TV Live: Portishead -"Chase the Tear" (Fallon 2011)

About This Footage

The 2011 performance of "Chase the Tear" by Portishead on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is a rare and intriguing addition to the archive. This six-minute clip offers a unique glimpse into the band's live setup during this period.

Portishead's decision to perform on late-night television was not an unusual move for the time, but it does provide context for their continued relevance in the 2010s. The band had been relatively quiet since their third studio album, "Third", released in 2001. Their return to the public eye was marked by a few high-profile performances and a reissue of their earlier work.

The Fallon appearance is notable not only because it showcases Portishead's live abilities but also because it highlights the band's ability to adapt to new surroundings. Performing on late-night television often requires a different level of energy and showmanship than more traditional music venues, and Portishead seems to have risen to this challenge.

One aspect that stands out about this performance is the use of visuals. The clip features the band performing in front of a large screen displaying images and patterns that complement their music. This emphasis on visual elements was not uncommon for Portishead during this period, as they often incorporated elaborate lighting and video installations into their live shows.

The inclusion of "Chase the Tear" in this performance is also worth noting. The song was released as a single in 2011, part of a series of singles that would eventually be compiled on the album "Portishead". This live rendition offers insight into how the band chose to interpret and perform their newer material.

The context surrounding this clip's upload to YouTube is somewhat unclear. The description provided by the uploader mentions a website called musicitymike.net, but no further information about this site or its connection to the footage is available. Regardless of its origin, the fact that this performance has been shared with a wider audience adds to its significance.

This 2011 performance of "Chase the Tear" serves as a reminder of Portishead's continued relevance and adaptability during this period. As one of the few live performances from this era to be documented and made widely available, it offers a unique perspective on the band's evolution and creative choices during this time.

Curated from public records and music databases.