Jon Stewart has a secret life that involves a drum kit and rock and roll swagger, and he just shared the full story on The Daily Show. The 62-year-old comedy icon revealed to his audience that he has taken up drumming as a serious hobby and, even more remarkably, has joined a band called Church and State™. This unexpected venture highlights a different, more relaxed side of the famous political satirist, who began taking lessons after his first departure from The Daily Show in 2015.
The band features Stewart’s drum teacher, Andy Bova, alongside singer Rick Barry, and bassist Jim Bova, and they have been quietly gigging around New Jersey. Church and State™ recently took their low-key rock grooves to the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park for a high-profile show, proving Stewart is serious about his pursuit. Though they keep a deliberately low profile and typically only rehearse once a week, the band is already reportedly working on their debut album, channeling Stewart’s punk roots from his days as a bartender at Trenton’s legendary rock club, City Gardens.