Robert Palmer Simply Irresistible Live on Letterman

video

[@xcab66]

Can we just we take a moment to appreciate that he was signing this LIVE, no tone correct, no tuning, just right into the mic. What a powerful voice.

[@billj8148]

His kind of quality didn't need all the help...and having...fun!

[@lds251]

No click track

[@andrewwye1058]

Vinegar Joe with the big voice of Ellie Brooks

[@supastar25]

Just look how much fun they're having...proper musicians just jamming

[@aligooding5454]

I saw him like...super artist, I m 64 now and he is dead 😭

[@robinleenerts7306]

This man had more class in his little finger than most rock singers ❤️😂😅

[@alvincash3230]

I admire the way Palmer thanks the band members before he turns around to greet David Letterman. It shows real humble class.

[@tomelrick8609]

YES YES YES

[@fredfarnackle5455]

Yes, he was a class act in my opinion - always very well dressed. A shame the girls weren't on Letterman too!🤔

[@reginalddavis7578]

Clearly Robert Palmer is the James Bond of Rock!

[@maxbeale8186]

100% agree

[@brooklynbabe7896]

Absolutely

[@andybilakshow260]

James Bond? / James Brown.....

[@reginalddavis7578]

@@andybilakshow260 I meant what I said…Robert Palmer is the James Bond of Rock!

[@coltonward3609]

Dude sounds exact same live as on records. Idk most nowadays got ghost writers an sound like sh*t live.

[@robinsl27]

While in the 80’s everybody was wearing ridiculous outfits Mr. Palmer made suits great again.

[@simongilliat2205]

Mr Bowie and Mr Ferry say hello!

[@ronluckenbach9492]

amen and great hair.

[@robinsl27]

@@ronluckenbach9492 those perfectly quaffed strands never saw a bad hair day.

[@morgainlove]

Boz Scaggs and my men r.i.p also. The weird thing is,im late 50ties in age and don't like suits anymore 😃

[@kencurtis2403]

So classy!

[@DavidStanford-w3i]

Here am I in 2023 and still thinking this was the best live talk show musical performance ever. What a pro!

[@rora2297]

2024🎉

[@rogerraymer11]

ABSOLUTELY RIGHT !!

[@jayd6372]

Def look up all the music performances on Letterman in the 80's and 90's. Paul Shaffer played a huge part in getting high caliber acts on the show and using his experties to make the sound perfect. One of the best liver performances ever of the Beastie Boys is when they played Sabotage. Letterman had a ton of the Grunge rock acts on when they were early in their carrer due in part to Paul giving the green light.

[@ralphcarmack4056]

Agree

[@jimgray3989]

In full agreement.

[@WILLYSKYWALKER]

By now, he really deserves to be inducted at the Rock and Roll hall of fame.

[@ericaleightaylor5351]

Cesar W Marino absolutely agree

[@twowheelterry]

My new life's work. #inductrp

[@joeltrejoguerrero8700]

Then it must be a postumous induction because he passed away about 10 years ago.

[@naneek2]

@@joeltrejoguerrero8700 When Letterman was about to retire he brought back his favorite musical acts, including covers of artists who had passed away. Does anyone remember who performed a Robert Palmer cover song on one of these final shows? the performance included the classic robert palmer imagery of the girls in black with red lipstick, but I'm not sure who performed it. He also had cover performances of Warren Zevon songs and other artists who had passed away. can anyone help me out with this?

[@martytruelove5026]

2022 STILL NOT/What in the Hell is wrong with them.Enimen is nominated but No Palmer !!!

[@kalynlambert6889]

I saw Robert Palmer in concert, and he was breathtaking. Afterward, I went to the piano bar across the street to wait out the traffic... then, about 15-20 minutes later, in walks Robert Palmer! He asked the pianist (my friend Jane) if he could sing some standards. He was so casual and polite, she said yes. She didn't know who he was! Robert Palmer was a real gentleman.

[@jdsciano]

Lucky Girl. 💚

[@auntjanet2346]

And then you woke up.

[@kalynlambert6889]

@@auntjanet2346 Does being an insulting jerk come naturally to you, or did you go to college to learn that?

[@adriennestarr2659]

Great experience!

[@thepaulhenderson]

Wow, when and where did this happen?

[@alvincash3230]

I dig the way he strolls on stage, picks up the mic, and goes right into the song without a hesitation.

[@myearsloveit]

so fkn hot

[@smakfu1375]

He made it look easy, and he did so with virtually every band. But that’s because he would rehearse the hell out of a performance beforehand, to make sure it was rock solid, regardless of how experienced a band might be.

[@Burnzy1976]

PALMER KILLED THIS! Rip to one of the best singers in history!

[@docluv14]

This is what ACTUAL talent looks like without prerecording or auto-tune 🎤

[@ericgeorge5483]

Comfortably the coolest singer of all time.

[@JustK009]

Eric George 💯

[@johnroberthanna1623]

Huey Lewis, maybe..?

[@robinsl27]

I remember being 5 years old in In 80’s watching his vids, and beside Billy Ocean those were the only guys that did music videos in a suit and tie. RIP A Man mans.

[@ericgeorge5483]

@@robinsl27 Yes and he got away with it because he was super cool.

[@ericgeorge5483]

@The cisco kid wasnt a friend of mine Yes, he was super cool too. Great singer as well.

[@edwardj.azevedo7438]

One of the most underrated musicians and songwriters of all time!

[@mtroy0620]

I don't know why people say things like that

[@bethwebster8450]

He made it look too easy

[@VDH1953]

He had a billboard #1 hit, two billboard #2 hits, won two Grammy awards, two ASCAP Pop Music Awards, and an MTV Video of Year Award. In other words, he was quite highly rated, and deservedly so.

[@maryhuhnke8496]

Nobody rocked a suit like Robert Palmer 😎

[@ClubMicrobio]

Don't forget Brian Ferry

[@MrNitro071]

Luis Miguel too.

[@lenawagenfuehr53]

What a stage presence! Walks on, right time, launches right into the song! Makes it look effortless...

[@eedgerton769]

He defined “stage presence”

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

"The great ones make it look easy", and in his case, it was!!

[@toriradaich]

Remarkable!

[@sianwarwick633]

Rehearsal. But, what a style

[@metsfanatic6270]

Extremely rare these days

[@ddpayne1]

2024 here - They knocked that live performance outta the park ! Robert always looking dapper - spot on arrangement and vocals.

[@senoramoeba]

Paul and the band crushing it. Capturing every stylistic element of the studio cut. Bass player nailing the backing harmonies. Finger tapping guitar solos. Stupid good. Palmer had some pipes, too.

[@cd3949]

Really? I thought it sounded like a Casio keyboard cover.

[@ronluckenbach9492]

agree, but fuck Paul Shaeffer.. a no talented hanger on

[@musicdunc]

agreed they crushed it. The bass so funky and out front.

[@sheldonk5747]

This is when singers use to care how they looked.

[@bettyfelton3719]

😍😍😍😍💋💋💋💋💋

[@abbiekokee3576]

Thats so true Great dresser

[@prshughes]

he actually dressed like that to be satirical

[@LauraMolina-PaintDiva]

Yeah, he’s no Fred Durst. 😉

[@missclimpson]

No squatting in high heels.

[@laurakenney225]

Robert was clearly having a good time and showing off all his fine talents here. its a pure pleasure to watch him slam it, with that beautiful smile in high beam! 💖

[@fjhgh100]

Laura Kenney Mr Palmer just killed it on letterman ... awesome performance.

[@brooklynbabe7896]

@@fjhgh100 absolutely perfect he was having a great time 🇬🇧🇨🇦🇺🇸🇮🇱😘💔😿🙀😭😮‍💨🇭🇲🇸🇭🇦🇺🇦🇩🇫🇯🇮🇪🇸🇭🇯🇲🇭🇲 rest in peace beautiful guy he should have gotten A posthumous induction in the RRHOF he and fellow British rocker John Waite dressed so perfectly AKA suit and tie hard Rock

[@mathewsdesigngroup6924]

Palmer was nothing short of AWESOME! Natural real talent - amazing how talented he was by not doing more, but by doing less and making it sound and look like more! True class act with those tailored suits, great haircut and WOW! THAT VOICE!!@!!@!!!!!

[@bh8365]

The band seemed to enjoy working with the great Robert. Robert was so cool and genuine. Miss him.

[@stevepickett4453]

Ditto

[@thabilsterone]

Killer Band, Killer Mix, One of the Best Vocalists of modern times singing a Powerhouse song, all makes for an incredible musical experience, The Best! Robert's performance on this I think is better than his performance on the record, fantastic! thanks for posting this!

[@tjamodio5254]

Letterman always had great musical. acts..... and this was one of them!!! Miss you Robert.... rock on.....

[@catherinekammerer7094]

Miss you David ur replacement I can't even look at 😢

[@Fosster115]

He was the coolest dude on the planet. Rock on and RIP, my friend. We miss you!

[@andyscott5277]

Palmer is so smooth, and what a backing band! 🤯

[@jac3054]

"The World's Most Dangerous Band" led by Paul Shaffer (playing keyboard)

[@jac3054]

Sid McGinnis guitar, Will Lee bass, Anton Fig Drum kit

[@orgi49]

​Paul is fantastic! There is an Interview about his activity in the letterman-show, but he doesn"t mention any events with Robert Palmer at all, only what a great start these Times have been for him.

[@vehikle]

Robert Palmer was one of the greats. Gone way too soon.

[@ernestinelloyd8302]

By now, he really deserves to be inducted at the Rock and Roll hall of fame. The only cool dude who looked great in a buisness suit on stage

[@dk7934]

Robert Palmer was my first concert (Riptide tour) experience and he was amazing. He is the only Rock star who performs in Armani suits and he makes these small staccato dance moves and always looks like he's having a good time. Great performer and gone too soon.

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. . Robert Palmer crushed it in this Letterman Show performance. Gotta be difficult not to have an exemplar performance with the band's talent. .. The Worlds Most Dangerous Band members are a Who's Who. .. Anton Fig, Will Lee, Sid McGinnis, etc.. Bassist Will Lee is on another level ...

[@chrisbeddowscb]

I sooo miss Robert Palmer. I don't know what he had but he had it in spades. RIP old friend.

[@juniorlima9935]

Comfortably the coolest singer of all time. The only cool dude who looked great in a buisness suit on stage Amazing band, so much energy, so on point. Robert nails this performance like no one else can.

[@ronluckenbach9492]

yes..and his suits are tailored

[@bettinabecker9321]

Bryan Ferry also 💖💖💖

[@bettinabecker9321]

​@@ronluckenbach9492interesting, that we hear the same song at the same time... 😇🙌💖.... Greetings from Germany..... 🎈♥️

[@snpshtgy1]

total class act n talent ,,,hard to believe its been 17 years since his death :-(

[@metsfanatic6270]

What happened to him?

[@grindfreakmike5754]

​​@@metsfanatic6270he had a heart attack.

[@metsfanatic6270]

@@grindfreakmike5754 That's right.... Now I remember hearing that... A shame.

[@alvincash3230]

​@@grindfreakmike5754A biography I watched said he smoked 60 cigarettes a day.

[@elliepg5274]

Can I hit "Like" more than once? He's so fine!

[@chet6337]

Palmer is and always was the greatest player of SOUL. “007 of Soul” is his history. 😊😊

[@jeffmoppi]

Amazing band, so much energy, so on point. Robert nails this performance like no one else can.

[@Theaddora]

What a performance!! So classy and handsome!! RIP, Robert.

[@Azabaxe80]

"..she's so fine there's no telling where the money went.." I certainly understand this saying. And I feel no shame whatsoever.

[@comic-concon5602]

wow I can actually understand what he is saying and the band sound great.

[@dommycaprani]

Brilliant artist. I saw him live twice and he was fantastic. He was as smooth as an Italian marble floor..He had it all and he was a great guy too. Twenty long years since you left us and you are missed!

[@ashtonbakken4205]

I wish he was still alive! I love this song

[@milfordcivic6755]

This is talent. Not the auto tune forgettable rap crap of today

[@eedgerton769]

There are not a lot of performers out there where you still feel so sad that they are gone, 20 years after they left. He would have been 75 or so now. Probably still performing at a high level. Miss him

[@rora2297]

What a pleasure watching this video. Robert Palmer is in such rare form and having such a ball performing this number with. Paul and the Band. A feast for the eyes and ears.

[@JavelinSST]

Absolutely a phenomenal voice that can never be matched by today's tech crap auto tune that any idiot can use. Robert cemented his legacy forever with that voice. UK produced marvelous talent in the 70s and 80s. R.I.P. Robert.

[@empressadelexxmotherofjohn10]

He's really working it here. Whadda guy.....

[@g.marksman1769]

My childhood hero!! Robert ‘Get Down’ Palmer ! When I was in the 1st and 2nd grade I wanted to dress like Robert Palmer! I was already bugging my parents to buy me his cassette! (YES I SAID CASSETTE, lol). Then by the 3rd grade I was a little Bobby Brown! But admired Prince the most and the whole way through, up until til now! Rest In Peace Prince and Robert Palmer

[@susanwalters7937]

He is a CLASSIC, and I sure do miss him!😍😘They don't make them like Robert anymore!☹😢💖💔

[@trussell8510]

He sang with such great ease.

[@J5L5M6]

Possibly the only time 'irrefutable' was ever used as a lyric in a Billboard top-10 pop song. And how irrefutable Robert's talent was.

[@MandyRRAh]

Also "inscrutable". Love it.

[@LL-fd7xn]

Absolutely gem!!!! I had no idea Paul was playing keyboards here! Remembering this song back in the 80s!!! To the James Bond of Rock N Roll!!!!

[@ctafrance]

Love the combination of passion and a classic suit. Just...exceptional.

[@jamiefoyers2800]

This guy had a great voice. I loved all the "Power Station" stuff as well as his solo output but he was pretty cool with his performances..

[@themurph2000]

Shame the only time he performed live with The Power Station was on SNL.

[@stevenbatke2447]

The Worlds Most Dangerous Band was Insane!

[@TheChorchy]

What performance!! Mr. Palmer looks rhythmically very accurate. A pro singer.

[@Jeneva1]

Oh . . . my . . . heart . . . .He's simply divine. Not to mention gorgeous, classy, charming...

[@SteveGriggsChannel]

THIS is the Letterman show I miss. Scrappy, a little rough around the edges but always fun. Robert Palmer really delivers here with no enhancements. Looking back on this show, it kinda feels like Paul is conducting a great garage band with Palmer leading the way. Did I say I miss THIS show?

[@jdsciano]

For sure, this was my go-to evening show: had on everything & everyone (including RP here) relevant, interesting, funny, talented & no a$$-kissing (most important). Miss it so.

[@noname-lq2kg]

Makes me want to wear suits again!

[@gorgeous6737]

Do it. Gentleman

[@nunya2954]

DO IT - Women LOVE IT.

[@moodylicious]

please do!

[@jamesbusch948]

I feel bad after hearing this song my entire LIFE, I'm 30, and never appreciating this artist for what he is. I feel this song was soiled somewhat by media in movies, shows etc. and never showing it for the great song it is. SOO wish I was an 80s kid to hear it when it first came out and not through the movies and media. Great man and artist. Wish I'd have looked into him further years ago to appreciate his work.

[@alteriusnonsit6124]

I couldn't help but think: It's impressive how precisely the brain can measure time. This song needs excellent timing, and they even sped it up. Great band, great singer, great performance!

[@SteveGriggsChannel]

Speaking of timing, Palmer had to have timed his stage entrance to pick up the mic to sing. The song starts and he's not even on the stage yet! Masterful.

[@alteriusnonsit6124]

@@SteveGriggsChannel Right! He left a second for picking up the mic to deal with eventualities. But everything is thought through - he wants to start singing the moment the mic is in brought in front of his mouth with a swift move. Everything, everything is spot on in the studio version, and he and the band manage to reproduce it.

[@sandyconnie77]

He's absolutely PERFECT!!

[@JoeyLevenson]

Amazing, and Paul’s band is really tight here too.

[@tonizumpano6301]

He was a class act !

[@Zubba67]

I saw a video years ago were RP showed up for a gig and had the house band. No rehearsals. They knew the arrangements and he simply launched! Wow! He was amazing

[@joajoa6015]

His style of looking like a gentleman on stage breaks any presumption of rock music. It is excellent a music where he experimented with rhythms and synthesizers with his first songs, especially in jhony and mary, which for the time was avant-garde.

[@daffyshakilfur3563]

They nailed it so deep you’ll never find that nail.

[@sergios973]

Amazing sounds exactly as the video and cd , RIP

[@pj8624]

Robert Palmer is AWESOME!!! God Bless His Beautiful Soul!! You were taken way to soon!!! Thank you Robert Palmer!!

[@jimistheman9732]

Still amazing all these years later.

[@GFHanks]

One of the best, if not THE BEST voice in the history of Rock/Pop. Plus, the guy just oozed "cool", all over the stage.

[@joepacheco9077]

GQ Rock! That's what my buddy used to call it lol. I saw him on this tour and the intensity was the same as this performance.

[@mikeybaloney6211]

His impeccable suits alone is a sure fire winner.

[@lennyluzitano8920]

Tight...punchy..band... powerful vocals..r.i.p "Robert Palmer"..great singer...

[@wonder6789]

He always gets his bands to play razor sharp ultra tight - sign of a great musician and highly respected workaholic bandleader.

[@ronluckenbach9492]

amen

[@tinawalton7703]

Thanks for posting this. Band sounds especially great here, and everyone seems to be having a good time, including Robert Palmer. Hope it was as fun as it looks.

[@alijuboori1328]

A very talented man love his music and his performance

[@wordnerd357]

Love the way he dances.

[@kathywest956]

Miss you Robert Palmer...listen to your music daily.

[@robertkessner1537]

Amazing bass guitar!!! Powerful!

[@davidkamensky2780]

I've listened to that song a thousand times. I could listen a thousand more. Ourstanding.

[@brianc.madden193]

Amazing band, so much energy, so on point. Robert nails this performance like no one else can. Just cool as hell

[@ThePwig]

His voice was so incredible

[@robertacolarette1594]

Robert Palmer bringing it live. Love Robert Palmer.

[@cwbrooks5329]

Wow. What a f-ing great band. Palmer superb as always.

[@mibojihsadat]

CW Brooks I guess this is Letteman Show Band. I can see Will Lee in bass and Paul Schaffer on key.

[@scottcharney1091]

@@mibojihsadat Yeah, they did it this way on his NBC show.

[@jac3054]

"The World's Most Dangerous Band." Led by Paul Shaffer, with Anton Fig on drums, Will Lee on bass, Sid ... Sid ... can't think of his last name on guitar.

[@javiercoronel3457]

Great singer Robert Palmer! Hi from Argentina!

[@agomodern]

Such a unique singer.

[@vanchova7235]

Cant resist to this raw live version. Great music and delightful powerful voice. RIP Robert Palmer

[@jcrossi56]

Just cool as hell

[@garysnow1475]

Paul had the best band on television! He could play anything with anybody!

[@thobbs4526]

I loved this guy, his voice, his charisma, his looks, going back to Little Feat and before. Wish he hadn’t smoked. 🚬☠️💔

[@deborahmerkerson1145]

@T Hobbs. Every time I see a photo of him with a cigarette I think “Damn cigarettes!” The combination of his smoking with hypertension was lethal. Really do miss him.

[@hudsonsirheshicks2653]

Gee that’s terrible. What a waste, and loss.

[@gorgeous6737]

Horrid habit

[@tedmulthauf7434]

He is like Amy Winehouse, Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Hendrix, James Dean, etc. Just too cool to grow old. The world needed them as they were.

[@bender5546]

Move like Palmer. He's my man.

[@sloburnjo]

THE WORLDS GREATEST BAND are simply irresistible with World's coolest vocalist. 🔥🔥🔥. RIP.

[@javiercoronel3457]

Letterman and Palmer! What a Show. Hi from Argentina guys!

[@gustavodemaio9720]

No playback! Simply Powerfull!

[@robertacolarette1594]

Robert Palmer, so hip and so in tune with the musicians. He’s like an 80’s Bobby Darin.

[@MCS1993]

Great voice. This is not a easy song to perform. Love the guitar rifff

[@chriscollins343]

Awesome voice even live. Palmeraniac for life.

[@seaskov]

Will and Anton crushing that groove!!

[@stuff8605]

Anyone else love how raw this is for a live performance of a super produced single?

[@richardschneider6733]

Great back up vocalist, what a voice

[@grumpy1962R]

There’s a few songs that received steady recognition but he had a huge library of magnificent works!