My Favorite TV Musical Performances

Music on television is often a pretty disappointing affair. When I watch a talk show most of the time I change the channel by the time the musical act takes the stage at the end. Even when it's a band I like they're usually just lip-synching or going through the motions confined by the program's rules and regulations. However, there are some exceptions...


You'd think They Might Be Giants and the Tonight Show band led by Doc Severinsen would be an odd combination but together they did an amazing version of "Birdhouse In My Soul". Love the way the guy with the flattop is bobbing his head along to the music.


After playing "Less Than Zero" for about 10 seconds, Elvis broke into "Radio Radio" a song he'd been forbidden from playing on the air. Lorne Michaels later chased him off the studio and was banned from American television for 5 years.


I can relate a lot to this song. And hell who doesn't like Johnny Cash?


It's so legendary that it's almost a cliche'. Keith Moon fills his drum kit with extra flash powder. Pete Townshend temporarily loses his hearing in the resulting explosion. Bette Davis watching offstage faints into Mickey Rooney's arms.


The Whites Stripes studio version of "Let's Build A Home" is a bit tepid but live on Conan O'Brien they completely killed it. Maybe with a little luck they'll include it on a greatest hits album.