Elvis Costello pitched himself as Colbert’s house bandleader

Singer Elvis Costello revealed that he once pitched himself and his band, the Impostors, to serve as the house band for ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ before the program launched in 2015.

Speaking on the ‘Rolling Stone Music Now’ podcast, Costello described the offer as an impulsive decision driven by his admiration for how The Roots have managed their careers and personal lives while serving as the house band for ‘The Tonight Show’. He noted that he felt a sense of continuity with the role, citing his father, a BBC radio dance band singer, and jazz musician Branford Marsalis as predecessors in similar positions.

Although Costello stated there were serious discussions regarding the role, he ultimately realized the arrangement would not be feasible. He noted that he was the only member of the Impostors living in New York, while other members, such as keyboardist Steve Nieve, are based in France.