When Roy Orbison Met The Beatles | Letterman

[@RobMoldovan]

So sad Roy was in the middle of major music comeback and also doing work with the Traveling Wilbury's to suddenly die. His voice really captured you and he was a true legend.

[@dkelly26666]

And he was still so young, only 52, and it was so sudden. He had been so big again the previous couple of years, and in 1988 he was really big. The Wilburys album was still topping the charts, and I just got up one morning, and heard he just died. You didn't even want to believe it, at first.

[@RickConzet]

Ain’t that the truth, so sad

[@NashvilleSkyline1969]

makes me sad every time i remember that

[@FunkyDisco79]

He died when he was at the height of his career. I'm glad that he was so popular and not forgotten when he died.

[@dekelanson5280]

34 years he's been gone. Time flies. This was a pathetically short interview. Roy was musical royalty. He deserved more than a couple minutes.

[@AlanDavidDoane]

In fairness, he seemed like an immortal God of Music in that moment. That he would pass in less than a year was utterly unthinkable. I'm quite sure Dave thought he'd have him back on many more times.

[@EightPieceBox]

I think Roy probably preferred to keep it short.

[@greatbyrondo]

@@EightPieceBox .....Yeah, I agree.....Roy didn't seem too talkative.

[@kevinnewsom3128]

@@greatbyrondo How refreshing! A celebrity who would rather just talk with you...rather than just talking about himself ...RIP Roy~

[@clashfan2875]

@@EightPieceBox He was notoriously shy and soft spoken.

[@EdHelms1]

Hard to believe we would lose this legend in less than a year.

[@dkelly26666]

Yes, just exactly 11 months from this show. It was very sudden, too. :(

[@weslee5451]

Take note kids. This is how it’s done. And he makes it look so easy!!! Such a talent.

[@kingairA100]

You’re right. His was REAL music.

[@tore-andregurandsrud1043]

A flawless performance, as always! Gosh, he had something special, didn’t he?

[@ChilliCheezdog]

Jeff Lynne, of ELO, was clearly in awe of him.

[@robertforsythe3280]

There is wealth in song that lives on in video. Just Listen and know

[@caelachyt]

He did.

[@robertclarke8456]

I was 16 when Roy toured with the Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers what a show saw them in Worcestershire England. Roy was just UNBELIEVABLE, MAGIC, OUT OF THIS WORLD. COMPLETELY STOLE THE SHOW. ROY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, ALWAYS REMEMBERED, ALWAYS LOVED. RIP BIG O.👑👑👑👑

[@claudiabasola6147]

Wish I was there!🎉😊

[@coachacola3755]

There’s a live album by Roy Orbison called “Batley Variety Club” which is in Worcestershire, England, is that the place?

[@TimothyJonSarris]

Orbison made everything look easy and sound amazing.

[@markegan2480]

Paul and the band members have to be thrilled to play with a legend like Roy Orbison, something they will never forget

[@elvisx]

Saw him live in concert 3 times. He was superb. Never heard a guy/band/performer more true to the sound of their records than Mr. Orbison. He had the audience in the palm of his hand.

[@notthatyouasked6656]

I only saw him once, around 1984. I invited a friend who sort of knew who Orbison was, but wasn't a huge fan. After the concert, my friend told me to be sure to invite him if Orbison came back again the following year!

[@Milesco]

You're a lucky sonovagun. I've always been a huge Roy Orbison fan, but due to his untimely passing, I never got the chance to see him in concert. 😥

[@charleswinters7129]

Incredible voice. The biggest stars we’re speechless when they first heard his voice live.

[@martinriepma5009]

What a nice guy. And just overloaded with talent too!

[@Biffer5]

What a great performance. Lettermans band was fantastic. They always did such a good job backing up performers.

[@GPSjammer]

The world's only operatic rockabilly singer. (quoted from Bruce Springsteen) A legend.

[@myguitardetective5961]

Ooooo.... I love that! Bravo sir! Great description! He was the Caruso of Rock n' Roll... without a doubt!

[@GPSjammer]

@@myguitardetective5961 I love that too!!

[@Zebred2001]

Brilliant phrase that!

[@musicauthority7828]

It was actually Jackson Brown or possibly JD Suther, that quoted that back stage at the end of the Black and White Night event. when they were running the credits. Bruce Springsteen said that it was a honor and dream come true. to get play guitar next to James Burton. and to sing with Roy Orbison. and that he took him out of his little town in New Jersey.

[@patriciaf.2574]

A lovely soul with a beautiful voice. Gone far too soon, sadly missed. 🎼💖

[@stevew270]

Roy always seemed to be a very nice and humble human being.

[@bobtreiber8556]

One of the great rock&roll artists of all time. What a pleasure watching Paul playing piano.

[@Milesco]

Yeah, it was refreshing to see the camera actually pointed at the keyboardist's _hands,_ for once! They _never_ do that! Drives me crazy. Whenever there's a keyboard solo or guitar solo, the camera is invariably pointed at the musician's _face,_ of all places. 😠

[@marksamuelsen2750]

I’m sure Paul was thrilled.

[@RJ1999x]

Hes no Jerry Lee Lewis

[@jeffstone2136]

So happy that Roy went out on top with a new generation of fans.

[@brainwaiver1]

5/22/63 I was at their Beatles/Orbison concert in Ipswich. Screaming crowds drowned out Beatles after Orbison entertained those of us sitting quietly in awe.

[@markallen381]

Roy, the greatest singer in the world with Paul on keys, great guitar, percussion and drums! Roy was gold!

[@peterddb1593]

One of the best things that I enjoy about these clips is rediscovering how wonder the artists are, especially when they perform with Paul and the band. Thank you for posting these!

[@Milesco]

@@smithsthoughts Yeah, he was definitely on top of his game that night! 🎹 👍

[@parkerk7018]

@@smithsthoughtsPaul must be high

[@noelbielby1852]

The sultan of sorrow... The Big O.. Roy never died "he lives" thre will never be another Roy ...he had a voice of an angel lost him way to young long live the king of hearts 👑

[@GeorgiaOverdrive]

Paul absolutely killing that piano solo dang!

[@somaday2595]

I should have gone to bed an hour ago but then stumbled onto this great performance and recording. Well worth staying up for. Thanks Roy!

[@tomhardy3500]

One of the godfathers of rock n roll. LEGEND!!!

[@lwdp74]

Many years ago I saw Roy in Hamilton Place, first set I thought Roy was losing it a bit, second set he was warmed up and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. Not a big talker Roy let his music communicate. One of the best and most enjoyable concerts I’ve ever heard.

[@TroyNaumu808]

Roy Orbison is the GOAT. Even "the King" Elvis Presley was in awe of Roy Orbison and his voice. He is the Caruso of Rock and Roll.

[@stevehughes1510]

Such a singer........distinctive and original, miss him a lot, God bless him.

[@zimmer651]

So nice to see Roy again. I had never seen this interview before. It just reminds people what a truly great artist, and great man he was.

[@Trapper3000]

Holy Cow, had to look it up, he died later that year. Aged 52. What a legend.

[@patm5086]

That's too short of a life

[@RobMoldovan]

Was his second heart attack, he had on 10 years earlier.

[@markwigglesworth6960]

He was one of a kind - wish there was more here!

[@alexandermatthewsmusic]

There's a whole generation of musicians like him that will be dearly missed.. Be cool to hear him again in real life

[@MedalionDS9]

Roy Orbison, LEGEND!

[@martina5296]

What a talented man. He seemed like a nice man, too.

[@carolynyoung-jenkins7263]

Reading all the comments proves what truly humble great man he was. Singing came easy and natural to him. How i miss him. I play his music a lot.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@catherinegigliotti1368]

I'm just noticing how much the band has changed over the years. Love that Roy played and then the interview. Love Roy!

[@trebledamages]

I had the great privilege of seeing Roy perform live at the Beacon Theater in NYC in March 1988. It was an incredibly perfect concert. After almost every song, he was given a standing ovation. The crowd went crazy after he performed “Running Scared” as his encore. He is still sorely missed.

[@davidbuswa9425]

Great performance by Roy with Paul and the World's Most Dangerous Band. I notice Roy look over at Paul when he was tinkling the ivories on the solo as a appreciation that enhance the song. I was hoping that Roy would've gave a little scoop on the Beatles before the Mania

[@GreenMorningDragonProductions]

The mania was already at full throttle in '63 in the UK when Roy toured with the Beatles. They'd already had several huge hits.

[@robertmorley3609]

Paul is just amazing!

[@kerigpope]

It's sad to think that he'd be taken from us by the end of that year. 😖 What a magical voice....

[@redblade8160]

Kerig Pope That is why the interview was quick; he had somewhere else to go!

[@DNGINFORMANT]

Man I love Roy’s music.

[@ym2173]

Such a lovely, talented human.

[@barrybrittain6157]

Yeah, that's wild that Roy has been gone that many years, I can remember hearing about his passing like it was literally yesterday! It was on a Saturday night, my parents and I went out for a drive and we were listening to a 50s rock and roll show called Red Robinson's Reunion on the radio! When we stopped at one of the local grocery stores to pick up some groceries, suddenly Red came on the radio to announce that Roy Orbison had died at the age of 52! What a beautiful singing voice he had!

[@ytzpilot]

I saw Roy Orbison driving in his black Corvette on Ventura Blvd when my grandma was taking us to Universal Studios, we were on Ventura Freeway but she pulled off because of traffic and took Ventura Blvd instead. We were at a red light and Roy was beside us in the left turn lane, we noticed him and waved, he nodded at us, the light went green and off he went. I still consider that my greatest celebrity sighting of all time even if it was brief

[@andrewpokoski452]

I was fortunate enough to see Roy play at the Hampton Club Casino (Hampton Beach, N.H.) in 1981 with my dad. I will never forget it. He was amazing!

[@robertokinks7251]

He inspired hundred of thousands of musicians. What a gift for music he was.

[@bernadettecrawford3656]

Roy is a star every song he sings is magic

[@NorthernIrelandConflictVideos]

roy orbison came here in the 60s, played in Lisburn, RIP legend and such a gentleman, singers today could not touch him

[@k.ferguson2982]

Paul and the boys, sure did an impressive job (vocally and instrumentally) backing Roy up. 👍

[@ruudversteege2868]

With Elvis, Roy is one of my top favorites (RIP). Was very friendly, humble and then that voice. It's sad that he's had so much misery in his life. Roy, you just have to think "It's over"

[@bryanpalmer9660]

A great singer with loads of charisma!💎

[@Tonetwisters]

The Candymen was Roy's backing band and the drummer, Robert Nix was originally from Jacksonville, Florida (heard of that place, before?). He was earlier in a band with my brother called The Classics who practiced regularly at our house in Lakewood. Robert and I used to shoot hoops together in our driveway. After The Candymen left Roy, they played a night club on Forsyth Street that would eventually become The Comic Book Club that helped spawn Lynyrd Skynyrd (The One Percent) and The Allman Brothers Band (The Allman Joys). My older brother took me to see Robert play that night and we sat and talked with him a while. He said he went shirt shopping with John Lennon on that Orbison/Beatles English tour. My brother and I were both playing with a guy who sounded very much like Roy Orbison at the time, David Griggs. I later went on to produce David in my brother's recording studio in Tallahassee, Florida in the early-to-mid '70s. Those were the days.

[@dontrockwobble]

From the thumbnail, I actually thought this was going to be Larry Bud in a wig. Wow, it was actually Roy! He nailed it!!

[@spencerwelchii573]

Rock 'n' Roll Royalty!

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

I still love Roy to this day and have introduced his music to my children.

[@patrickdlogan]

Loved the eye level point of view shot from behind Paul. Wish we had more of those over the years.

[@Milesco]

Totally agree. 🎹

[@MLGprodontmessbro]

I absolutely can’t even fathom that some people got to see The Beatles open for Orbison. What a show that must’ve been!

[@SNESdrunk]

Golden voice

[@rsmith02]

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooolden voice.

[@DevelopersDevelopers]

Always weird running into someone I subscribe to while comment scrolling lmao. Love ya Drunk

[@petrolbokehlicious]

The World's Most Dangerous Band always strived to be the perfect pairing for their musical guests. No other late night show band before or since even comes close to them.

[@kencade6544]

the humble beholder of the worlds best vocal cords

[@adamturner8732]

Great man. Amazing artist. One of a kind. 1 of 1.

[@AlanDavidDoane]

What a legend.

[@siulanainad]

Paul….killing it !

[@cynthiamason4069]

Paul's having so much fun!☆♡☆♡☆♡☆♡☆♡

[@pcallas66]

What a treasure this is!!! Thank you for posting.

[@robertmorley3609]

I was at the Orbison/Beatles concert in Nottingham, England in 1953. Just a great show.

[@southerncomfort7490]

63 (but that's great).

[@jimattrill8933]

I saw 'The Roy Orbison show' at Southend in England in 1963. The support groups were Gerry and the Pacemakers (of 'Ferry cross the Mersea' fame) and the Beatles. I hate to say it but Roy was booed when he came on as all the girls were there to see the Beatles. They had just brought out 'She Loves You' and it was at No 1. I couldn't hear a thing because of the screaming - the speakers were not so good in those days. I vowed never to go to another pop concert and only broke that vow to see Dire Straits at Faro in Portugal many many years later.

[@ragulomas]

Just a reminder that time flies...Its been 35 years from this interview....and 25 went by from th beatles opened for ROy to the moment of the interview.

[@erikkibler3466]

Music will never be this real again in the mainstream.

[@marybarrett47]

not a word about the beatles - Roy was a special talent - love his music

[@HandwhistlerBen]

WOW! Roy died the end of this year 1988! He was only 52. Fantastic voice and performer!

[@bobot1981]

Maybe didn't do so well in geology, but mastered Rock! 🤘

[@Milesco]

I can dig it! 😄 👍

[@musik102]

The story that's usually told about the Orbison/Beatles UK 63 tour is that the organisers decided that The Beatles should close the show, and that initially Roy wasn't happy with that arrangement but when he witnessed the reception that The Beatles received he understood. I saw the show in Liverpool and Roy went down an absolute storm; indeed, it's said that The Beatles were rather nervous having to follow him.

[@tmurphy1000]

Also that Paul modeled his falsetto on hearing Orbison do it on this tour.

[@musicauthority7828]

It's true Roy Orbison opened for Beatles on that tour. and it got a point that John Lennon said Yankee go home. because Roy Orbison was getting standing ovations at all the concert events.

[@VFAFOOTY]

Wow this is amazing thank you Roy was one of the greatest !

[@flyonwall360]

The irony of the Beatles opening for Roy and then years later George Harrison would be in a band with him.

[@scotthoyt8970]

When Elvis Presley was asked how it felt to be the best singer in the world he said, "You should ask Roy Orbison".

[@larrylarry1]

Good ol rock and roll by a forefather of rock and roll. Later a Travelling Wilbury.

[@duffysullivan2794]

Roy was pretty big during my high school years. 1964, 65, 66. His songs were played regularly on the am top 40 stations around the San Francisco bay area. I was expecting more of an interview with him and at least one more song. Remember Pretty Woman?

[@truck9moon100]

I have a lot of Roy's music, and i cherish every one.

[@johnhuwroberts7766]

What a voice. Fabulous.

[@BleedBNG]

All My Loving and Pretty Woman were born around the same time. The Beatles were the first to hear Pretty Woman when they toured together. It was on Roy's birthday.

[@oddjobtriumph1635]

one of the greatest voices ever

[@pughoneycutt1986]

Luciano Pavarotti said Roy Orbison had the greatest voice he had ever heard, and if Roy had sang opera no one would have ever heard of pavarotti. You can't get higher praise than that

[@Apollo_Blaze]

Total Legend. American Icon.

[@Qui_Gon_Ben]

I remember watching this on tv as a kid.

[@mr.disney4740]

Best singer i ever WITNESSED live !!

[@mannab2975]

Mr. Roy Orbison is so humble!! What a true gentleman!! Love him and his music.....and Black&White Night DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@josecanales2978]

Paul is insane on that piano!

[@claudiabasola6147]

He was amazing and still is to this minute!

[@francisbacon2401]

His voice was POWER.

[@smoothbeak]

You'd imagine nights like that Paul Schaffer would be thinking "Wow I can't believe this is my job!"

[@Mikevdog]

Rest in peace, Big O.

[@franosbornblaschke3694]

Love early Dave Letterman! I watched his early daytime show when I was little. They did a spot for the "new" star wars film using a pepperoni pizza and an R2D2 toy. I was hooked. xo

[@rokinrandy]

Wow that was awesome. Won’t ever see a band like that on late TV again. And I never heard him talk much. Listened to him my whole life he was just there. My Dad and Mom loved him. They had an 8 track of his hits and it played all the time when I was like 5 or 6 years old. Maybe that’s why ELO was my first favorite Group when I was 8 years old 1979.I begged for one of their greatest hits albums every time we went by some records. And by 1989 when the traveling willburys came out Metallica was my favorite group😂 good ole 80s

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Wow, that house band played with legends. They had the best jobs in the (musical) world!

[@landztranz]

Fantastic performance of the song!

[@That_Random_Bloke]

What an interesting accent he has. Almost southern English at times

[@sorshiaemms5959]

I remember seeing ROY at a concert around that time with the Beachboys one of my favorite singers on one of my favorite shows

[@joey_bonin]

Did David say 50 gold albums? Hoo, man. Incredible. It had to be a gas for the band to play with Roy.

[@johngaller278]

A long, long time ago I was acquainted with Robin Zander of Cheap Trick. Once backstage at a Kiss concert I told Robin how I used to sing along to his vocals, with my ear to the speaker and the songs just utterly blaring in an attempt to emulate his vocals... but it was impossible. He told me he did the same thing when he was a kid.. I said who did you want to sing like??? ....me thinking how could anyone be better than him.??? . Robin said to me in the most matter of fact manner.... Roy Orbison. I was floored. We both laughed. It was so obvious.

[@samsmith4216]

Letterman gives legendary musical genius Roy a 5 min interview. So he can make time for "run of the mill" comedian Bob Saget. Roy rarely did TV shows....nice work Dave.

[@ownpetard8379]

I was disappointed in the interview. I credit Dave with being a very good interviewer, but not here. Sorry to hear that Saget was the reason.

[@JohnChristensen-ip1yg]

Roy was so great.

[@don.richard8823]

Miss Roy was great 🎙️🎸✝️ and look a Paul back in the day on piano 🔥👍🏼