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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
All the guys are thinking ' come on girl, this is our big break on TV and you pick now to act like a freak and sing like one too?' And....they were one hit wonders from this day into history. Too bad...
While I do not agree at all with the anti-woman slant of the previous poster, come on....Bikini Kill and L7 cooler than the Sex Pistols, Black Flag, Nirvana, Soundgarden & Black Sabbath? Just, no. As for the Distillers, I am a big fan of Brody Dalle and find her far superior to both Bikini Kill and L7.
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.
I love this song too, but as a poster on another clip of this song said, "She can't sing for toffee". I saw Belly perform live once and I could tell that Tanya was throating it.
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH There's several videos here on YT of her singing live with Kristin Hersh of Throwing Muses (Tonya was also in the band at different times) and she can sing live just fine. But I agree she's really flat early in this performance, then is overdoing it later on and at the end. The backing vocals are just horrible though. WTF is up with that bassist?
20 years later and Tanya Donelly still fascinates me.
It's now 30 years later. Does she still fascinate you?
@@davidvillano1566 Absolutely!
Same here
She is so BEAUTIFUL
Ok but she would probably prefer to be remembered for her music.
2024 anyone?
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
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.
"...I'll only hurt you in my dreams...." one of rock's all time best lyrics.....good on ya', Tanya
Belly was magic
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.
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!
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!
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.
What an amazing moment ... love her!
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 💕💕
How awesome was that! Nice smile at the end...
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.
Remember when indie music was called college radio?
Only in America.
In Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand etc, it was still indie music.
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
@@mcdazz2011 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.
Wow she is beautiful and talented.
phenomenal song.
Saw this band back in the day...1995
Great!!!!
Great clip :D Thanks!
Excellent.
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.
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
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.
great
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!
And yet.... Here you are listening to it.
Awesome!! Just fukin awesome!!! 👍
Ok, Im gonna say it. WHAT THE FUCK IS WITH THE STOMPING DANCING?!?!!?!
She has problems in the metal cavity
Longbox!
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 am proud to be GenX!
Bigger than the Ohio state band? Letterman is a fucking genius.
Tonya Donnely is a goddess
Up next Liquid Television
Love Belly / Tonya was a HUGE fan and agree why did they let Paul F this up ugh
That stray bit of hair across her face ... so beautiful
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.
💗 Tanya's gold lame dress here😘😘😘
🤤😍😍😍oh, Tonya🤤😍😍🙂
Hoping I can feed a tree someday…
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'd give anything to see Tanya feed the tree!
+petemclinc hahaha me too!!!
I've fed a lot o' trees in my life on this oval spaceship of ours.
Shawn Michaels in Belly....I didn`t know....
Take yer hat off boy when yer takin to me-Melania T
Tanya knows how to dress.
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.
Wowsa. Lots going on to ruin this. They should have just let Tanya do this acoustic. Hey... she looked great :)
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.
a bit of elaine benis in those dance moves lol
Before Gail Greenwood.
could not agree with you more..seems like pauls guitarist/back up singer was trying to out sing her
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?
Were's the rest of the band?
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
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.
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
like FZ's Thingfish ??
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!
Tanya Donelly looks like Christine Baranski with this hairstyle.
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.
Break me off a piece of that kit Kat barrrrrr
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.
That was awkward
It sure sounded unrehearsed
sound is really weird, really off, on this
Off key?
It's funny when she tries to dance lol
Starts at 0:40. You're welcome.
Cooler b/c they are girls not b/c the music is better but some some songs are. Kurt loved l7 and the breeders
Love the song, and Tonya but the bands harmonies were way too loud, drowning her out.
Such a great song but letterman’s crew didn’t mix this well at all
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.
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.
wow... i love this song - but i Hate this version! :)
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.
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!
DL does not look like the old fart he is today. That guy is a bitter old man....Belly=greatness!
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.
This would have been great if it was just her singing
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.
poor thing, pooooor thing. do you have a sister?
Generous? NO!
Flat
Agree... She was pretty weak at the beginning of the song. Maybe it was nerves.
Tanya sounds great but the backing vocals are terrible lol.
Will Lee and that other dude destroyed that performance. Horrible backing vocals and "harmonies."
All the guys are thinking ' come on girl, this is our big break on TV and you pick now to act like a freak and sing like one too?' And....they were one hit wonders from this day into history. Too bad...
While I do not agree at all with the anti-woman slant of the previous poster, come on....Bikini Kill and L7 cooler than the Sex Pistols, Black Flag, Nirvana, Soundgarden & Black Sabbath?
Just, no.
As for the Distillers, I am a big fan of Brody Dalle and find her far superior to both Bikini Kill and L7.
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.
Early 90's ahltayohnayotive was so pretentious
They sure did suck live.
Out of tune backing vocals.
Paul and the band ruin this song with their vocals
Wow looks great but her singing is really flat..horrible harmonies..could be nerves but sounds not like the recorded version .. disappointing.
the single of this was good but she can not sing live and not just this live version. out of tune.
I love this song too, but as a poster on another clip of this song said, "She can't sing for toffee". I saw Belly perform live once and I could tell that Tanya was throating it.
There's of video of Belly on Jon Stewart singing Gepetto, and her voice is quite good live. Not this Letterman performance though, agreed.
Reece Gricewich comment not 4 u
HerrNilssonTheMonkey fuck off
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH There's several videos here on YT of her singing live with Kristin Hersh of Throwing Muses (Tonya was also in the band at different times) and she can sing live just fine. But I agree she's really flat early in this performance, then is overdoing it later on and at the end. The backing vocals are just horrible though. WTF is up with that bassist?
Tanya was extremely talented but she always sounded terrible live.
Sounds awful. Terrible live band.