Stevie Ray Vaughan Performs "Tightrope" | Letterman

The late blues great performs one of his hit songs with Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band.
(From "Late Night," air date: 9/21/89)
#stevierayvaughan #blues #letterman
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[@batesy1970]

Stevie was clean at this point and was riding the momentum of his new album and outlook; you can tell he is in a good place. So utterly unfair he would be gone less than a year later.

[@DouglasRichardson-er4ky]

RIP SRV 🥀 life is bittersweet!

[@imtheman4805]

Bonnie Raitt said on a podcast once she saw how much better SRV (sober 10/86) looked and played sober … she made the decision (sober 2/87) it was time for her to get sober!

[@michaelparrow5737]

In Step was act😢a great album!

[@DouglasRichardson-er4ky]

@@michaelparrow5737 ... I grew up in Madison WI didn't see the Alpine Valley show was working my way through U of Wisconsin 🦡 BA in history degree as a butcher The Regent Food Market we cranked a LOT of SRV 🥀 in that tiny shop when they announced on the radio his chopper went down was a sucker punch 👊🏼 for the ages still stings it happened in my backyard 🌪️🎸🐐 I saw some great acts at Alpine Valley learned to ski at Cascade Mt next door

[@csi2448]

@@imtheman4805 Jimmie Vaughan's speech during Stevie's induction into the RRHOF still gets to me. "Big brother taught little brother how to play guitar. But little brother taught big brother how to get sober"

[@benttwisted210]

2024, 59 years old & still get goosebumps watching SRV play!

[@VeloVagabond]

You and me, both!

[@timnestor3005]

Me too I'm 60, I got to see him three times in Indianapolis, it changed my life ...I still get goosebumps.

[@danielbrowning2787]

I'm 57, SRV is still the best

[@vaughngaminghd]

I'm 54, and yes SRV's just amazing

[@carrievt9365]

Same!

[@SueProv]

Stevie is like an old friend...love his guitaring and love the man who stepped out of the darkness of addiction into the light of recovery. His best friend Tommy Shannon said he wanted people to know how great Stevie was as a man even more than a guitarist.

[@jtobin13]

Great he got out of addiction!!

[@Ghost1126]

out of addiction and straight into a mountain.... I choose addiction EVERY time...

[@SueProv]

@@Ghost1126 Thats why you're not Stevie

[@Franciscasieri]

Please dont reproduce...​@Ghost1126

[@001dharma]

SRV just threw a monkey wrench into all hair metal bands of that era. His playing was straight ahead blues, just so pure and powerful! We miss him! ❤

[@gregoryhenderson2640]

He damn sure did!!

[@patmayer7222]

Made us all run to the woodshed.........😮❤❤❤holyshit

[@bobabooey7088]

He toured with Robert Plant back then and I swear it was like being at a Hendrix show, blew Plant away

[@TinyNormous]

Bassist low key destroying it on the low end here too. Excellent recording. What a time that was

[@tedpikul1]

The whole band was in the pocket.

[@jobiazgarza9571]

was thinking same thing, excellent bass playing

[@Kat-gx3se]

@@tedpikul1 Where was Double Trouble??

[@marcosavarise5031]

@@Kat-gx3se Stevie just siting in with Paul's band for the whole show, this is the tune they played

[@marcosavarise5031]

this was 1989, that's the amazing Will Lee on bass !

[@ginaheller333]

Miss you Stevie!

[@bdwillis8284]

Yep

[@ricarcorpse]

At 3:23, that stop on a dime has always given me chills. Rest In Power, Steve!!

[@trevorfoster8949]

I saw him four times and got to meet him and got his autograph. One night he was playing and a couple jumped up on stage to dance. They just stopped playing on a dime and he says he loved for them to dance but it too dangerous with cabling and then bam they took off again from where they stopped. They were that tight together.

[@hockley91]

Great timing on that. Pauls band had to constantly be on their toes I bet when they had to back a guest artist. But, I bet the band was excited as heck to play in this one with Stevie. I know I’d have been practicing all night the night before to not mess up. Great coordination among the band to hit that break in the song.

[@jasoncash437]

The Most Dangerous Band in the World! They are all fabulous musicians themselves.

[@RickMcCargar]

Came here for this. I replayed that 4-5 times before moving on. Love his music. Such a loss.

[@boniw698]

The day the music died for myself is when he passed. Greatest performer Greatest guitar player ever.

[@Transterra55]

Hearing SRV is always a spiritual experience ….RIP Brother.

[@SueProv]

It sure is. Steve Vai and Joe Satriani went to my high school. They were ahead of me by several years. Great as they are, Stevie touched my emotions. Just incredible.

[@keeponrollin7922]

The austin city limits show he did around this time is one of best performances ive ever seen,leave my little girl alone top notch!

[@mike_wright]

Leave my Little Girl Alone at that show is my favorite song and version! He killed it!

[@maestrogringo]

Paul is clearly enjoying himself, playing with an absolute legend!!

[@Ghost1126]

Paul would enjoy himself with himself Have you ever watched Paul?

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

They all were. Anton and Will were killing it too.

[@drewa2]

Funny, but Paul is great in his own right.

[@methodicalmike738]

I'm guessing Paul and the boys knew they were in the presence of greatness

[@zeusapollo8688]

He is much more interesting than I thought​@@drewa2

[@marvinthemartian6788]

I’ve never seen anyone have that “ dangerous “ feeling live. He was such an awesome player

[@OTOss8]

Woah buddy, now *this* is a treat! Thank you to whoever decided to upload this gem. Edit: This is less than a year before he was killed. Hurts to think he had a little less than 11 months left after this performance.

[@Rob_Kates]

Very sad, the guy was truly a virtuoso.

[@qthelost]

And then Stevie Ray sat in with Paul Shaffer's all-star band on David Letterman's 8th anniversary special, which aired Feb. 1st, 1990. (That special is on Don Giller's Letterman channel.)

[@OTOss8]

@@qthelost Oh wow, he made it back really quickly. That's almost unheard of. Shoot, if I were Dave, I'd have done whatever I could to get him to sit in as often as possible. He was just so damned good. His loss is such a downer.

[@danluben5082]

He was sooo good!

[@JasonBrymesser]

Yes Excellent!!!🎸 I love how Paul Shaffer 🎹 jams with all these great musicians.😏

[@rexoates4484]

Stevie just had a presence on the stage that captured an audience.

[@sonydav356]

A huge loss, hard to believe he was taken so young & it’s been so long ago, over 30 years & I still remember that day like it was yesterday. SRV, you’re still missed to this day & there won’t be another like you.

[@MahlonEdwards]

...ever!!

[@Gatorgirl89]

I regret not seeing him in concert. He was one of the best blues guitarist of my time. So low key but had a stompin’ blues sound.

[@daveedson32]

Low key? How do you mean? Not a phrase I’d use at all to describe SRV.

[@fivehead6675]

@@daveedson32 right? I was thinking more like full throttle.

[@daveedson32]

@@fivehead6675 💯

[@OblivionAviator]

I saw Stevie & Jeff Beck on the Fire Meets the Fury tour. Un-f**king-believable show. Spectacular performances by both! Both of those guys are in "the one & only" category.

[@ZomBMarketing]

@@OblivionAviator I saw that! Carlos Santana came out for 3 songs but Jeff Beck stayed in the dressing room so it was just Carlos and SRV.

[@jimmybones4708]

Meet Stevie back in 1984 at Kean College NJ. When he shook my hand I said your one of the guitarists in the world. He replied "I try man" wow how humble great guy he was. Also played Girls Just Wanna Have Fun in rehersals. Everyone Keep the FAITH.

[@KaiserBlade]

You mean you met him. I think he knew he was one of the guitarists in the world. Proof reading is hard.

[@MahlonEdwards]

@@KaiserBlade 🤣🤣

[@turolretar]

Lmao he’s definitely one of the guitarists in the world

[@TheArtofBlues]

This just amplifies how good Chris & Tommy are!

[@kingswayguitar]

but it's not them

[@arise2945]

@@kingswayguitar I believe that's the whole point.

[@TxGnomeAF]

Totally agree, as good as Dave's band was, couldn't hold a candle to Double Trouble.

[@boooootch]

Different, not better.

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

But Will Lee not too bad..

[@yoyartube]

Makes me so happy and sad all at once.

[@drjay73]

Brother I know exactly what you mean

[@beachfilm77]

3 decades gone, and I still love watching him play.

[@MrModamanReviews]

The very best guitarist I have ever seen in concert.

[@alanpascual902]

That YAAAAAAAH starting the solo, gold.

[@peeg100]

Heard it years ago in guitar world article. “Stevie Ray didn’t die, God wanted guitar lessons.” I’ve played guitar for almost 20 years, and I’ll never forget when I heard Life without You, live from Nashville, it’s pure heart and emotion. It completely changed they way I approached guitar, it’s not about technical perfection, it’s all about feel, and soul.

[@CodyAvant]

I like how you included the monologue banter at the beginning. Bravo!

[@dlullrich6803]

I saw Stevie Ray Vaughan in Regina Saskatchewan at the centre of the arts. Later that night I walked over to the paddock, which was the nightclub with the good bands in those days. The one time, the one time! That I didn’t have money to go inside for a beer, Stevie Ray Vaughan shows up and plugs in. I didn’t see him play in the bar that night, but I was standing outside when he came out. He was walking kind of staring down so I couldn’t see his face. I said great show at the Centre Stevie Ray. He then looked up at me said thank you then lower The brim of his hat again and left. A very cool moment and a story that I have repeated several times over the years. He died in that terrible helicopter crash not long after that.

[@8weight]

My buddy Mike worked at a small club in New Haven CT. SRV was in town and playing there so we went to see him. When we got to the door my friends boss said to him, one of the guys didn't show up if you'll work tonight your buddy can go backstage with you. I said Mike, you're working tonight. A night I'll never forget.

[@bobabooey7088]

Kentucky Fried Mike?

[@8weight]

Not Kentucky Fried Mike.

[@christianstolberg]

He was taken from us way too early and in the middle of his primetime. You are truly missed dear Stevie. God bless his soul.

[@busdriver3469]

Sober 35 years and still love this guy!! Wish he were still playing.

[@Bazravish69]

Congrats man, that’s a hell of an achievement. Respect.

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

I'm drunk! But least I drink responsible and not over do it! I know my limit and not a drunk who changes attitude.

[@terryestepp2615]

No words for the magic Stevie Ray exudes when he plays

[@evilokram1]

Talented beautiful humble funny SRV. Rip you are missed and loved ❤

[@gongqi67]

Groove is king. And Stevie was a king. Great songwriter too.

[@knifelyfe6565]

Stevie wrote this with Doyle Brahmhall.Stevie also learned to sing from Doyle.They both are missed.

[@SonicWanderer5]

This makes my heart feel good. RIP SRV❤

[@EnzoFerreyra2712]

How can I miss someone that I never meet? SRV forever

[@bunsipod]

More Stevie Ray videos please!

[@OTOss8]

I don't know if there are any from the Late Show. He died less than 11 months after this.

[@jedblaugrund597]

@@OTOss8 He appeared at the LN 8th Anniversary Special...I know because I was there!

[@OTOss8]

@@jedblaugrund597 Well, I didn't know. I simultaneously *hate* you but am absolutely *thrilled* for you that you got to see it. Are there any memories from that show that you'd care to share with the rest of the class?

[@gsmeeuwsen]

Wow, listen to Will Lee's bass part...smoking! Stevie was too, of course!

[@ULTIMATEPATCHES]

Will is one of the most heard yet most underrated bassists out there. Him and Bob Babbitt.

[@knifelyfe6565]

Will plays on stuff you didn't even know he played on but nobody holds down the bottom with Stevie like Tommy and Whipper.

[@judyholland7236]

Awesome as always.....forever loved & missed😍💔💔💔

[@Jett-Crash]

Although I’d liked The Fabulous Thunderbirds for a couple of years before hearing of Stevie Ray (no internet in the mid-80’s…), In Step was when I first discovered SRV, and damned if he didn’t change my life, both musically, and personally, in his recovery helping ME stay sober for more than thirty years now. I miss you, man, and wish I could’ve met you…

[@brucelee4996]

Thanks, Letterman Channel. Miss you Stevie. 🙏

[@kathieludwig4578]

Such a brilliant talent! I miss him and what might have been.

[@armandogalvan6275]

RIP Stevie... Your music and guitar playing is TIMELESS!!!

[@1blondidea]

THIS!!!! Yeah, Stevie Ray!! Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!!! Many thanks to whoever found and put this on the channel here!! Just way too cool!! He was A GREAT One.

[@mindeloman]

Interesting piece of trivia. Christopher Cross, the artist known for "Sailing" and "Arthur's Theme" was a hard rock guitarist in the early 70s. He was on the Texas scene. He traded in a pieced together Fender Stratocaster for credit towards a Gibson Les Paul. It was like the very next day and SRV came into the shop and bought that Stratocaster and it became his "#1."

[@otaviorocha4156]

Thats why youtube is the best thing on the internet, a time machine that allows us to see new stuff from our beloved SRV! Also kudos to the bass player, always bringing nasty licks everytime i see him on the tonite show.

[@Roadhog3]

I'm 18 and found this guy a couple of months and can't get enough of him. I've listened to all of his studio albums and pretty much his entire discography and every live show he did that I can find on youtube. If anyone has any more recommendations from him or other players please tell me. My dad has already told me about Rory Gallagher and Jimmy Thackery but if there is any more I'd love to hear.

[@MPR710]

That is a deep rabbit hole. Could try with SRV influences like Albert King or Buddy Guy. Also try Gary Moore

[@Ron-ih4ox]

Dude, you might want to reseach an albino guy, name of Johnny Winter. Everything SRV is/was is because of JW

[@Jakesofa]

Danny Gatton, Buddy Guy, Eric Gales, and of course Jimi Hendrix.

[@bcfortenberry]

Danny Gatton. Super underrated.

[@slimlewisguitar]

That’s very cool you are getting into SRV. Check out some of the artists who influenced SRV such as Earl Hooker, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, and Albert King

[@AwesomeEricD]

I still remember exactly what I was doing when Entertainement tonigth announced his departure ... I tought learning about John Bonham and Randy Rhoads was bad ... DAMN ! I still miss his genius

[@dathorndike4908]

Thank you Letterman for releasing this gift to us all!

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

Dave knew great artists/musicians!

[@LisaGrisham]

Totally Awesome!!! I will alway's love Stevie Ray Vaughn. What a great singer and guitar player! 🙏🤗😎❤️

[@OohMyHead]

As good as it gets. Miss you Stevie!

[@ernestcruz6316]

Stevie at the peak of his career and just about to start his famous tour with Jeff Beck. I saw them on that tour at the Worcester Centrum later that year. Have they uploaded one of Gary Moore's Letterman appearances? If not, they damn well should.

[@daveedson32]

I was at that Centrum show too! ❤

[@JayRiemenschneider]

Was at the RPI one. Liked SRV more but Beck and Bozzio were eye opening for me

[@paultrueman2]

Damn!!! Stevie was soooo good man. WOW!

[@TonyFrickey-ur9jy]

I always liked the fact that Stevie wasn't a shower . He had a look, but seems incredibly shy and just wanted to play.

[@MW_Builds]

SRV was a flash of brilliance in a land of mediocrity. A beautiful talent for soul. Love it

[@S1L3NTG4M3R]

wow

[@taxesdeathandtrouble.1886]

;)

[@stevenrobinson2381]

Stevie showing how it is DONE. God Rest His Soul.

[@stevenartascos2918]

Great!!! I recommend, playing at maximum volume!!!

[@spooley]

Was hoping this would show up one day, thanks so much. Arc Angels played the show too, well worth a look.

[@chrisb5986]

I miss him so much. Saw him play in '87.

[@c.p.1688]

He was so awesome!

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

I still have the tribute to stevie on dvd and is really rare at the moment... but love stevie and tribute album/dvd 😊

[@hirampriggott1689]

I saw him twice in concert. The guy played in the groove pocket and still managed to embellish with his guitar licks.

[@TheRealMyName]

Thanks for sharing Dave. This is timeless. We love and miss you SRV. Greetings from Samsun Turkey.

[@annem7806]

Enjoying this sittin in S Austin

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

Texas legendary boy!

[@mr.d.572]

I've never even heard this song before so seeing it played live is a big treat! 👍

[@FC-xc3zy]

Stevie is forever ...

[@truthseeker4841]

Great performance. One thing which struck me about SRV is that he was a relatively young man at the time of his passing, but his playing, demeanor, and overall presence was of someone much older, experienced, and wiser. Namaste.🙏🏽

[@ES-hr6vg]

Astounding performance. The sound quality is incredible.

[@bw_selfish]

Love Stevie!

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

The man that brought cool back to the blues!

[@AMEER-114-]

Certain words shared here really made me start to hurt inside and actually cry again... Over something that happened 34 years ago...I was 20 then... I'd like to say that the heartbreak is even worse cause he just seemed like a truly wonderful man coming into a truly happy New Life in sobriety . ...him having been a great guitarist is really not as important... Ask his brother and those who loved him... They would have loved having him here all these years, even if he lost his arm or something in the accident and never could play again.

[@davidemurgioni9158]

Uno dei più grandi di tutti i tempi!!!

[@kylekerwin4993]

What a stellar performance. Love that this guitar gifted genius of a man managed to wear off the varnish and paint off his guitar from shredding on it. RIP Stevie. You are missed by the masses and your style will never fade.

[@theqashow2942]

I definitely appreciate Paul Shaffer and The Worlds Most Dangerous Band way more after seeing their feature videos on this channel. They have the chops to keep up with anybody anytime

[@mannybravo237]

Sweet! 🤘🏻SRV, Texas boogie woogie blues master.❤️‍🔥

[@johnzook8386]

I think SRV could have awoke from a year long coma, slipped on a Strat and gave a bone chilling performance. He just oozed talent and cool. I saw him at the Fox in St Louis and it was like a religious experience.

[@pwk22]

Stevie and Prince had the same contorted sneer when hitting those particularly gnarly chords.

[@67Jimbob]

Thank you for this.💗

[@csi2448]

Please post the 'Wall of Denial' performance! I know it's on here already (not on the official Letterman channel) but the quality of this 'Tightrope' performance is incredible and I'd love to see the 'Wall of Denial' performance in this quality too. Cause Stevie was at his absolute best (sadly only 8 months before he passed) and he lays down one of his greatest solos during that performance!

[@Rashnak66]

I was at a '85 SRV show at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, which was a small venue. General admission seats were $15 and I was right up front for an amazing show.

[@carlaharrington5120]

OMG!!! I was an avid Letterman fan. I don't remember this show!!!

[@JaxjustJax]

Thank you! Love this ❤

[@philreeves2404]

This band evidently contains actual musicians/vocalists. I love this band! Great job people! ❤

[@JasonBrymesser]

I love how Paul Shaffer 🎹 jams with all of these great musicians.😏

[@LloydBraun11]

Through the years, every kind of musician jumped in with Paul & the band and they could always play any song with them perfectly. I can't praise them enough.

[@VeloVagabond]

Yes! And unlike Jools Holland, they actually wanted to play with Paul and the band!

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

Paul is a Canadian treasure and played flawlessly with every musician that stop by the late show.

[@tbx59]

As a fan of the blues and Letterman what a great video

[@ChrisWebb-c8w]

When God made Stevie ray Vaughan he truly destroyed the mold the man was a force of nature RIP Stevie you are still loved and sorely missed.i hope you are in Heaven wailing your wings off for the lord and his angels😢😢😢

[@dhoytinaz]

Light guy can't turn his light on during the monologue part and the sound guy forgot to turn up his mic when Tightrope started. Well done everybody!! LOL

[@rdog421]

Looked very cool with Stevie in the Shadows!! Perfect imperfection

[@giorgiocosentino509]

Would have been perfect for Tin Pan Alley ​@@rdog421

[@Piggy-Oink-Oink]

I was backstage at this episode and got to meet Stevie...was a very nice man. Took a photo with me.. RIP

[@susanhill149]

Dang I just love it SRV seared into memory

[@86Argonaut]

Back when we had real late shows and real talent and a free country.

[@jonl1034]

Back when my parents thought this was a bunch of noise and talked about back when there was real talent and we had a free country.

[@86Argonaut]

@@jonl1034 Except your parents never said that.

[@gymshoe8862]

...and Letterman hadn't jumped off the Left side of the planet

[@JayRiemenschneider]

Saw him right around this time up at RPI with Jeff Beck. What a night.

[@rgs4x]

Gone too soon! Checkout his performance on Austin City Limits.

[@-in-the-meantime...]

Texas Flood at the El Mocambo too!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I have it on DVD and Laserdisc. Live at The El Mocambo is great too.

[@ULTIMATEPATCHES]

Yes, and fellow Texan guitarist Eric Johnson's "Cliffs of Dover" on Austin City Limits is also astounding!

[@TS-Music-57]

I remember NOT seeing him at Alpine Valley thinking, Oh, I'll catch him playing another time. BIG, BIG Mistake. One I regret to this day. 🙏

[@NYCguitarist]

You can tell the band is totally into playing with SRV

[@SourSnatch]

Rock On!!!

[@davibaldrani]

I don't know why, but I connect intensely with him, his spirit is so strong and gentle, a tear falls every time I think about his death...

[@jeffsimard8846]

Shivers all through my body What a GIANT!!!!

[@jimbradley7058]

To answer Dave’s question: yes, SRV can play the guitar!

[@FrankBenlin]

The good stuff.

[@mariannowlin4785]

OMG! THANK YOU! SRV - AMAZING!!!

[@zepeps]

such a genuine performer such a great player..... miss that guy

[@claudedalton8970]

STEVIE WAS INCREDIBLE AT WHAT HE DID! LOVE HIM AND MISS HIM!

[@bigcatjakeserna630]

Man that was so awesome! I know that Letterman has his own band but It just felt weird not seeing his boys back there jamming with him, but he was good as usual..

[@marksvie]

Ga pernah bosen liat srv main ❤❤