal. I wasn't there & don't know how it went down. If Will had said, "It's an honor to back you up on vocals." I couldn't say, "Dude, you're off key."
I am really stoked to be able to go online and watch these old performances from a time when we had to use videocassette recorders, or rent a videotape, to watch it again.
Anyone know what model guitar Tanya is playing here?
Looks like some sort of SG or certainly SG inspired. It's a thing of beauty..
I've seen her play a lot of really cool, unusual guitars through the years. Not sure what she's playing here but in the Gepetto she plays a beautiful Hank Marvin model Burns.
Gibson SG-Z
@KevyNova You were close - it's an SG 90. I finally found it by looking up SG-Z's so thank you!
@@FlameFlickers you’re right, it’s an SG 90 Double! I was looking at the inlays, pickguard, pickups and control layout, all of which are the same. All that’s missing is the lightning bolt where the strings come through the body. Gibson is always making guitars that are almost identical but have different names.
Wow!
Bigger than the Ohio state band? Letterman is a fucking genius.
there isnt anyone who can give her proper backing vocals,she's too unique!
Sure there is. And her name is Kristin Hersh.
@@chuckschillingvideos I don't think they've ever met..
@@FlameFlickers You might want to do some research. Just a little.
@@chuckschillingvideos that's where it all began. Under the Texas sun.
could not agree with you more..seems like pauls guitarist/back up singer was trying to out sing her
I understand why they use house musicians but watching Belly without Gail is like watching The Beatles without Paul.
She wasn't a songwriter or really a vocalist.
Gail wasn't in the band yet.
Awesome!! Just fukin awesome!!! 👍
Those bands paved the way for these new "kids" i love them all... long list! Ill leave out your favorite so ill not even start.
Wowsa. Lots going on to ruin this. They should have just let Tanya do this acoustic. Hey... she looked great :)
great
Were's the rest of the band?
Take yer hat off boy when yer takin to me-Melania T
Dave and Conan always had the best musical guests. I've always felt like Paul and Max had something to do with that, I don't know if that's actually true, but that's what I tell myself. But I really dig it especially when Paul joins in! Both shows have introduced me to many new bands/artists and entertained me musically for many, many years!
Love Belly / Tonya was a HUGE fan and agree why did they let Paul F this up ugh
I used to work with a band like them and I've toured if they don't have a drummer. Im looking for a drum job. I'm ur man!! Let them know
I'll let them know lol
Few things:
- what's with Tanya and the guitarist walking onstage before lol? Were they trying to make that a "thing"?
- man I miss opaque nylons
- "new band Belly" made me sad. 1 year and another terrific album later they became that "old band"
- that friggin stomp lol.
I think think walking onstage thing had to do with the fact that for many years, Letterman's band was the backing band for nearly all (if not all) of the musical acts, instead of having the actual band play. That always annoyed me a bit, and fortunately he ended that practice either right after he moved to CBS or fairly soon after
I have nothing but respect for Tanya Donelly !
Who is that Goofball that decided to make this a duet ?
If you're referring to the bass player, that's Will Lee, who is acknowledged as one of the best players on the planet. He appears to be reading this chart down, vocals included. Whoever had the idea to forego rehearsal I don't know, but good luck to YOU on getting to a position of being the bassist in a band on the most popular late-night talk show of its generation and reading a chart live.
@@tomshea8382 Well stated, Tom, and I have no memory of why I made the comment four years ago. I'll watch the video again, and get back with you.
@@tomshea8382 Okay. I have nothing but respect for Paul and Will as musicians. This track is the only time I can recall that Will attempted to sing. And I love the album, Star. There are no male vocals on it at all. Why did the guys sing along with Tanya ?
@@BigElCat Again, no idea, but I would expect Tanya Donnelly was OK with it, at least in theory.
sound is really weird, really off, on this
Off key?
And yet.... Here you are listening to it.
Tanya Donelly ❤️
Longbox!
Big Throwing Muses / Belly week on my Spotify
Why is it just half of the band?
Up next Liquid Television
Tonya Donnely is a goddess
Tanya knows how to dress.
I am proud to be GenX!
Well just because they are girls does not make them cooler.
and you did not mention the Breeders, who I happen to love since I love Kim Deal....and yes, Kurt loved those bands, but that is not what we were talking about. I Enjoyed L7 and Bikini Kill and the Breeders (the breeders were the best of that group for me, easily)
Being girls does not simply make them cooler than the bands I mentioned, any more than being boys would make some lame band like Milli Vanilli better than the Breeders.
like FZ's Thingfish ??
Hoping I can feed a tree someday…
I absolutely LOVE Belly, and was fortunate to see them back in the 90's. But I've always found this performance to be a bit unflattering.
I love that Letterman's band played and sang with the visiting guest musicians. That doesn't happen anymore.
I hated it. They should just let the guest band members play themselves.
@@soulcrusher518agree, they can’t sing
I guess the rest of "Belly" had to work their day jobs that night.
J HighThat was when Lame Ass Paul Shaffer and his ego band wouldn't let artists bring their bands to play with them
Thrunavulax Tenticle I guess the NYC musicians union was pretty tough on non-union musicians just showing up on national TV.......lol.
Was that the reason? Because from what I remember during that time, they did it to every band. Any case, talent stomped on by industry to the point where bands like this are extinct. Today's music is devoid of home gown talent that thrived in the 90s. We got Gaga Brittany Swifted soulless machine product for the masses to consume, and all the kids want to be murican idols. Maybe Tanya's daughter and her gen will be wise to the process and let their souls shine. :)
Thrunavulax Tenticle NYC unions are notoriously thuggish, so I wouldn't be surprised if they did "twist a few arms" to ensure their dues paying musician members played all the high profile gigs at that time.
Fred Abong was their original bassist but left the band shortly after Star was finished, so really the only member absent here at this time was Chris Gorman, the drummer. Gail wasn't around yet. You'll notice there's no bass player in the Feed The Tree video because of this. Still strange.
💗 Tanya's gold lame dress here😘😘😘
🤤😍😍😍oh, Tonya🤤😍😍🙂
Shawn Michaels in Belly....I didn`t know....
Love the song, and Tonya but the bands harmonies were way too loud, drowning her out.
The Paul Schaefer people should not have been injected into this performance for any reason, It was a unwelcome intrusion with off key un-professionalism tainting the quality of an excellent song. I'm surprised Belly allowed this travesty to occur.
That stray bit of hair across her face ... so beautiful
I'd give anything to see Tanya feed the tree!
+petemclinc hahaha me too!!!
Before Gail Greenwood.
I've fed a lot o' trees in my life on this oval spaceship of ours.
Such a great song but letterman’s crew didn’t mix this well at all
LOL, it's only 1/2 of Belly, they shoulda had a whole Belly.
And this year's winner of London's 'Silly Walk' competition.....BELLY!
Absolutely love Belly but this is not one of their better live performances
I agree... Not a great performance and something tells me Tanya's mom called the next day and asked her if she forgot to wear a slip under her dress (not that I'd complain mind you).
Well, it was only half (or, perhaps two thirds, depending upon when this was recorded) of Belly. Chris Gorman isn't here. I'm not sure about the timing of Gail Greenwood's joining the group but I suspect she had not yet joined, since she was also not included in the Feed the Tree video. In any case, they're playing with a rhythm section they'd never met before that day, so in my opinion any faults in the performance should be given a pass.
@@chuckschillingvideos is that not Chris Gorman on the house band's kit?
@@jackjude Impossible to tell for sure, since both he and Anton Fig have had similar long hairstyles, but I rather doubt it since he is given absolutely no time on camera. And I don't think it really sounds like him all that much either. Not to mention, Dave didn't even look his way after the performance, whereas a point to shake Tonya and Tom's hands. You'll also note that the band goes right into the next tune (drummer included) as the scene ends. Do you really think they would have asked Chris to learn that?
No, it makes much more sense that Chris is NOT here, for whatever reason.
That leg bending thing is weird.
I read she liked to drink red wine before playing live for her nerves and to make it more fun. I didn't like the backing vocal guy in this, she'd probably sound better singing it alone and someone's guitar went out of tune. But I can forgive it all cuz of her hotness.
That was awkward
It sure sounded unrehearsed
Cooler b/c they are girls not b/c the music is better but some some songs are. Kurt loved l7 and the breeders
Break me off a piece of that kit Kat barrrrrr
Paul Schaffer ruined this
How did Paul Schaffer ruin this?
His backup vocals were trash.
Oh, I had forgotten how much he used to annoy me!
I liked Dave, but despised that the bands couldn't play ensemble. Bullshit!
Scott Ballard a SIDE EFFECT from the NBC rules of following Johnny that Paul couldn't have a full band and had to interact with the bands sometimes meaning not ALL members would be on display!
Tanya Donelly looks like Christine Baranski with this hairstyle.
Will Lee and that other dude destroyed that performance. Horrible backing vocals and "harmonies."
wow... i love this song - but i Hate this version! :)
My friend must have a different opinion of what an ugly girl is? The first time I heard this song, I remember saying:"if this girl looks have as sexy as her voice, I'm liable to start stalking." My friend (from the UK) said "you had better just paint an image or you will really be let down." He went on to say far worse. Not only do I still love her voice (although not as much on Letterman), she is ANYTHING but "the giant letdown," I was warned about.
+keith moon get new friends. Yours are broken.
poor thing, pooooor thing. do you have a sister?
This would have been great if it was just her singing
It's funny when she tries to dance lol
Saw them once, not great live.
These groups were just lyrical, chill music. Not for 80s style rock concerts.
They were frigging awesome! Radiohead opened for them too.
DL does not look like the old fart he is today. That guy is a bitter old man....Belly=greatness!
Starts at 0:40. You're welcome.
They sure did suck live.
Generous? NO!
Tanya sounds great but the backing vocals are terrible lol.
a bit of elaine benis in those dance moves lol
She always looks like she has to pee
is this a post to amp people up and get a response?
cuz bikini kill and L7 are probably the coolest punk/metal/grunge bands ever.
also...Distillers, Kittie and million other female acts.
but carry on on your women hate theme which grows like a tumor.
Delete Spotify!
Flat
Agree... She was pretty weak at the beginning of the song. Maybe it was nerves.
Wow looks great but her singing is really flat..horrible harmonies..could be nerves but sounds not like the recorded version .. disappointing.