David Letterman’s Favorite Musical Memories from The Late Show

[@KazKcatta]

Wow, Dave behind the desk was heavy. That stopped me dead in my tracks with a huge smile on my face. Kudos to Stephen! You know that meant the world to him.

[@braindedpxl]

I’ll shamelessly admit, I think a teared up…slightly…😂

[@nazfrde]

@@braindedpxl Me too.

[@rattalesbostonrockroll4960]

Me three

[@rillest75]

Me six

[@Hemant.s]

@@braindedpxladd me to the list 🥹

[@Emmeth]

Seeing Dave back behind that desk was honestly magical, it brought back so many memories. What an absolute legend!

[@mrpearson1230]

Absolutely 💯

[@kby87]

i got misty eyed for some reason

[@yaronsteinbuch3956]

Best thing ever!!

[@Wtfiswrongwithyouffs]

Make my heart sing 🥰

[@TheJohnriley07]

Same vibes when Dave let Johnny sit behind the desk 30 years prior... it just feels right.

[@TheTribalgame]

Stephen didn't even let him finish asking. He immediately jumped up. That's respect

[@Choirboy2013]

He got behind the desk and I started weeping. Generations after the 90’s really won’t have such an attachment to last night hosts. This is everything I needed rn.

[@rocketreindeer]

I got choked up too. And seeing him come out onto the stage. I miss that guy and all of them. I felt sad when Rupert retired. Fortunately he's on his KZbin channel quite a bit.

[@staceyison6235]

Samesies❤

[@josefsilvia5360]

Yep. Same.

[@1969EType]

I will never forget when I first started watching him and my Dad came in the room one night, gave Dave 10 seconds and then said, "Oh jeez...this guy is terrible. He'll never last..." and I knew right then Dave was the show made just for me.

[@ohdaUtube]

They will eventually have that for Stephen

[@robertraymond9107]

As a huge fan of the band, I'm so happy to hear he loved Green Day performances, and being scared of Tre Cool is just hilarious

[@nikkireigns]

I’m kind of scared of Tre too 😂 Seeing them for the second time next year!

[@maosato2408]

@ nikkireigns Whenever I see a scene where Tre is scattering drumsticks, I think that must be a little scary. Of course, if I were there, I would overcome my fear and go get it😁

[@ohbusiness]

after seeing this, i went down a rabbit hole of Green Day Letterman performances to see what the heck he was talking about. For YEARS Tre would finish and then immediately do something insane, whether it's sitting in Dave's seat, jumping in a pool, or running into the crowd. And Dave's always like "...is he alright??"

[@beckettmaffei]

Green Day is the goattttt

[@RicoCosta317]

Both men are comedy icons who have brought us so many laughs and so much joy over the years. The term national treasure is used a lot but in this case it's very fitting for these two geniuses.

[@Geeksmithing]

and the National was on the show! :P

[@nancykraus5127]

I grew up watching Carson, and then Dave, a little bit of Leno if he had a guest I really wanted to see, then Stephen. Johnny, Dave. And Stephen are icons. No one is better than these three.

[@Madagon367]

Colbert is a 'national treasure'? Okay.

[@RicoCosta317]

@@Madagon367 Why yes he is. Thanks for asking.

[@DSAK55]

Dave is the modern day Mark Twain

[@j22mattones]

Watching David walk out onto the stage after 8 years gave me chills (in a good way). It was great to see him back in his home after so long. Great job by Steven, keeping the reputation of the Late Show going strong, too. Both are legends in their own right, I love watching them both.

[@TheMonroemomma]

I believe Dave walked out from his traditional host hallway, not the guest hallway.

[@Nobodyety]

I miss that man so much. Dave was the heart and soul of late nite television. Growing up with him in my house will forever stay with me. We Love You Dave!

[@catebrooks6779]

I have NEVER teared up 😢😊 about a former host or really any other guest of this show like I did during this segment... it was beautiful. ❤

[@NewMessage]

That Foo Fighters song on the last show still inspires tears. Like, now.. just thinking of it. Magic tv moment.

[@suzannepottsshorts]

The only ones out there fighting foo...

[@plugboot]

They ripped that song so hard. Loved it. I watch it every month or so.

[@ElectraAlan]

@@suzannepottsshorts And God bless them, if they aren't gonna fight foo, who the hell will?

[@DSAK55]

speaking of tears, on Johnny Carson last show, Bette Midler sang "One More For My Baby" kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXjLZ42dhb95ntU

[@Steve-q6l4v]

Fighting foo so you don't have to.

[@dragonfly4484]

What a beautiful ending. And that send-off by the band. An end of an era I'll tell you that much. Lucky to be alive to have seen this

[@soapnorm]

Omg seeing him behind the desk… I’m crying. What a thrill.

[@jascip63]

Didn't expect to shed tears watching that, but I did. Dave was the best of them all.

[@thejohnkelly]

Me too. And you have impeccable taste in talk show hosts.

[@mariaschneider10]

Same 😭 😭😭

[@BernDiggityDog]

Dave was my comedic hero and sanity savior throughout my professional career working afternoons at the Detroit Free Press. His amazing show with Paul and the band, the guy under the stage (Chris Elliot), stupid pet tricks, top 10 lists, amazing break-through musicians he helped launch, Larry Bud Melman, his flirty routine visits from Teri Garr, re-launching the career of and attention to Darlene Love, viewer mail and the countless trip into the audience for a variety of reasons. God bless you always, my dear cosmic friend Dave!

[@Geeksmithing]

Do you find copy and pasting the same comment on multiple videos an effective way to express yourself?

[@BernDiggityDog]

Most certainly...my comment was heartfelt - unlike your snide shit reply.

[@jeffclement2468]

Wow. That reminded me of a few things I'd forgotten about. Like the Darlene Love traditional appearance. I didn't see every episode, but two other semi-regular segments I remember fondly were: Dropping stuff out the window just to watch what happens, and his phone calls to "Meg" who was working across the street. Good stuff!

[@TheMonroemomma]

I loved the segments where they smashed things in a big hydraulic press and dropped ridiculous things from a tower. Silliness and ridiculousness contrasted with Dave's razor sharp sarcasm to create a one of a kind show. I never missed an episode for the first decade.

[@carmarasmussen8118]

Don't forget Mujibur and Sirajul and of course the segments with his dear Mom! Classic stuff. 😂

[@analogdaniel]

My god that was wonderful. I actually didn't realize how much I missed Dave. I love Stephen but it's a completely different show. I used to have mixed feelings about Letterman but I've come to greatly appreciate him. I was surprised when my eyes welled up when he sat behind the desk. Truly a genuine guy and great to see him back. I think it was meaningful for him too

[@1969EType]

There was a spontaneity, an uncertainty, an anxiety...it was dare I say "reality TV" in a way that nothing except maybe SNL really was. It was like a secret-not-secret club that came on every night and we were almost always rewarded for our loyalty with some kind of zaniness or highjinks or jokes that weren't funny but...that's why they were funny. And you went to school the next day and you saw your crew and everyone took turns starting sentences with, "Oh my God! Did you see...?" And there were always 2 or 3 people standing around who didn't watch and they'd get pissed because they didn't know what everyone was talking about and we'd try to explain it to them but, our explanation would not fully convey and wouldn't be as funny and we would just wave a hand of dismissal and say, "You missed it, man. You didn't watch and...you missed it. Just watch the show, man..."

[@thejohnkelly]

Had exactly the same reaction. 🥺

[@prob6820]

It is a full circle moment as Carson sat behind Letterman's desk after he retired as well.

[@sdjahof1964]

Also being Carson’s only TV appearance after he retired Carson’s last show, he said he would return for specials or something. He never did and I knew right at that time It was his way of softening his exit to himself and his fans.

[@mikestevenson576]

@@sdjahof1964 There were at least two others. An NBC special honoring Bob Hope, and The Simpsons. The Hope special was an actual monologue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXizdKqKd8-tfdU

[@JoseT1212]

I was JUST thinking this as I watched that moment here. I'm positive Letterman had Carson in his mind and wanted understand what Carson felt when he sat at the desk for the last time. Awesome moment.

[@davebartosh5]

I watched Letterman pretty religiously...same with Stephen...These guys are a big part of my life...watching this was a tear-jerker....FABULOUS! I'm also pissed I didn't know about this in advance..I woulda got tickets.....DAMN THEM!! 🤣

[@gaylejohnson4663]

I record all the shows! That way I never miss any of the shows. I even recorded David when VCR's came out. Then transferred to DVD! Now we have You Tube! Johnny, David and now Steven! They are all in the Museum of Broadcasting! Deserve it absolutely! They will all live in our hearts & souls forever! I am thrilled to have lived to enjoy them!

[@thezacmurphy]

Stephen already planned to take the photo, but it’s the genuine emotion in “picture taken at the desk” and the sincere, sharp movement with which Stephen shot out of the chair when he heard it that’ll get ya.

[@Pratalax]

really appreciate what he said about the gift of having a wide variety of music to enjoy every night. right with ya there.

[@stephenscanlon9763]

First time REM appeared on National TV was on Late Night. And to think that beautiful boy with long curly locks Michael Stipe and awkward gap toothed weird haired nerd Letterman would loom identical 40 years later with white hair and a long beard. You know like David Cross.

[@Earthneedsado-over177]

When Letterman had Lake Street Dive on the show and said " that's what you want right there", as he came over and congratulated the band you knew he appreciated good music.

[@rha101]

Nostalgia is a wonderful high, though bittersweet as you miss what you once had. Thanks Dave.

[@postatility9703]

So great to see and hear Dave again,who is still one of the greatest storytellers ever!

[@gerryannolson7502]

What a joyous uplift! Thank you to David and Stephen for making our lives happier.

[@danielnajerabetancourt8415]

You can notice how emotional Colbert gets as soon as Letterman sits on the desk ❤

[@Thessik73]

The weed joke was well done. Nice to see Dave's still got it.

[@1969EType]

Needed more, "Tee hee hee! Myyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh myyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! You got some weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed back here?!?!"

[@jacobjohnson8686]

I was hoping for a, "Well, I didn't have John Stewart under here in my day..." 😆

[@shawnforsythe918]

I got unexpectedly emotional when Dave got behind the desk. ❤

[@exknoll4755]

Seeing him behind the desk again made me cry. We miss you Dave. Thank you for that Steven.

[@epicmediocrity2603]

Look at the strut on him...Dave's back in his element. 🎉❤🎉

[@ginac2772]

It would be so fun to have Dave be guest host when Stephen goes on vacation.

[@bobxyzp]

Honestly I think that would be too much work for Dave, Colbert takes a week off every month!

[@barbaras2669]

​@bobxyzp They really should give a break to other entertainers like Johnny Carson did. These gentlemen get way too much time off, 😊and the audience gets way too many reruns.

[@martinlutherbling424]

That is a phenomenal idea. So long as Dave could handle it at his advanced age. He could do some "Top Ten." "The top 10 things I like about guest hosting." #10 I get to wear a beard this time ! #9 I'm still alive. ( Take THAT JOHNNY ) #8 FREE SUITS #7 Complimentary beverages. #6 Dialogue flubs can be attributed to OLD AGE. #5 No Paul Schaefer ( camera zooms in on the audience where Paul Schaefer is sitting in a seat with a shocked look on his face. ) #4 Deep fake technology removes wrinkles. #3 The Ghost of Larry "Bud" Melman ( CGI technology displays a shot of Larry waving and blowing kisses to the crowd ) #2 NBC still regrets dissing me. And from the home office in Buffalo, New York the #1 Top Ten reason I like about guest hosting #1 YOU GUYS....THE AUDIENCE !

[@show-and-tell]

David's signature laugh/giggle is legendary.

[@mcillancadfish]

I've been an avid fan of David Letterman since the 80's in NBC, 90's - 00's in CBS, and now in Netflix in his specials. This was truly something amazing! Thank youbso much Stephen Colbert for making this special! Now I'm going to copy this comment and paste it on every part of this video 😅

[@annjohnson8437]

David Letterman is a real class act! We miss you behind the desk, Dave!!! ❤

[@RumRunner42]

Thanks for doing this for David, Stephen. I grew up sneaking out after bedtime to watch David while hiding behind the couch. Now I'm old enough to look like him now. lol. Great tribute to a living legend. Bravo.

[@aureliecormier1]

What a Fabulous Memory....you and David Letterman together with David getting to experience being behind the desk again! Loved it! Your smiles were the BEST! :)

[@dreamervanroom]

The honor. The honor. Stephen with grace and love. Thank you for being so loving to Dave. We, all of us humans, we are the best and you show it.

[@fatalmodelmadhatter]

I swear, when Dave got behind that desk, It was like everything fell into place... He and the set fit like a glove, like he never left, like it was waiting there for him everlong (see what I did there?)

[@patton303]

We all know how we feel about Dave. But how about Stephen just popping up and handing over the keys for a minute? Tremendous class. Loved all of this.

[@corrosivealtars]

When Dave got behind the desk, I couldn't help but cry for a moment. Far more powerful than I would have expected and from what I see in these comments, most of us felt the same thing. Respect.

[@cherylb2008]

David letterman was quite a tough man hanging in there through thick and thin on late night TV He always was quick witted and funny. Such an intelligent man.

[@BasesLoadedLacquer]

ow my freaking heart. 😭 david letterman is an absolute treasure. protect this man. 🥹💙

[@laalaa99stl]

Booking The National was a show of gratitude. They don't make 'em like Dave anymore.

[@vforwombat9915]

well, there is the Davebot 3.0 it'd be in wide release but they're having difficulty w the beard.

[@jimchik]

Absolutely magical. Especially with Dave at the desk.

[@KiraLovesMichael]

I watched ALL of the clips to see my Dave!!! I'm literally ( in the real definition of literally) crying right now. David Letterman will always...ALWAYS, Be the GOAT of Late Night TV! 🌙 💋 🤴 ❤ 😂

[@yvettetorres7829]

This is a special moment right here folks. Two legends. Love how Cobert is giving Letterman his flowers on his show 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@eliharbin77]

Having and seeing Dave behind the desk again was surreal. That was a very nice gesture by Stephen.

[@Emy53]

Shows respect for Letterman, to let him sit in the chair. I know many didn't like Dave, but I did, and watched him every night. It was a different time, different generation.

[@stephenscanlon9763]

Letterman did the same for Carson when he did the show in LA.

[@cannibalbananas]

Love that Stephen is pleased his audience is giving such fan-service to David. Wonderful. Just wonderful! ❤

[@ricksegal3065]

One could only hope and dream!! Letterman was one of the best ever!!

[@iPerryL]

oh my god.... watching Dave back on the chair again ... and thank you Stephen

[@funksfparty-fx6dz]

That was beautiful !! Every segment was historic.

[@4eyeswalker]

This was such a fabulous appearance by Dave. One legend working with a soon to be legend.

[@Lepidopterous.]

Colbert and Stewart are already Legends imo. They filled a cup of young political unrest for over a decade.

[@cowboy930]

Thank you Stephen for bringing David Letterman on you show it was good to see back at the desk brought old memories back may the good Lord bless him and his dear family that was awesome 👌

[@peterlundskow4061]

There is a way Dave sits behind a desk that is different than everyone else, it is commanding, but also casual & funny!

[@TheOneFreakservo]

Letterman offered his desk to Carson one last time, and now Colbert has done the same for Letterman. This seems like an established late-show tradition now. I hope it remains as such.

[@joyo8776]

David sitting in that chair, behind that desk. Whew….so many memories, so much laughter. A true legend.

[@pattiecurtis6096]

Thank you! It was great fun to see you two together. You are both superstars! Back in the day we didn't have computers, live streaming and flex hours. I was always sleep deprived at work the next day. Now I am retired and watch all the Late Shows every morning. Such a great way to start the day. Mr. Letterman, it is WONDERFUL to see you.

[@stephenscanlon9763]

And the added bonus of watching early episodes of Late Night on KZbin. Bittersweet. That show was brilliant.

[@celinadavies]

Ahh such deep mad respect for thee David Letterman 😊 and my thanks to Stephen Colbert for his warm welcoming to David and the wonderful visit they had ❤ I got l'il tears in my eyes when they recreated their selfie.....big sigh 😌 Warm & gushy greetings from British Columbia 💗🦁

[@eric-g-rose]

Seeing David behind the desk brought tears to my eyes! I miss him.

[@patrickpryor6962]

Wow! That was just plain awesome and quite charming! I grew up with David Letterman and now I age backwards with Stephen, a most worthy heir.

[@debrabritt1581]

Every night was spent with Dave and his monologue. Then I knew my day was done. Listened to great musicians too!

[@DanielleCyr1]

I'm currently sitting in the house I grew up in, where I first started to watch (in amazement & disbelief!) Letterman's morning show decades ago (a show my mom didn't "get"). I've lived in many places, and have been in NYC for years now. My parents both died in the last few years and, due to family issues, it took me 2 years but I finally purchase the house from the estate. I still have my place in NYC (at least for now) but it's interesting watching old Letterman clips on his KZbin channel while sitting in the home where I first laughed at Letterman's jokes...it's like I'm that young kid again...every though I'm no longer young or a kid...😊

[@Jean-tt6on]

I know he also loved Paul Banks/Interpol. Many of the guests cancelled when hurricane Sandy was supposed to make landfall in NYC (understandably so) but Paul Banks came in and performed to an empty audience. He had them on many many times.

[@joemagnus5085]

The way Stephen instantly hopped out of the chair for Dave😅

[@Mediaright]

I mean he must’ve instantly thought back to when Johnny came back for that one bit, sat down, but instantly left again and wouldn’t stay.

[@davewhitmore1958]

Respect!

[@--Adam]

Watching Dave behind the desk, the only thing that could have made this better would have been a top 10 or a Darlene Love appearance. Happy Holidays everyone.

[@LindaC616]

Rosie Pérez?

[@WrightWorld]

I was really hoping Dave would toss a pencil over his shoulder toward the window with the glass breaking sound effect.

[@jonathanrio6587]

Carson and Letterman are the GOATS!!!!!! Seeing him sitting behind that desk again gave me all the feels! I grew up watching him when I could stay up that late as a teen!!!!!

[@janeltranmer2284]

"What, all this weed?" Hilarious. Stephen, so cool. Thanks, Stephen. That was a real big treat to be able to see Dave behind the desk. Dave. You are so loved. Just great to see you.

[@rma6070]

As a fan of Dave going back all the way to his Morning Show I lost it when he sat at the desk!😢 We love you Dave; we miss you! Thanks for making us laugh at the end of even our worst days! God bless!🤣😁🙏✝️

[@AllTheStatus]

I was so moved seeing Dave behind the desk! He's the best!

[@huevosconqueso]

That was magic! Thanks Stephen for being such a gracious and funny host for Dave!

[@Room142]

Guys I got a tear in my eye. His show was my childhood

[@ruddahbah1735]

I loved the entire David Letterman interview, but seeing him behind the desk again was special :)

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Been waiting. Go Dave You so rock. Super sweet. ❤ Humility I so admire.

[@stephenbarrette610]

Stephen is brilliant and I love the show. Seeing Dave behind the desk again was just wonderful.

[@lindaswanson9328]

2 class acts, right there. Miss you, Dave! ❤ Love you, Stephen! ❤

[@kerrileeconstant1386]

This was a lovely conversation. A delightful Thanksgiving Gift.

[@mdrakic]

That selfie made me sad and shed a tear. Reminded me how time passes by fast and all that remains are memories (and pictures).

[@elmoelbow]

That was an amazing moment. To have let him sit behind the desk in the same configuration of Carson, unreal. This show will go down as one of the classics. Kudos Stephen … and Thank you. As I wipe away the tears … 😂

[@RiseAboveEric]

Seeing Dave take his seat put a much bigger smile on my face than I anticipated.

[@bloodsling]

seeing all the love for Dave from the crowd makes me emotional lol,I watched Letterman from back on his NBC days. Icon..legend..not strong enough words for the man.

[@BRinMilwaukee]

OMG, this visit hit me hard tonight, I love this feeling, thanks Late Show!

[@0HARE]

Oh, yeah! How awesome was that?! I spent my young adulthood watching David Letterman every night, and marveling at his creativity, and his just absolute sense of FUN! Paul Shafer’s band was a very large part of it all, and Worldwide Pants capped it off. Thank you, David Letterman, for all the joy you brought to us!

[@Cnith]

I had a feeling that The Foo Fighters would be among his favourite memories - also because they played him off on his last show with Everlong.

[@harveysmidlap]

I'm so glad we have KZbin so I can watch all the late night shows I missed working 3rd shift back in the day. I particularly enjoyed watching late night with David Letterman when he had Terri Garr on.

[@phillipdailey]

What a treat! An absolute legend. Stephen's deference to such an institution was moving. Without hesitation and with grace. Dave will always be a pillar of late night comedy and comedy rit large!❤❤

[@ds4008]

Totally got choked up seeing Dave behind the desk. Thank you Stephen!

[@progmetalkd]

Stephen teaching us all to respect your elders

[@auguststafford]

Dave behind the desk reminds me of when Carson stopped by Dave's show and sat behind the desk when Dave offered. Just a great moment of respect, and goes to show how much of a class act Colbert is.

[@Aisha.The.Traveler]

I miss you Dave! Thanks for the memories you and The Late Show brought me. ❤🥹

[@malifestro3319]

Two legends. Wonderful to watch you guys throughout the years.

[@theVanishingGladiator]

Class act Mr. Stephen Colbert! I’ve always liked you, and now I like you A LOT more! GREAT to see David Letterman. He’s such a kind and genuine person. What a privilege it was to have watched this segment.

[@rory_pond1701]

I love Dave so much, and will forever be grateful to have grown up watching him write the modern book on hosting late night talk shows. Seeing him back in the Ed Sullivan Theater is a gift to all of us. But I do wish he'd mentioned the night Warren Zevon was the sole guest and performed multiple songs in the wake of his terminal diagnosis. That's a show I'll never forget.

[@AlwaysAwesome001]

How about the times Dave cheated on his wife up stairs? Ah. Good times! 🤗

[@TheKrispyfort]

That photo needs to be re-recreated when Stephen passes the torch on. Three (3) 'generations' of The Late Show hosts 🥰

[@patriciatoomingtheplantpar2558]

I don't know who I like more, I grew up with letterman so he holds a special place just like Leno, I wouldn't miss a single show of if I could help it, and now that there is KZbin I can catch Colbert anytime and not feel like I missed out, I also don't have to choose between who to watch I get them all in my feed❤

[@TheUluxian]

One of the music performances that sticks in my mind was Devo doing "That's Good" back in the stone age... I remember one show he had Robin Williams and John Cleese on together. Every time they came back from commercial, they would be in a different place. A chair on top of the desk...UNDER the desk..Hilarious stuff. I also remember the Dave "new catch phrase": "They pelted us with rocks and garbage", which I still use occasionally to this day. Chris Elliot doing "The Guy That Lived Under the Seats".."Dog Poetry"...The Suit of Velcro...Top Ten lists...Breaking windows with pencils...Crushing things in a Hydraulic press, or throwing them off the roof.. So many great memories. TOTALLY worth staying up late for every night.

[@BradMZ]

It's not lost on me that Dave himself once happily stepped aside to let a retired Johnny Carson sit at his desk. ❤

[@rikkiechambers4959]

And the last bit almost made my darn eyes leak !! So many of the best parts of my life were spent closing my day with Dave , the selfie was cute af but seeing him behind the desk .. yeah 😢 bittersweet for sure !! We miss you David Letterman ! Thank you for so many years of laughter you really did make this life bearable so many times and you were such a constant joy when we truly needed it ! This was a great interview and far to long in coming!! Please don’t wait so long to come again 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@laurawatters914]

I love David Letterman ♥️ he loves Pearl Jam too!! Awesome interview Stephen Colbert!! 😊🩷🤘✌️

[@franksifuentes6651]

Thank you for sharing. Got goosebumps seeing Dave behind the desk one more time.

[@Channel-cm7yc]

It’s always great to see you Dave. 👍👍

[@Historian212]

Don't tell me he doesn't miss it. This was grand. I miss Dave's Christmas show like crazy every year since he left. It's just not the same without him throwing footballs at the meatball atop the tree, without Jay Thomas's Lone Ranger story (RIP, JT), and without Darlene Love singing "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" with the band, and the fake snow sprinkling down. Sigh.

[@caroliesereed8658]

Always looked forward to Darlene Love. A friend from New Orleans always used to call and then text to remind me she was on. My friend has made transition but that was our tradition first years.

[@kinsmed]

Broke my heart into a billion pieces when he asked to get behind the desk.