Elvis Costello Reveals He Almost Led the Late Show Band Before Jon Batiste
Elvis Costello disclosed that he seriously considered becoming the bandleader for Stephen Colbert's Late Show in 2015, a role ultimately filled by Jon Batiste. Costello explained that logistical issues, including the need to relocate band members from France, doomed the plan. He also noted that he would likely have been fired within three weeks due to his outspoken nature. The story emerged during a discussion about the show's final episode, where Costello performed with Batiste and Louis Cato.
Key points
- Costello proposed himself for the Late Show bandleader role to Colbert in 2015, initially as a joke but later seriously.
- The plan failed because Costello's band, the Impostors, lived in various locations, including France, making relocation to New York impractical.
- Costello admitted he would have been fired by the network within three weeks, not by Colbert, due to his likely behavior.
- Jon Batiste was selected as the bandleader, a role he held until the show's cancellation in 2026.
- Costello performed on the final episode of Late Show on May 21, 2026, singing 'Jump Up' with Batiste and his successor, Louis Cato.
Background
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert concluded its 11-season run in 2026, with Colbert winning multiple Emmy Awards for the final season. The show's cancellation was part of broader changes in late-night television, with Colbert describing the job as a 'hazardous grind' in recent interviews. Costello's revelation adds a new dimension to the show's history, highlighting the behind-the-scenes decisions that shaped its final years.
Why it matters
This story highlights the behind-the-scenes dynamics of late-night television and the personal choices that shape iconic shows. It also underscores the impact of logistical and personal factors on high-profile appointments, offering a glimpse into the collaborative and sometimes impulsive nature of creative decisions in entertainment.
What to watch
Costello has stated that he will not appear on television again, marking a final retirement from the medium. The Late Show's legacy continues through its Emmy wins and the careers of its former members, including Batiste and Cato. Costello's new box set, My Aim Is True (49th Anniversary Edition), is also being promoted, signaling a focus on his music career.
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