Paul Shaffer Talks Life After ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’

What exactly happens to the staff of a late night talk show when the host calls it quits? Well, if you're David Letterman's sidekick Paul Shaffer, it doesn't seem like too much will change. He'll just have a little more free time –– that's all!

Shaffer has been Letterman's music director, and a large part of the show's comedy, for over three decades, so when the legendary comedian announced that he'll be stepping down from The Late Show with David Letterman spot, it left many wondering what would be happening to Shaffer.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the CBS Orchestra frontman stated, "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."

So, until that time comes, just what is in store for the band? Well, the pianist admits that he has a few ideas swirling around. "[Bassist] Will Lee, who is the only musician who's been with us since day one, said we should start playing the songs again that we were playing those first weeks, like [Smokey Robinson & The Miracles'] 'Tears of a Clown.' I thought that was a good idea and we'll start doing that."

Just after Letterman's announcement that he'll be leaving the CBS show, the networked stated they'll be bringing in Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert to fill the spot. On the role, the Colbert Report host said, "I'm thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth."

Over the years, Shaffer has sat as the musical director for not only The Late Show but also the likes of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the 1996 Olympic Games. As of next year? We'll have to wait and see!

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David letterman, Stephen Colbert