Steve Earle on Letterman 1988 (Copperhead Road)

Steve Earle on David Letterman in 1988 performing Copperhead Road and being interviewed after. His guitarist at the time, Zip Gibson is playing guitar with Letterman's house band.

[@foreverspring]

I saw Steve Earle back in 1990, and I was so excited prior to, so overwhelmed during, that when it was over I still couldn't believe it happened. There has never been a concert before or after. There were about 2400 fans and we were there because we loved Steve Earle. He and his band ran on stage at 20 to 8 and said goodnight at 11:30 with this song -- and never a break. He sang and chatted and it was the best. It is still the very best concert I've ever seen. He's a true legend.

[@nobodythatyouknow241]

I live in the middle of nowhere. We have to go to Vancouver to see anything. It's not really in the budget to get to many concerts. It was nearly 20 years ago now, Steve was in Vancouver BC, solo. My wife was going on a scholarship program trip so I bought tickets for the concert, an extra plane ticket for me. The feelings you described are exactly what I felt. I have hours of Steve Earle songs on my play list.

[@nateindenver534]

"Nobody can tell me I played it wrong bc I wrote it..." what a dude!

[@RowenMyBoat]

Where is this from? Lol

[@lukequinlan7153]

@@RowenMyBoat in this video

[@musicxtu921]

Who still listening to it 29 years later

[@kd0duj]

Love this song

[@coopershattuck7986]

MAKE IT 30

[@gaskan666]

31 years later

[@brandil1491]

@@gaskan666 32

[@79tazman]

More like who's not listening to this it's a bad ass tune

[@j.cordellsteinmetz9219]

This song NEVER gets old.

[@wyatthenry9206]

He sounds exactly like he does in the music video, very rare you see singer perform the exact way live as they did on the radio or on a music video.

[@revolutionday1]

Yeah, but he stopped giving a fuck about his performances altogether, sometime in the 90's.

[@darlincommitme]

@@revolutionday1 This is absolutely not true. I have seen him many times and it is always a great show. He plays long shows, has gathered a stellar band and loves being in front of an audience. He has improved his guitar playing and works hard to keep his voice up, though has some breathing issues due to his past drug and cigarette use.

[@princessofhesse]

God bless Steve Earle. Even when he was at the worst of his dope sickness, he never failed to give 100%. I've been a fan for years and years and hope he lives til we are both old folks!

[@chazwilkins117]

Tell me more please!!!

[@kathywarrick2084]

Me too! Met Steve @ small venue - really nice man Signed a small poster for me.

[@richardn6768]

Even at his most troubled, Steve has always been a stand-up guy

[@jaylynnbailey1250]

I love everything about this man. Even loaded on smack, he is a better, more talented human than most of us can ever hope to be. He has inspired me both as a person and as an artist. Steve Earle. Yes.

[@rioblancoman]

Check out Heartworm Highways on KZbin. Steve, Rodney Crowell Guy Clark and Friends at Guy's house Christmas Eve 1975. Steve is 20 years old and kicks a**.

[@pinkysgrl]

Steve Earle is and always has been the real deal. An incredibly talented songwriter and performer. Yeah, he's had his "issues" over the years, but he's never boring. And for those who comment on his looks, take a gander at his gorgeous wife...he's having the last laugh on all of you.

[@PerkinsRooster]

Boy I miss 1988.

[@markharris2149]

For one thing,it was the end of the 80s..thank goodness.

[@stevenminix]

I miss all the 80’s

[@roscoep.coltraine6344]

@@stevenminix that's right

[@princessofhesse]

i had a 2 week old baby when this came out....Steve Earle, no matter the year, time or political climate, is the best singer songwriter in the world...and i will say that standing on his new coffee table in New York City...i saw him in Minneapolis in March, and am going to see him again in Duluth on July 19...incredible, a wonderful artist and great man...God bless Steve Earle....

[@leemarquette171]

Q. 39

[@itsbeenagreed]

always loved this song, never watched a live version, always the sign of a true musician when the live version is as good or better than the studio version

[@screwyootube1]

Very cool clip! Back in the days when the artist performed, then was brought over to chat for a minute! They don't do THAT any more, unless you're a brain-dead prissy pop star! And kudos to Steve Earle for having a heart for homeless children!

[@Normgod73]

Was watching this the night it aired..

[@gwtwmom2]

Steve Earle has never gotten the credit due him. One of my favorite artists and songs. NYC didn't know what hit 'em that night!!! Lol

[@douglasgay4497]

You are one hundred percent correct. I am exactly opposite of him politically but I love the man like a Brother.

[@warshipsatin8764]

@@douglasgay4497 i wonder what he thinks when his political friends use his accent to do an impression of a stupid person?

[@douglasgay4497]

@@warshipsatin8764 probably not too happy with them. I heard a story, no actually read it in Hard core troubadour, that he once dumped a plate of food over Tony Rice's head in a restaurant. I'm pretty sure it was Tony Rice. They were disagreeing over the cover for Exit 0. Tony wanted the usual picture of the artist on the album cover. Steve wanted a picture of the sign. Anyhow according to the book he dumped his plate of food on Tony's head and walked out. I think I'll check that out of the library again and reread it. It was a very interesting story. I may have some of the facts wrong. Guess one good thing about getting old is that you can reread books that you read a long time ago and not remember the ending. Lol It seems like Steve has stayed clean for a while now. Surprised he didn't take a hard fall off the wagon when his son died. I still think he is one of the best songwriters ever.

[@Terk131]

What's amazing is how he could play so well loaded..

[@yourlastmassacre]

Well, If you're loaded at every bandpractice...

[@Terk131]

@ drunk is much different then loaded on dope.

[@bend6973]

@Erik Tool Thanks loser. Like you know someone's chemical history night to night. Do you have cameras in his bedroom too so you can judge his sex life. Get over yourself dork.

[@TheCountryboy228]

Hey idc what yall say this is my anthem and for all other shiners will agree with me you are the man steve earle

[@rkoorse]

I'm a latecomer to listening to Steve. I have an ad in my kitchen from IHEG in Northhampton Mass from I don't know how many years ago. He played the Calvin Theater. I never got to go. I didn't know a thing about him, just had heard his name here and there. Well, sometime last year I saw him playing the Bearsville Theater which is in or just outside of Woodstock NY depending who you ask. And he played one song, I said either to myself or out loud, "where has this guy been all my life." Whatever it was he did cut right into me. I put on Goodbye or Valentine's Day and I mean i feel real heartache. For s a little more upbeat but still poignant there's Copperhead or Rich Man's War or Gringo's Tale. Just a few nights ago I listened to Fort Worth Blues for the first time. So the good news is, I'm a latecomer but there's still a treasure of songs from Steve Earle to feel my way around in.

[@DawnFremy]

Great song! Great songwriter! God bless Steve Earle.

[@YvesB1]

Steve Earle is a genious! Always was, always will be!

[@katadantesux]

This guy is one of my Heroes.

[@LoyalRaiderFan]

Earle is intensely talented and marches to the beat of his own drum...and as usual in Nashville, if you're not doing the stuff the circle of 15 songwriters put in front of you, it hurts you.

[@The_Real_Indiana_Joe]

Damn Letterman had some good stuff on back in the day.

[@darlincommitme]

Not just back in the day. The last few years before he retired Letterman was booking a lot of independent American and Blues artists. He is a serious fan, and has helped artists like Jason Isbell get more recognition.

[@blenk9607]

Caught Steve last night in Rochester NY. Small venue. Copperhead Road album in its entirety plus another hour of his music! Great show!!

[@bitchoflivingblah]

There are very few times in your life you can say you witnessed stunning performances - this is one of those moments.

[@andrewdinkel5900]

Great song writer, great singer and a great man! Working for the children way back then!

[@bluejack644]

Classy guy.

[@LucidDream]

First show I ever went to was Steve Earle in Knoxville, TN. :) From here, used to get a kick out of the Knoxville reference when I was a kid. My dad introduced me to his music when I was really young. Used to ride around listening to Steve Earle on the tapedeck in his truck. I think my next concert was at the same place, not long after, and that one was to see John Prine...another great artist. Then I saw Alison Krauss there not long after that. All back in the mid '90s or so. Good times. Steve was awesome to see live. I think that's when I really fell in love with music. Seeing it all put together on a stage, all the hard work coming together to create an awesome show. Funny too, I noticed this was recorded the same year I was born. '88.

[@scottyengland4335]

I’m from Morgan County about 45 miles west of Knoxville. I was in the Army in Germany when this came out. The Knoxville mention made my head swell as well! Great times and memories! This whole album is great! ‘Johnny Come Lately’, ‘The Devils Right Hand’ and ‘Snake Oil’, great tunes!!

[@k.g.alatore355]

I moved to Knoxville from Nashville. Nashville isn't exactly Steve Earle's biggest fan due to his politics and his alternative style, but Appalachian people absolutely love him and the tales he tells in his songs about Appalachia.

[@seancrutcher525]

I'm an 88 baby to.grew up with copperhead road.these days I'd rather listen to his son justin townes earle

[@seancrutcher525]

@Sean Conley yes somewhere around 6 months to a year ago I cajt remember exactly

[@LucidDream]

@@k.g.alatore355 Really? I'd figure that the opposite would be true. Nashville is pretty blue and Steve seems to be as well. In fact, he played the same theater I saw him play at here in Knoxville and a lot of people got up and left because he started rambling on about politics. I still love his music and really nothing he says about politics is going to get me to stop listening. He still writes great music about Appalachia.

[@darthrevan4570]

david letterman just pulled out a record! when was the last time you saw that? awesome song...one of the best albums i ever bought

[@elatomico7791]

not a bad track

[@cppower14]

Know its been 6 years since you posted your comment, but man it would be awesome to hear that song on vinyl playing again. Love all the pops and crackles the records make.

[@jamesbrandt4099]

Steve's an amazing singer,songwriter,and guitarist

[@Ispyletsseewhoshere]

Listening to this on the day Former President T is being arraigned in NY - I look at days like this & just thank god we have men like Steve Earle & PDT

[@gregory6903]

You're out of your motherfucking mind if you think Steve Earle doesn't despise trump

[@ghigh6063]

I will never forget playing this for my brother the first time, (actually 30 or so ppl here the Christmas after this was released) good family times

[@SweetTe]

This is a classic song and I love Steve-he totally kicks ass!!

[@ranjitdighe7690]

Great performance, great interview. Steve and Dave play well off each other.

[@snowman374th]

Get down!!! Steve Earle helping homeless children. ~S~ Salute to Steve!

[@aloisemason3044]

This was a number one and Steve is legend ..band is terrific..never forgotten..rhythem and melody is phenomenal ..going out airwave and fans loves the sound..Sensational

[@RealTime88]

Amazing singer/songwriter musician. Great message!! Steve Earle rocks!!! I'm glad Dave is a fan of him and other singer/songwriters like him.

[@mckinneyrd]

WOW!!! Steve Earle at his peak. AWESOME!!!! Thanks for posting this!

[@carljautakis6844]

Just saw Steve last night, great as ever! One great talent!

[@smwrbd]

Condolences to Steve and family on the passing of his son Justin.

[@lynnehayes5720]

couldn't beat his music mate. We Aussies loved his performance in 2014. It was bloody awesome!!!!

[@WinsomeJohnny]

I'm 59yrs old playing mando for for 1 year now, just discovering this song Steve Earle is The Man and funny as hell!

[@deborahpannell7541]

Still listening Nov 2020... Love some Steve Earle ❤️🎶

[@keithwisell8528]

I discovered this song a few years ago and its a badass song. Its on my playlist. Love it every time it comes on.

[@ronbo11]

One of my all-time favorite performances on Letterman's show and Steve Earle is a great songwriter and singer! Thanks for posting this bad mother.

[@katford7286]

I love this song; it was the first song I learned to play on my mandolin. "Galway Girl" was the first I learned on guitar. There will never be anybody like Steve Earle.

[@timothymcdonald6913]

This man laid down a real bit of music with this song.

[@kcroyals1fan987]

My family farms here in Kansas. Often my older brother and some close friends would pack a couple coolers full of beer and go driving dirt from about 6pm until early morning. Listening to Earl and loving life. He reminds me of those spring and summer evenings every time I hear his music. He Has no idea we still wore out his CDs in the early 2000s.

[@Abi-un4uk]

KC Royals #1 Fan sounds awesome

[@paulswartz989]

I live in that briar patch done a lot of that back road cruisin Kansas got the greatest back roads and country sunsets

[@cathytavenner2582]

Handsome...down to earth and so open hearted...these are some of the reasons he is one of the best so g writers ever...he is a true troubadour

[@LonskiBig]

...best live performance of a song there ever was.....

[@gwtwmom2]

Totally agree!

[@markharris2149]

grunge got monotonous. hair bands were bad memory. classic rock, been there, done that! (but still do it) I was in a music slump. My cousin's ranch needed work, I needed change. First c.d. he put on while we worked was "Train a comin" Slump over! I've battled hard drugs from16 on. Many detox, rehab..yada, yada. Must be fast on my feet cause on the19th I'll be 62! I've outlived most the folks that said I'd never make it. Steve Earle Knows. He's crammed alot of life into his years. All his albums really "scratch that itch", music wise. Thanks Steve..You're ballads, hard rock, etc. have put a hitch in this old dogs giddyup.

[@intothewild2345]

+Mark Harris much respect!

[@markharris2149]

+countrylife much thanks✌

[@davidtraynor2793]

Mark Harris huge Steve Earle fan.........now a mark Harris fan!......giggled right up......mark - scratch that itch with a hitch in your giddy up.....someone write a song all royalties mark Harris.......cheers mate

[@robertharris2701]

David Traynor.. just saw your comment.. Thanks Mate 👍

[@bobbyknoth6985]

Roger that!!

[@sociald421]

damn man...could Steve Earle be any fuckin' cooler? I mean ..seriously

[@nana-kw2dv]

+jon smith this is America. It truly is. God I love this country

[@nana-kw2dv]

+na na and to answer your question: no, no one could be any cooler.

[@jeannedoessen1290]

+jon smith Of course you meant: Damn man... Could Steve Earle be any fuckin' sexier? I mean... seriously

[@syliss133]

ever hear his boy Justin Townes Earle?

[@doranmaxwell1755]

nope.. that was the coolest he ever got.. after that he was a perfect douche

[@reynaldocabarrubias6324]

Im still listening this song til now, love it to the bone

[@Jo.885]

Still one of my favorite songs! One of the best albums I've ever heard.

[@nancykelley4767]

woooooow ya still got that raw voice go for it!!!!

[@markbrownner6565]

and to know that 13 years earlier he was sitting at a table with rodney crowell at guy clark's house trading songs and getting drunk....

[@leecrampton8544]

And those recordings of Steve playing in those clips are priceless. I love the energy & heart & soul in them. Just lik e this clip of Copperhead Road.

[@markharvey3770]

Still listening December '23...

[@rkg313]

Great version of a great song with Paul's band---

[@bdub4750]

had to look this one up. I was there. Still like the song and Steve Earle

[@theresasoltis7024]

I just love copperhead road it reminds me of home I love steve earle keep them coming steve

[@BlackJackStrikesBack]

Thanks David Letterman for always supporting this kind of music. Love this song.

[@tonybranch7529]

Who knew this would turn into the most line danced rendition ever but now has been advanced to the with violin rendition sounding even cooler yet.

[@chrisb1953]

Try listening to his Australian performance from the June 2014 Byron Bay Bluesfest on the Rockwiz show - still good after 26 years.

[@markharvey3770]

Hell yeah, December '23!!

[@amandahuginkiss4098]

I've seen him live - great show.

[@princessofhesse]

my friend, you will never regret going to a Steve Earle concert...right now i am getting together every last penny to see him next week...worth every cent...

[@BusDriverLady77]

OMG!! I Love Steve Earle! Haven't heard this song in many moons!!!

[@cornonthecob1268]

I'm 55 years old and I have to honestly say that this might be my favorite song of all time.

[@leecrampton8544]

I absolutely love this version.

[@cjvideo22]

I saw him in 1987 before this came out. Amazing live performer!! Made me a fan for life.

[@melaniepittman1185]

I am. I guess I heard this not long after my son Trevor was born in 1988! He is a musician now!

[@veravajr]

I love everything about this man. Such talent

[@patriciajohnson3792]

Im still listening and will til i go. 😁🙃😷❤️🤗

[@mikehansen5073]

Damn Letterman had some good stuff on back in the day. Great version of a great song with Paul's band--- badass performance

[@darlincommitme]

He always supported roots artists.

[@perrydasavage]

Thanx for this vid! In his prime, Steve Earle was the BEST thing in music Rock, Country, it didn't matter ... he was the BEST!

[@robertguatelli9178]

Love this song. Always gets to me

[@wozslater7695]

I'm Ohio-born, haven't seen America in 66 years, danke-gott, but when I'd first heard you do this song there was a little bit of peace came with it, guess that's a subdued thank you...

[@djardine2520]

Good man. Tough life. Great song.

[@brandontaylor3670]

Great song! Great songwriter! God bless Steve Earle. Was watching this the night it aired..

[@AnnalisaGrace1545]

Saw him last week. He's AMAZING. Brilliant.

[@michaelohare6498]

thanks for postin love steve earle

[@Bdasef]

Awesome & the interview was pretty humorous. Steve can sit down with just about anyone, they can say just about anything to him & he just carries on. He seems to never take a defensive stance. He's who he is! Big fan of his songwriting & Earle as a whole. Great he helped the less fortunate, I'm sure he still does. He went through some rough times, but never be the judge, lest you be judged, right? He overcame it all, still successful & happily married! :) Rock on Steve!

[@jamesmichael5475]

Steve earl is frequently referred to as a musician's musician.

[@user-cn2jy5tx1t]

Love this song, still love this song 2023

[@fingletoad]

Awesome! Two class acts! Thanks for posting. I miss Dave. Great clip! Peace.

[@marcturner3463]

Just a FUCKIN brilliant song

[@jd4harley]

The first time I ever heard that song I loved it I love the sound the meaning everything about it matter of fact until I had heard it I never even knew of Steve Earle❤

[@TyvanTV]

I remember seeing him live at the burg back in 65. what a show!

[@kerbygator]

Tyvan TV If he was 19 in '74, he would have been 10 in '65. You seen him when he was 10?

[@TyvanTV]

Bob, it was only a joke. =)

[@davidreigelman3492]

Saw him at Peabody's Down Under in Cleveland, '86- -'87. Amazing, been a huge fan ever since !

[@ezart4153]

Damn. What I wouldn't give to see Steve Earle live back in the day.

[@syrsknight]

35 yrs later im still listening :)

[@dantean]

Great performance. Thanks for posting.

[@evilwooki]

Going to see him in 2 days, One of my favourites all time

[@realbarnabe9690]

Great song! Great songwriter! God bless Steve Earle. Get down!!! Steve Earle helping homeless children. ~S~ Salute to Steve!

[@connieperry8842]

i surely do & will until i leave this world

[@sproketface1]

Holy Awesome ! Way old school. A Legend in waiting.

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

I am a massive fan of a Scottish band called Runrig (Now sadly retired) When they toured loads of us would try to get to as many gigs as we could, all over the country and into Europe. For one tour the song that got played between bands and while the road crew and techies were setting them up was Copperhead Road. I had no idea who or what this was, but I just Loved It. So one night I went up to the stage and asked one of the crew. He told me and said that Runrig's lead singer at the time (Donnie Munro) thought Steve Earle was the best singer he had heard. I had a name! Been a Steve Earle fan ever since. And what an amazing life this guy has had. I love the way he will go out on a limb for what he believes is Right, even if it is against the flow.

[@foreverspring]

I appreciate your input, richardcorysghost!! Steve was touring with Dylan just prior, and had branched out on his own concert tour, leaving Dylan to the mercies of the Pogues. Steve was laughing uproariously about Dylan and the Pogues, and we understood and laughed together with his infectious sense of fun. I like "radical", and "controversial", and "brilliant". Back then Steve was SO in the moment. There's been other favourites since, but he was special then and is special now.

[@Clovergirl49]

One of my faves.

[@marysterpkadelaney7310]

Saw him in Kent Ohio last year. One of my all time favorite shows, by one of the best ever. I love his music, his politics...he's amazing.

[@christianniem844]

You were BIG TIME when got a gig on Letterman

[@unkljj]

One of my favorite tunes!