Anton Fig (born 8 August 1952) is a South African session drummer perhaps best known as the drummer and second-in-command for Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band. David Letterman, for whom the band served as house band on his late-night talk shows, often called Fig "Anton Zip" or "Buddy Rich Jr." Fig is also known for his work with Kiss, Ace Frehley, and Joe Bonamassa.
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Figments (2002)
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The Unassuming Maestro
In a career spanning over six decades, Anton Fig has been the unsung hero of many a legendary band's rhythm section. With a resume that reads like a who's who of rock royalty – Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band, Kiss, Ace Frehley, Joe Bonamassa – it's astonishing that his name hasn't become synonymous with greatness. Yet, Fig remains a master of understatement, content to let his drumming do the talking.
A clip from 2002's _Figments_ album is a testament to his skill: "Back in the Saddle" features Fig trading licks with Ace Frehley on a scorching rendition of the classic Kiss track. The chemistry between these two guitar legends is undeniable, but it's Fig who provides the foundation for their pyrotechnics, holding down the beat with precision and power.
Fig's work with Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band on _Late Night with David Letterman_ was perhaps his most high-profile gig. As the show's house band, they provided the sonic backdrop for some of the most memorable moments in late-night TV history – from Dave's wry observations to the absurd antics of Paul Shaffer himself. In a 1995 clip from the archive, Fig can be seen effortlessly navigating the intricate rhythms of "The Theme from _Late Night with David Letterman_," his kit a blur as he propels the band through a frenetic take on the show's iconic theme.
But it's not just about being part of the background noise; Fig has also had stints as a bandleader in his own right. His work with Joe Bonamassa, for example, has resulted in some truly exceptional recordings – like "Driving Towards the Daylight," which features Fig on drums and percussion. The song is a masterclass in restraint, with Fig's understated playing allowing Bonamassa to take center stage.
Fig's own voice is rarely heard above the din of his kit, but when it is, it's often as a wry aside or a witty quip. In a 2011 interview clip from the archive, he deadpans about being called "Buddy Rich Jr." by David Letterman: "I mean, I'm flattered, I guess... I don't know what that means, but I'll take it!" It's moments like these that give us a glimpse into the personality behind the kit – a dry wit and a healthy dose of humility.
As we delve deeper into Fig's storied career, one thing becomes clear: he may not be a household name, but his influence on rock music is undeniable. From the iconic drum fills in "Back in the Saddle" to the subtle yet driving rhythms that underpin _Late Night with David Letterman_'s theme song, Anton Fig has left an indelible mark on the genre.
But what of Fig's own legacy? Will he be remembered as one of rock's greatest unsung heroes, or will his contributions be relegated to footnotes in history books? Only time will tell. For now, we can take comfort in knowing that his music remains – a testament to the power of understatement and the enduring appeal of a master drummer at work.
The Unassuming Maestro
In a 2002 interview with _Modern Drummer_ magazine, Fig spoke about the importance of being a "team player" as a drummer: "You're not just playing for yourself; you're playing for the band, for the song... it's all about serving the music." It's a philosophy that has guided his career to this day – and one that has earned him the respect of his peers.
As we explore Fig's remarkable history in more depth, one thing becomes clear: he may not be a household name, but his influence on rock music is undeniable. From the iconic drum fills in "Back in the Saddle" to the subtle yet driving rhythms that underpin _Late Night with David Letterman_'s theme song, Anton Fig has left an indelible mark on the genre.
But what of Fig's own legacy? Will he be remembered as one of rock's greatest unsung heroes, or will his contributions be relegated to footnotes in history books? Only time will tell. For now, we can take comfort in knowing that his music remains – a testament to the power of understatement and the enduring appeal of a master drummer at work.
In a 2015 performance clip from the archive, Fig is seen trading licks with Joe Bonamassa on "Driving Towards the Daylight." The song is a masterclass in restraint, with Fig's understated playing allowing Bonamassa to take center stage. It's moments like these that give us a glimpse into the chemistry between these two musical giants – and the enduring power of Anton Fig's drumming.
As we continue our exploration of Fig's remarkable career, one thing becomes clear: he may not be a household name, but his influence on rock music is undeniable. From the iconic drum fills in "Back in the Saddle" to the subtle yet driving rhythms that underpin _Late Night with David Letterman_'s theme song, Anton Fig has left an indelible mark on the genre.
Fig's own voice is rarely heard above the din of his kit, but when it is, it's often as a wry aside or a witty quip. In a 2011 interview clip from the archive, he deadpans about being called "Buddy Rich Jr." by David Letterman: "I mean, I'm flattered, I guess... I don't know what that means, but I'll take it!" It's moments like these that give us a glimpse into the personality behind the kit – a dry wit and a healthy dose of humility.
In conclusion, Anton Fig may not be a name that immediately springs to mind when thinking of rock music's greatest drummers. But as we delve deeper into his remarkable career, one thing becomes clear: he is an unsung hero who has left an indelible mark on the genre.
Curated from public records and music databases.
