Why Paul Shaffer Was Absent from The Blues Brothers Movie: The Untold Story!

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In the annals of The Blues Brothers lore, Paul Shaffer stands out as an unacknowledged legend. Many contemporary spectators might be more familiar with him as David Letterman’s band leader; however, his musical journey began much earlier. He was a keyboardist for the initial ensemble of the house band on Saturday Night Live, joined the SNL cast briefly during the 1970s, and served as one of the founding members of The Blues Brothers Band. He toured extensively with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.

In the 2024 biopic “Saturday Night,” Paul Rust plays an accomplished musician, but you might be wondering why he’s missing from the iconic 1980 musical film based on SNL characters. The reason for John Belushi’s absence in “The Blues Brothers,” one of the funniest and most exceptional movies of the ’80s, offers an intriguing behind-the-scenes tale and a bittersweet backstory from the set of “The Blues Brothers.

Paul Shaffer Was Forced To Drop Out Of The Blues Brothers Movie

During December 2024, Paul Shaffer made an appearance on comedian Paul Ollinger’s podcast, Reasonably Happy. In this particular episode, they chat about the remarkable formation of The Blues Brothers Band. Towards the end of their conversation, the host delves into a challenging decision that the musician encountered regarding the film, “The Blues Brothers“.

In simpler terms, Shaffer recounts that working on the 1980 concert documentary, “Gilda Live,” with Lorne Michaels and Bob Tischler at the request of his late friend Gilda Radner, who was a significant figure in Saturday Night Live, meant he had to leave The Blues Brothers. This decision displeased another SNL legend.

John Belushi Did Not Take The News Well

Earlier, John Belushi had recommended Shaffer against participating in Radner’s film, so he could focus on their upcoming movie directed by John Landis. Consequently, when he found out that the keyboardist wouldn’t be part of it, he expressed his emotions by releasing a statement to other members of The Blues Brothers Band.

The comedian, who had a reputation for occasional temper, as portrayed by Matt Wood in Saturday Night, essentially kicked out Shaffer from the band they co-founded, stating that Shaffer would “never be a Blues Brother,” according to Shaffer’s recollection to Ollinger. This incident left Shaffer heartbroken, but fortunately, their disagreement proved temporary.

Shaffer Would Reconcile With Belushi And Appear In Blues Brothers 2000

I myself can vouch that the animosity between me and Belushi had subsided prior to our Blues Brothers Band tour. Incredulously, we found ourselves on amicable terms once more before the unfortunate incident of his demise in 1981.

In the passage of time, Shaffer eventually agreed to produce the music for the film “Blues Brothers 2000“, and moreover, he played a minor character as Queen Mousette’s servant (portrayed by Erykah Badu). Many fans believe that this sequel should not have taken place, given Belushi’s absence from reprising his role as Joliet Jake. Nevertheless, it is gratifying to observe Shaffer contributing to its impressive soundtrack.

As a fan, I can’t help but ponder if “The Blues Brothers” could have been more brilliant with Paul Shaffer as part of the cast. His wit might have taken the comedic quotes, like Murphy Dunne’s “I knew a hooker named Minnie Mazolla,” to another level of hilarity. I might revisit the film, currently among the best on Amazon Prime, with this thought in mind and judge for myself.

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2025-02-23 17:07