The Lemonheads returned to late-night television this week with their first appearance in nearly three decades, performing two songs on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Tuesday.
The Boston-formed alternative rock band, led by singer and guitarist Evan Dando, played “Roky” from their new album “Love Chant,” as well as “My Drug Buddy” from their 1992 album “It’s a Shame About Ray.”
“Our next guests are here with a tribute to the late rock icon Roky Erickson,” — known as one of the architects of psychadelic music. Fallon told viewers, “Performing ‘Roky’ from their new album ‘Love Chant,’ the Lemonheads!”
Fallon joined the band onstage to sing backup vocals on “My Drug Buddy.”
“Unbelievable!” Fallon said at the end. “I’m honored. The Lemonheads! That’s how you do it, right there!”
According to Stereogum, this marked the first late-night booking for the Lemonheads since they appeared on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” in 1996.
“Love Chant,” released last fall, is the band’s first album of new material since 2006. The Lemonheads formed in 1986 and gained recognition for blending punk energy with melodic pop hooks.
The group achieved commercial success after signing with Atlantic Records and releasing “It’s a Shame About Ray,” which served up a melodic, alternative rock style that incorporated elements of folk, country and jangle pop — a style known for its bright, ringing guitar sound.