Adele - Chasing Pavements (Live Debut on The Late Show with David Letterman)

I've had this recorded on my DVR for years and was stunned it wasnt on you tube when i did a search - so I thought I'd share the love...
Needs to be viewed in 16:9 (Dunno if YT will set it up right)

[@Sassyglbeauty]

The world slept on this song. It’s still one of my favorite Adele songs.

[@mandymerlin1649]

Sadly, it's because people in America mistook the lyrics for chasing "gay men." radio stations soon took it off the air and it only peaked at #21 in America. Still received recognition at the Grammy's with 3 nominations and a win. But I agree, it's one of my favorite Adele singles.

[@jankyme]

@@mandymerlin1649 sad indeed--- as in that comment was sad

[@mandymerlin1649]

@@jankyme This page has info on the song... Scroll down to the part talking about "Controversy" and it says it right there. adele.fandom.com/wiki/Chasing_Pavements_(song)

[@jankyme]

@@mandymerlin1649 according to Wikipedia a story appeared online saying that the song was about Adele chasing gay men. This caused some US radio stations to drop the song from their playlist which stalled the song at #21 on the chart.

[@mandymerlin1649]

@@jankyme Yes.

[@eclarke5773]

The lyrics are about her long walk home after breaking up with her boyfriend. She followed the sidewalk (called "pavements" in England), so that is the essence of "Should I just keep chasing pavements, even if they lead nowhere". The verse is repeated many times, but each time in a different way, using a variety of pace and tone, which is very interesting. I never tire of watching this beautiful performance. After all, this song won the Grammy for Best Female Vocal Performance. Enjoy.

[@alvarezpierce9981]

I remember first seeing the video after its debut. Having recently come out of a relationship, i just cried. WoW. I still remember that. Been a fan ever since. Thank you for posting.

[@Cat-tg8nk]

she is amazing

[@acemoto2319]

Thanks for interesting music 🎶 info... May I ask if this repeated singing is common ?

[@bannor216]

shut up

[@carlaconnor8347]

Get a life

[@Lovejazz01]

I don't think anyone in the room could have dreamed that this wonderful singer from Tottenham England would go on to be the hottest singer worldwide, breaking, no shattering long standing sales records, taking a complete 3,years off out of the spotlight, only to come back bigger and hotter than before, if that was possible, she may have naysayers and haters, but no one cannot deny her worldwide fans and sales domination, especially when she only sells her singing voice and not anything else...." I don't make music for eyes, I make music for ears" - ADELE 2011

[@elenamontenegro5888]

+Lovejazz01 Yes when the talent is real, people can recognize it, and that's the reason she have sell so many albums :D

[@george_fg]

I’m so proud to only live 20 minutes away from where Adele was brought up!

[@MOAB-UT]

After a few bars I think everyone could have guessed it would happen...but I get what you are saying. There are many great singers out there. The odds of success are 1 out of 1,000,000. I love her voice and her humility even more.

[@DebbeCooper]

She's amazing I love her honesty ans sense of humor!!! She's a gift!!❤❤

[@beatricet5682]

I remember watching this live 14 years ago on June 17, 2008. At the time I had never heard of Adele before or her music. I remember being immediately blown away by her voice, how well the song was crafted, and by how young she was at the time. In the introduction, Dave said she was 19 yrs old (soon to be 20). It was most definitely a memorable moment. I didn't hear her sing again until Rolling In The Deep came out as a massive hit. I was thinking, "Oh that's that girl who was on David Letterman. She's made it." And as they say, the rest is history.

[@originaldeftom]

When I first heard "Chasing Pavements" on the radio, I knew that a new superstar was born. I was in the midst of a mini crisis for I was unhappy with work and personal life, then recession hit! So not the best of memories but this song was so strong and poignant!

[@marsescubin4664]

+Thomas Farmer I feel ya

[@inalavalamp]

Camera people nailed that shot at 0:53. It synced up perfectly with the lights, Adele's hands nonchalantly raising up, and her eyes closing. Really gave the chorus something extra, but yet it's so simple. It's like she was in command of the situation with just a flick of her wrists. Goosebumps.

[@33Bin]

I think the one who edited the video for the broadcast already understood what was really happening here.

[@jpandaquig4856]

still my favorite Adele song of all =)

[@lucaslayton3974]

+JP Andaquig yes. no other songs come close.

[@metodabenedicic4966]

+JP Andaquig Mine too ;)

[@leonardokula5742]

absolutely!

[@_lucasrsilva_]

A minha também!😢❤

[@WDJeff]

It's nice to see legitimate talent, like Adele, rising to the top of the pop music world.

[@TacomaPaul]

2016 is going to be the Year of Adele. Hope you had fun Taylor. ;-)

[@whales1237]

Dang , every single comment , the same. I'm starting to question if people's brain actually think the same. Just in case if you didn't know, nothing lasts forever. :)

[@tonyluciano3633]

+TacomaPaul she has the most beautiful voice

[@eurobarbie1311]

Right with you on that comment she dethroned taylor swift I'm glad she did

[@tonyluciano3633]

never did like Taylor Adele rules.

[@racerx6041]

TacomaPaul : It was.😎

[@yt_iman]

I love how she changed the lyrics to "sidewalk" at the end just to amuse the American audience.

[@tibandlacour6443]

+Read This I'm not english , but I got what she was doing when she had changed pavements to sidelwalks

[@TheGjb1952]

Wow you guys are so sharp for catching that. Said no one ever!

[@neilbarnard735]

One language, different Nuance's

[@PlanetC64]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/norCqYJneayZo9k

[@a.ashley5292]

loved it! how sweet of her.

[@vkuolema79]

This has to be the best Adele performance i've seen so far. That drummer has the right groove and its spot on on most portions of the song.

[@SamOwenI]

The drummer was even playing ghost notes at one point. He was really feeling it.

[@philipwhatcott1964]

I came here to praise the drummer. Love Adele and she always has great musicians.

[@shuroom57]

That guitarist takes an equally tasteful approach to his playing. a note here, a note there, finger picking during the bridge.

[@arzpl]

This is what a real voice sounds like . . . _beautiful_

[@DJoy221]

This song was the free song of the week when it first came out on iTunes lol I remember listening to it and loving her voice! It’s a lovely surprise that she’s a huge star now ☺️

[@ProfessorSassypants]

This video helps show just how genuinely Adele is. Her voice is basically the same - no autotuney hocus pocus - eternally beautiful! Her look is the same - perhaps a bit more "mature" now. She's just incredible, so likeable and relatable! :D

[@hannah9184]

when i listen the her live , i prefer it to the studio

[@ProfessorSassypants]

Absolutely! But anyone that has sense is going to know that she's amazing.

[@TheGjb1952]

Do you even know what auto tune is .? Yeah, didnt think so.

[@shawnrobinson2213]

I was so blessed to catch this episode of Letterman that night been a huge fan ever since and so happy of how far she has come!

[@Highpointdecaf]

I love how she drags on "chasing" at 2:47 just a little bit more than any other version of this.

[@TheRhinog24]

Ok

[@luckyshow98]

I love that, makes the performance all the more charming and turns into a operatic performance.

[@corryjookit7818]

@@luckyshow98 I think this one reminds me in several parts of Amy . You all know who I mean. Such a waste of a life. God rest her soul. Amy Winehouse possibly influenced some of this, and it's great.

[@bii-like-bee]

@@luckyshow98 operatic is not the right word to use but it’s very nice

[@coolcat87]

Adele's voice just has that indescribable effect. Especially for anyone who has experienced any kind of heartache.

[@FC-hj9ub]

Her technique and range is very important especially today, she's really perfected it

[@flaviol]

I think will always be my favorite Adele song :(

[@spinking458]

She nails every song live almost every time to her credit, but I really feel like she out did herself here, relatively new to American television at the time, must have been incredibly nervous, but Christ did she knock this out the park. Not a single note missed, absolute perfection & better than the record. Very very special talent. Won’t see another like her for a long time.

[@rubenbarroeta5966]

my heart beats at 10,000 per hour it seems that it is like Migo the thing

[@stevegordon8474]

I haven't heard a voice with such feeling, soul, and power like Adele's since Aretha. Tremendous singer.

[@Jasonstreamline]

I think she is the voice of her generation. No auto-tune, just pure talent!

[@Noomz-of-Earl]

I also taped this performance when it was first broadcast and re-watched it many times, on each occasion bowled over by the power and perfection. I would vote for this as the finest pop song and performance of same this century. The only artist who has come close to this is Adele herself with "Rolling in the Deep."

[@selenam329]

I am in love with the percussion in this performance. There other live performances where the percussion is drowned out by the other instruments, but it adds so much to the song!

[@drod723]

She sings so effortless, it's beautiful! *tear*

[@ms.b9093]

Loved this song when it came out in the summer of 2008. Fast forward to 2021 and Adele is a world class TALENT and SUPERSTAR!!!

[@maryanndavis8580]

Adele...you're amazing. I was stunned when I first heard you sing and the first time I saw the video of this particular song. I love your voice and I can hear your Amy Winehouse vibe. Still love you, Adele. Your new song (Easy on Me) is fantastic and I listen to it over and over. It made me cry on the first listen.

[@diamondnebula_]

she really put her heart and soul into this performance for her debut more than the newer letterman appearance.I love it!

[@bellajuventina]

No man, that's just her. Effortless

[@juliapo1408]

The most beautiful song ❤

[@jellyfish1333]

This is one of my fave performances by her. Dave's reaction says it all.

[@jellyfish1333]

She's nervous yet so smooth

[@road2awe675]

Here watching old Adele videos, remembering when she was my little secret obcession with her album 19.

[@browncharmedpas]

Totally a beautiful, gorgeous woman. Cant stop looking at her face while she sings. She also has a great and witty personality to go with her beautiful face. The best thing about her is that she always sings from the heart.

[@jhlovingiii]

she has reached into my heart and twisted it in a way few have done. her poetry is amazing.

[@lauracruz1617]

Comparto tu opinión ,sus composiciones y la forma que las canta estrujan cualquier corazón ❤️

[@Bloodybear06]

This is my favorite version of Chasing Pavements! I just love the way that dude plays the drums. Awesome!

[@Ozymandi_as]

It's a really enthralling and accomplished performance, startlingly so for a relatively young and inexperienced performer. Her song distilled her story perfectly, but behind the passion there was also an immense poise, that many singers struggle to achieve over decades, and it's one of the cornerstones of her success.

[@janetbriscoe9911]

I'm so proud of Adele , she's come from far to achieve what she has , chasing pavements was my favourite song by her and even better , I'm from the very area she comes from and many personalities were born stars of music and still going strong today .

[@kaikokitosuris]

I just love how that cello player smiles at the beginning. They're all such great people!

[@captainnice9698]

A+ performance. The string section adds so much richness and depth to this song here, like a flower blooming....simply beautiful

[@tombrowne1251]

Absolutely awesome GOD given talent 🙌 🙏 👏

[@ThePerezHilton]

I knew Adele was special from the very beginning!

[@ivetejesusgoncalves9802]

She sings different and makes a difference. It's the best singer of our time. She sings and enchants so that even absent the media she continues to succeed.

[@ivetejesusgoncalves9802]

Falar o que diante dessa voz?

[@timelesspoprocksoul]

My God...that girl is a once-in-a-generation talent, with a style and charm all her own. Oh yeah, and her vocal chops are already Hall Of Fame caliber at age 24. Bless you, Adele.

[@NikiWonoto26]

this is such a very underrated song/music. honestly, *musically*-speaking, this song beats ALL other Adele's songs, even the "Top Hits" ones like "Someone Like You, Fire to the Rain" etc , because this song has much more *richer* melody, harmony, compositions, music arrangements, & orchestrations..! it's just soo beautiful & pleasant to listen to in the ears,.. really eliciting so much Imaginations ! unfortunately/sadly, as always/usual,.. the "Mainstream" public/people's taste somehow always choose/prefer the much "*simpler*" song/music ones ... -from Indonesia -

[@eclarke5773]

+Niki Wonoto Why do you think this song didn't receive attention? Adele won her first Grammy for her performance of this song. I'd say that qualifies as appreciation.

[@bluestar1083]

This was huge one of her biggest hits

[@neilbarnard735]

I think Adele is overrated, but this track exhibits her Vocal range

[@dahliazairina5119]

Wkwkkw lu masih hidup bro

[@paulorben6830]

God...she's so good here. Just being who she is in the moment. Incredible talent. Yes.... beautiful just as she is. Doesn't have to live up to anyone's standards. Wow. So good

[@valeriesmith563]

This woman can sing with feeling! Yes indeed I love this song!

[@heavydutie1]

II remember singing this and telling everyone in the room "this is your next superstar" .

[@TheDusk44]

Adele, Sam Smith and Emeli Sande

[@nexypointy]

oh please sam smith..nahhh

[@TheDusk44]

nexypointy you clearly are deaf

[@cutieprincess431]

This is the song that made me fall in love with her. Ah she is so amazing

[@kellycollier5809]

One only has to look at the face of the strings player to know this was a star in the making.

[@pablovandres]

I agree!! She knew she was in front of something special!

[@oldstories89]

This girl makes me cry. Every single time I watch her sing. Truly phenomenal.

[@grayson89754tombean]

I'm crying right now 😢 listening to Her.

[@ronster369]

Sweet. You get the award for being johnny on the spot. A legend in the making and now we know how it all began. Thank you for sharing.

[@deerossdd]

She gives me chills every single time! And looks fabulous!

[@pinksugar1800]

That is my fav song of Adele so deep

[@wasssup10960]

just so effortless and perfect. She is in absolute control and is so carefree about it.

[@Jasonstreamline]

My god, that is what you call TALENT!!!!!!!

[@likhangmagayon6615]

i really admire her singing techniques. she hits high notes yet still at ease with that.. whew!!

[@SRX2004]

The video for this song is amazing.

[@scribe56]

Wow, she never fails to knock me out -- she is so great. And I love this song.

[@danger689]

This is the first time I heard Adele thanks for posting.

[@felixagyekum]

my fav adele song of all time!

[@MrTawimen]

the drummer go insane at the ending! like it!

[@acosta1503]

My God....not my kind of pop music.....but she's INCREDIBLE!!❤❤❤

[@thearabicmusicland]

Little did anyone know that this cute girl will become a Legend.

[@wmcheung5557]

This is the best version of this song! Love how simple and classy she looks here and of course with that amazing voice!

[@mrbetamax1969]

Nailed it girl. 100% Tottenham.

[@cinderella0576]

i think this girl is simply amazing! she has unique style of singing.

[@FSRain]

I think this song simply tugged all our heartstrings. .. it kept replaying in my head. no matter how many times I hear it, the impact nv lessens

[@Kams-ls4tx]

she has so much sass. I love her. Chasing sidewalks tho.

[@catmay5723]

Watching Oct 2021, Who else????

[@marcoaurelio199]

her eyes are so full of sadness in this video.... beautiful voice

[@tuna9444]

Adele is true to her style and the interpretation of her songs so that we feel what she feels. 😙

[@lilKelso]

i am soooo addicted to this song!!!

[@PoxyBear]

Thank you for sharing this. "Chasing Pavements" is my favorite song of hers and I just love this version! I have been listening to it over and over again.

[@Pipwow]

Thank you very much for sharing her early days, one of the MOST inspirational singers EVER!

[@MsFields919]

I remember seeing this when it originally aired.... she blew me away....have been a fan every since

[@sterlingtx75]

Why am I so ridiculously in love with this woman??

[@AmirHK-if7in]

And a legend was born

[@robbielachance6172]

There are not many singers like Adele, like at all. One of a kind. Actual talent, unlike SO many artists today. Her voice is the real fucking deal.

[@miguelarce4159]

And Adele created a 'Stepping Stone' onto any other performer.....once again........This is HOW IT IS DONE !!!!!!!!!

[@timfrost08]

KABOOOM!! hello America here I am. Instant legend.

[@chira00chira]

This is too beautiful. Bless you, Adele. May you always live a healthy life and produce fantastic songs :D Love from Indonesia

[@deeway1963]

My favorite off of 19...She looks like such a little baby here...thank you so much for the upload. Am a huge fan of Adele's...she is simply the best thing that has happened to modern music in ages!

[@mutzibu1762]

yes! My ears are so exited but to see her sing, is just a delight for the eyes, because you can see her passionate. What a great girl!!!

[@lauracruz1617]

Tanto que decir de este performance ,Adele tiene una voz espectacular y aunque tiene notas altas lo hace sin esfuerzo , todos los musicos estupendos el baterista genial ,la letra de esta cancion atravieza el corazon la interpretacion de otro nivel ,simplemente perfecto ❤

[@marjorierendonm.6990]

ha pasado una gran cantidad de años, y Adele sin duda sigue siendo igual de impresionante

[@Bananadiva1]

Yet another AMAZING live performance from the goddess that is Adele. Top upload. Thanks.

[@gagauta321]

her voice just go through me and beats my heart up

[@shuroom57]

The drummer in this performance is pretty fucking impressive; he holds it all together, at a slow tempo. And the string section, Madonn'! YANKING at your heartstrings. I shouldn't care, but it would be a revelation to all the children weighing in on this comment section with their tedious, boring, predictable fat "jokes" if they could somehow feel the beauty of this one time performance of "Chasing Pavements".

[@dannyfine]

As the poster before, THANK YOU! It's been amazing watching her "grow up" in front of audiences everywhere.

[@malayacristal]

She's so humble.

[@jjveliz10]

Oh my gosh she looks so nervous from back then! I'm so proud of her and knew she would make it big from the moment I first heard this song. A pure voice for a beautiful soul.

[@ekonomikal]

Remember seeing this years ago, so glad someone put it back up on KZbin!

[@thewomaninthemoon]

Adele just keeps getting prettier and prettier,just like her voice.Stunning artist.

[@sapphirebhs]

Thanks for posting. This was on youtube back then and I used to watch it a lot. This was my favorite performance of this song. It was taken down a couple years later. Not sure why but I'm glad it's back!

[@DernLud]

Thanks for re-posting this video. Someone else had it up. Letterman has always liked her. I knew she was the real deal!!

[@MrStefanVidovic]

People are so shallow. Not everyone needs to look like a model to be an amazing person. Adele is one of the most beautiful people in the world. She said it herself; food is like her hobby, and she doesn't intend to change because of a bunch of judgemental people.

[@xtusvincit5230]

Didnt see her on Letterman in 08, but by chance caught her SNL debut. She was so unassuming, yet her voice ...

[@AirQuotes848]

she is a pure singer... a natural... and I do appreciate the lack of props just her her alone...

[@cheskamigo]

Thank you. This is so great during quarantine.

[@Stratokikay]

geez! im supposed to be a rocker and i found myself hooked on this song! grrrr!

[@susanb5058]

Amazing!