Top 10 David Letterman Musical Moments
Since his "Late Night with David Letterman" debut in 1982, ol' Dave has provided network TV shelter for hundreds of bands who might otherwise be locked out of mainstream TV. In truth, a good deal of the credit has to go to Sheila Rogers, Letterman's longtime music producer (and longtime partner of New York impresario, Hal Willner; more on him in another post). Regardless, the Letterman crew airs some of the best music on TV.
So while Dave is sleeping in the dog house, here's a Top 10 List of Letterman Musical Guests to keep him company.
R.E.M.
The Athens band was raking up best new artist awards from nearly every music magazine when they made their national television debut on Letterman's October 6, 1983 episode. It's hard to remember there was a time with Michael Stipe had hair and mumbled.
Warren Zevon
The late, great singer-songwriter had a deep friendship with Dave and his band. Shortly after being diagnosed with inoperable cancer in 2002, Zevon appeared as Dave's only guest for his final public appearance. He played "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner" at Dave's request and gave his parting advice, "enjoy every sandwich." Zevon died less than a year later.
Paul McCartney
The last time Paul McCartney stepped into the Ed Sullivan Theater, he was making his U.S. debut with his upstart band from England. Earlier this year, McCartney came back to play some Beatles hits. Only this time, he took to the roof (or the marquee) so all of midtown New York could see the show.
Sonny & Cher
The long-divorced duo hadn't made an appearance together in eight years when they came onto Dave's show in 1987. Cher had a sore throat and couldn't remember some of her cues but it was still history in the making. Their affection for each other was palpable. The Letterman appearance would be their last. Bono died in a skiing accident in 1998.
U2
Determined to control the airwaves the week of their album's release ("No Line on the Horizon"), the Irish band booked a residency on Letterman's show. U2's March 2009 five-night stand marked the first time the Dave allowed a single band to play all week. It also prompted Jay Leno to quickly copy the move. Prince played for four nights on "The Tonight Show" a few weeks later.
Madonna
Madonna has had a famously flirtatious and often contentious relationship with Dave over the years. In 1994, she greeted the host by giving him a pair of her panties. It took her six years to come back (she wouldn't discuss the panties). This time she did something she hadn't done before: she played guitar for first time. Frankly, her panties were more exciting.
Antony & the Johnstons
Ever the tastemaker, Letterman booked the recent Mercury Prize winner on a 2005 episode. It was Antony's network TV debut and typically stirring. No one would be brave enough to book the gentle, androgynous giant in prime-time.
Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir
The head Deadheads played Dylan's "When I Paint My Masterpiece." It's a miracle they brought it in under five minutes. Afterwards, the two sat down for an interview to gloat about their first platinum album, "In the Dark," and display Bob Weir's magic skills.
Bruce Springsteen
Dave aired his last NBC broadcast of "Late Night with David Letterman on June 25, 1993. The Boss came out to make his first Letterman appearance and close out the show with "Glory Days." Check out his one-legged yoga guitar moves.
KISS
The Kiss Karnival came to Letterman's stage earlier this month to mark the release of the band's new album "Sonic Boom." Smoke and pyrotechnics have never looked so good on the Ed Sullivan stage. It's also the best KISS has sounded in years. Dave makes everyone young again. Especially the interns.
