WRONG! Craig’s band is Alfredo Sauce and the Shy Fellas.
Letterman changed this a while back. He names a guest or two, introduces the band and they cut to commercial. He’s at his desk when he comes back. He thanks the band after many breaks as they end their number.
It is just plain polite to thank the band. No deeper reason is needed.
It’s cheaper than paying them more. “Employees appreciate recognition more than mere money,” was the cornerstone of all the Quality and Teamwork training I got in the '90s.
musicians have been playing hardball on their contracts since the hits they took on the phonograph and talkies.
Besides all the other reasons mentioned, a band that doesn’t feel like it’s getting any recognition has less incentive to play well. It’s an extension of the “politeness” answer others have given; you should be polite to your co-workers, because you depend on them to do their job well and not just go through the motions.
Yup. There may be more to it, but this is the main and original reason, I’m confident.
It’s also less work for the director.
Most musicians are happy to get a gig. Only stars get a chance to “play hardball”. They’re so easily replaced: for every opening, there are dozens of talented people hoping to fill it.
Write an email to Ferguson asking him. Geoff might even have a “place” in your home town.
I can totally see that, and it makes me laugh every time I think about it.