Friday, January 27th, 2012
On October 30, 2002, after Zevon’s terminal mesothelioma diagnosis, he was featured on The Late Show with David Letterman as the only guest for the entire hour. The band played “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” as his introduction. Zevon performed several songs and spoke at length about his illness. Zevon was a frequent guest and occasional substitute bandleader on Letterman’s television shows since Late Night first aired in 1982. He noted, “I may have made a tactical error in not going to a physician for 20 years”. It was during this broadcast that Zevon first offered his oft-quoted insight on facing death: “Enjoy every sandwich”. He also took time to thank Letterman for his years of support, calling him “the best friend my music’s ever had”. For his final song of the evening, and his final public performance, Zevon performed “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner” at Letterman’s request. In the green room after the show, Zevon presented Letterman with the guitar that he always used on the show, with a single request: “Here, I want you to have this, take good care of it”. Part 4: Warren performing a beautiful “Roland” for David Letterman. It was his last performance! To watch the whole show, follow that link: www.youtube.com
Tags: David, Gunner, Headless, last, Letterman, Part, Roland, show, Thompson, Warren, Zevon
January 27th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Goodnight, Mr. Zevon.
January 27th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
@Booberry82 … Nice one ! … 2 classic songs, for sure … Can’t help but notice the war and weapons theme going on there … interesting choices … Anyway, she obviously has great taste in music, so you must have been a good influence on her … Cheers ! … Wayne
January 27th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Who says you can’t teach kids anything these days? My 6 year old daughter’s favorite two songs are Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner and Tommy Gun by the Clash.
January 27th, 2012 at 11:17 pm
One of Warren’s greatest songs, and performed beautifully here, despite his advanced medical condition. The fact that it was his final publicly performed song gives it extra poignancy. You can tell that when Dave shakes his hand and thanks him at the end of the song, he is really feeling the iminent loss of his good friend.
A real lump in the throat moment … unforgettable … Wayne
January 27th, 2012 at 11:40 pm
RIP Warren Zevon
may you rest in peace….salute
January 27th, 2012 at 11:59 pm
Gone from us far too soon…
January 28th, 2012 at 12:22 am
a class act. Hell of a guy.
January 28th, 2012 at 12:39 am
Enjoy every sandwich!
January 28th, 2012 at 1:05 am
hell ya Warren!
January 28th, 2012 at 1:31 am
Superbe! merci Alain!
January 28th, 2012 at 2:30 am
Classic! Nice Post!
January 28th, 2012 at 2:43 am
Hello Alain ! great song from Warren ! best wishes from Karen
)
January 28th, 2012 at 3:06 am
Great video of one of the greatest.
Hope you have a wonderful week, Alain, I’m going camping. Janet
January 28th, 2012 at 3:58 am
Cool!
January 28th, 2012 at 4:10 am
Nice Upload Thank You For Sharing
This With Me….Love PATRICIA! Warm hugs