The Magic Band has been played on NTS over 140 times, featured on 130 episodes and was first played on 21 November 2012.

The Magic Band is a reformed version of Captain Beefheart's erstwhile backing band, led by "Drumbo" John French, Beefheart's drummer and musical factotum for the bulk of his recording career. It was convened at the urging of longtime Beefheart fan Matt Groening to play at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival he curated in 2003.

The initial lineup had all played in the original Magic Band at one time or another: John French (Drumbo) on vocals, harmonica and drums, Gary Lucas and Denny Walley…