When he left, he swore he would never return. Too many past memories, a newly unrecognizable Ed Sullivan Theater. I'm glad the passage of time softened his initial resolve.
@@patriciamorgan6545 Bah. Changes to the stage presentation that happens when any show changes and some mostly cosmetic changes to the seating area. Much of what is backstage where the staff, producers and talent work are about the same. What changes is that your people aren't there anymore. Sort of like going back to your old high school and a new generation of tuffs rule the halls.
Dave looked happy as healthy! What a blessing to see him in his former stage. Watched him since “81 until he retired ❤️❤️🙏👣😎, thank you Dave for all your unusual Late Night yet funny moments you and your staff came up with each night. Too many of to list. Peace and blessings ❤️🙏👣🎶
@ObamaFromKenya I'm quite aware of what changes took place in the staging and seating areas of the auditorium. As I stated before sets change when shows change. In fact that set changed quite a bit during Letterman's run in the same venue. Again you're confusing what the viewer sees on camera with major physical differences in the building and the areas where the producers and performers spend most of their time working.
I can't imagine hearing all that applause and adoration for decades, and then one day it's just...gone. It must have been so weird for him to hear that again in that special place.
Wow after all these years I think this is the first video of Dave’s legendary off-the-air self doubt! It’s inspiring, as someone who also has self doubt, to see that even a master of television sometimes feels like I often feel. Thanks Dave!
I remember Mr. Letterman stating that he would never return to the Ed Sullivan Theatre after his show ended because of the memories. I was taken aback when he made this statement. I know people are gifted with self-determination, so why the change of heart? What caused the re-evaluation? His appearance took me back to when Mr. Carson appeared on his show. Mr. Letterman made the gesture of having Johnny sit behind his desk. Johnny mulled the request for one second, then politely declined off-mic and left the stage.
He hated it, the last years was a real pain for him.. Probably a very insecure guy too, all his antics / goofball tactics, just an ordinary weather guy from the midwest. It was all an act, now he's free from that pressure..
Dave talked about how he'd gotten over his Ed Sullivan theater feelings on the Strike Force Five pod. Plus it came up that Dave had been on Jimmie's and Seth's shows but not Colbert, so maybe he felt guilty.
Looked for a minute that he was remembering his vow never to return to the Ed Sullivan Theater once his run there was up. I'm glad his initial resolve was softened by the passage of time...
I noticed that, too, and with Stephen, who tried to get him to sit down at least three times while the crowd went wild. Dave still owns that stage. He was and remains King of late night TV.
Me too...I mean me three! I went to one taping at Rockefeller Plaza (back when he was with NBC), and then two tapings at the Ed Sullivan theater. I had tickets mailed to me and had to fly up from Florida each time for that specific purpose. Each time was an occasion to treasure forever.
Same here! Unfortunately, I never saw a Late Night taping at NBC, but got to see two tapings of the Late Show at The Ed Sullivan. I saw some great guests in those two shows....Michael Keaton, Ving Rhames, Regis Philbin and the Goo Goo Dolls! I also got to eat a sandwich at the Hello Deli and meet Rupert!!
Some people just have "it." Colbert is a talented cat, but he's not Dave. He never will be on Dave's level. He's an alright host, but Dave is THE man. No doubt about it. Anyone who knows comedy knows who's at the top of the late night game, even now that he's gone, he's still No. 1.
Started watching DL in 1985. He is 76 yo. I thought he looked good tonight. Beard decent length. I have always been amazed by his posture, which often changes as we age. But he walked on that stage as he did almost 40 years ago. Seems happier and more content. Amazing to look at DL and SC and hear them talk about their children in college!
When I heard Dave mention that Harry is a sophomore in college I was thinking "okay, now I feel old. Thanks Dave " I remember watching Paul filling in as host when Dave's good lady went into labor and Dave had to leave right before the show began.
If I were the writers on the new show, I could have booked Barbara, Paul, Bill Scheft, Biff, Nancy, Kathy, Rob Burnett, Hal Gurnee, Jerry Foley and Sheila Rogers to do a top 10 about: Top 10 Things We Missed About David Letterman.
I was starting to think that David Letterman didn't want to return to the Ed Sullivan Theater. He had been a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live and had good relations with the other late night talk show hosts. He even made a return on NBC with Seth Meyers for the anniversary of Late Night. Were they saving it for a really big moment? Very surprised there wasn't a great deal of advance promotion ahead of the appearance.
That was awesome. From my understanding, CBS had to edit the standing ovation down for broadcast. Was that Barbara Gaines saying "not yet"? Sounded like Barbara. Always liked her.
My buddies and I would always laugh when Dave would throw is suit jacket on the set… like.. that a 3-5000 dollar suit… just tosses the jacket.. good times
So glad he did it, but my thoughts are actually unrelated to the show: I think every time people make a joke about Dave's beard or ask him to shave it off, he adds one more day without shaving to his calendar just out of spite 😂 Also, hello Barbara, hello Walter and hello Donz!
"They hate me." Dave, you weirdo. Mary's response, though. "Not yet." Nice to see you, Mary. I think the four minute standing ovation proved otherwise, Dave.
I bet he thinks about it a whole lot. He spent 30 years waiting for the ratings to come in every morning, and chasing the numbers for the next show. I'm sure he understands exactly how many people he entertained, and misses it all very much, but he's mature enough to know history is history and has moved on with his life and family.
I don't think Dave got the credit he deserved during his long run for being highly, highly intelligent-a person can't be that funny and be of mediocre intellect. I was in the Late Show in audience at the last episode before the strike and wanted to ask Stephen when Dave was going to be on show, but the Q&A closed before I got a chance. From what Dave said when he was on Strike Force Five, the reason he took so long to come back to the Ed Sullivan Theater because he had such a strong attachment to the place and the people that he had to work through that. There was never any "bad blood" between Colbert and Dave.
-----------------‐------ backstage area appears eerily similar to a head shop ....thanks4sharing strawberry incense n some blacklight posters your right there.....
THE KING HAS RETURNED LONG LIVE THE KING
I wonder how Dave feels in this moment. It must be surreal to be coming back to the Ed Sullivan Theater.
He wouldn't care
When he left, he swore he would never return. Too many past memories, a newly unrecognizable Ed Sullivan Theater. I'm glad the passage of time softened his initial resolve.
@@patriciamorgan6545 Bah. Changes to the stage presentation that happens when any show changes and some mostly cosmetic changes to the seating area. Much of what is backstage where the staff, producers and talent work are about the same. What changes is that your people aren't there anymore. Sort of like going back to your old high school and a new generation of tuffs rule the halls.
Dave looked happy as healthy! What a blessing to see him in his former stage. Watched him since “81 until he retired ❤️❤️🙏👣😎, thank you Dave for all your unusual Late Night yet funny moments you and your staff came up with each night. Too many of to list. Peace and blessings ❤️🙏👣🎶
@ObamaFromKenya I'm quite aware of what changes took place in the staging and seating areas of the auditorium. As I stated before sets change when shows change. In fact that set changed quite a bit during Letterman's run in the same venue. Again you're confusing what the viewer sees on camera with major physical differences in the building and the areas where the producers and performers spend most of their time working.
This gentleman is the definition of charisma, what a legend and he is missed
Thanks Dave
The assistant who said "not yet" deserves a raise, that was hilarious..
Was that Barbara? It sounded like her
@@kaspinet Yes it was Barbara.
That was Barbara Gaines 😂
I loved that comment 😂😂
everyone here said Barbara but I think it was Mary. On Cobert's channel Mary is seen arriving with him and carrying his garment bag.
What a moment!
Providing Dave with a backstage Emotional Support Paul Shaffer was a classy touch.
not
😆
Not him.
The guy in the blue shirt? That's not Paul Schaffer.
I wish Paul had sat in with the band. Move over Lewis!
😂😂😂😂
Great to see Dave back.
So many fun memories.
Love seeing Dave backstage and the shot upstage with the audience in front of him. Oh, the memories!
It's amazing how this show impacted my life in a way I never realized until being able to return to those memories through these videos.
Chief.
Built my sense of humor on Dave, my Dad and SCTV in my formative years.
She's gone a'ready, Chief
We miss you!
Dave, its like you never left. It was great seeing you last night, very natural and funny!
Kudos to MB. "Not yet" was a great comeback.
0:29 Sounded like Barbara Gaines to me. I think Mary laughed and then Barbara added "not yet".
Upon review - I think you're right.@@freeadrian1144
I can't imagine hearing all that applause and adoration for decades, and then one day it's just...gone. It must have been so weird for him to hear that again in that special place.
Who could ever hate Dave Letterman? The man is a living legend 😂
Probably the husband of the woman he admitted to having an affair with on the air?
@@PreferredCustomer Maybe the man should have focused on his wife. ;)
"I'd like to thank my guest, Crystal Meth Santa Clause."
@@PreferredCustomer She wasn't married, neither was Letterman at the time. Get your facts right before you make an idiot of yourself.
@@PreferredCustomerI thought they were both single at the time.
As a great Dave fan, thanks for sharing this special moment!
The Man. The Myth. The Legend.
This was so great. I miss Dave so much.
It's not quite the crowds Dave is used to when he does The Barbara Gaines Show... but, ya know, it's a mercy mission for Stephen.
Amazing ! What a rush ! David Letterman, Legend!
I am truly thankful for this channel. I get to re watch many Classic Dave shows. I watch them EVERYDAY!
This video was disappointedly Too Short!
Wow after all these years I think this is the first video of Dave’s legendary off-the-air self doubt! It’s inspiring, as someone who also has self doubt, to see that even a master of television sometimes feels like I often feel. Thanks Dave!
Hey, that was the beautiful Mary accompanying Dave backstage! I had to stay up to watch the entire show last night, and I never do that.
I think so! Love her!
New Segment: Will Bearded Dave Float?
DAVE!!!! We LOVE YOU and always will!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I still remember watching his morning show! Dave made my life better for thirty plus years!
Me too! And I remember the theme music! His bandleader then was Howard Shore.
Who went on the be the go-to film music maker in Hollywood. For films.
I remember Mr. Letterman stating that he would never return to the Ed Sullivan Theatre after his show ended because of the memories. I was taken aback when he made this statement.
I know people are gifted with self-determination, so why the change of heart? What caused the re-evaluation?
His appearance took me back to when Mr. Carson appeared on his show. Mr. Letterman made the gesture of having Johnny sit behind his desk. Johnny mulled the request for one second, then politely declined off-mic and left the stage.
He hated it, the last years was a real pain for him.. Probably a very insecure guy too, all his antics / goofball tactics, just an ordinary weather guy from the midwest. It was all an act, now he's free from that pressure..
Dave talked about how he'd gotten over his Ed Sullivan theater feelings on the Strike Force Five pod. Plus it came up that Dave had been on Jimmie's and Seth's shows but not Colbert, so maybe he felt guilty.
Citation.
That's not what happened. Johnny took the seat and sat there for a minute or so. Then he shook his head no and got up and left.
@@allendracabal0819 Plus that wasn't in Carson's old studio or Letterman's regular studio. This was when Letterman took the show to Los Angeles.
That was awesome! Like watching Mick Jagger before the Stones take the stage! Always love seeing Mary keeping things straight! 😍
Iconic moment!!!
Looked for a minute that he was remembering his vow never to return to the Ed Sullivan Theater once his run there was up. I'm glad his initial resolve was softened by the passage of time...
And it only took 8 1/2 years
Trying to rush Dave out on stage is like trying to herd cats. He’ll get there, don’t worry.
He had been walking out onto a stage since he was guest hosting The Tonight Show back in the day. I think he still knows what he's doing
I noticed that, too, and with Stephen, who tried to get him to sit down at least three times while the crowd went wild. Dave still owns that stage. He was and remains King of late night TV.
I got to see two tapings of The Late Show with Dave - I'll never forget being there.
Me too...I mean me three!
I went to one taping at Rockefeller Plaza (back when he was with NBC), and then two tapings at the Ed Sullivan theater. I had tickets mailed to me and had to fly up from Florida each time for that specific purpose. Each time was an occasion to treasure forever.
Same here! Unfortunately, I never saw a Late Night taping at NBC, but got to see two tapings of the Late Show at The Ed Sullivan. I saw some great guests in those two shows....Michael Keaton, Ving Rhames, Regis Philbin and the Goo Goo Dolls! I also got to eat a sandwich at the Hello Deli and meet Rupert!!
Me only one but it was special.
@@privatepenguin3137 I hit the jackpot with my two. I got Charles Barkley in one and Martin Short in the other.
@@tsimehcMTG Nice! Both great guests!
Dave is probably trying to remember his cuts of meat
“Ha ha ha…VARIETY MEATS, Dave!”
His favourite cut of meat was a canned ham.
@@OMGWTFLOLSMHNot just any ham. Big ass ham.
My 15 minutes of fame was being on Dave's show. Meeting him was wonderful. So happy to see him on that stage again.
Why were you on?
Dave invited me. @@tonytimepodcast
Thanks David
i like colbert, but wow, it's so apparent how dave is just a different level host and persona
Some people just have "it." Colbert is a talented cat, but he's not Dave. He never will be on Dave's level. He's an alright host, but Dave is THE man. No doubt about it. Anyone who knows comedy knows who's at the top of the late night game, even now that he's gone, he's still No. 1.
Love you Dave.
This is amazing to see, Dave the Legend waiting to go on stage - in the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Wow.
Love that the band played Birdland by Weather Report in the beginning - great song :)
For a moment I thought it was Steps Ahead - Trains. But no, you're absolutely right!
Btw. intentional reference to his first job?
This is sooooooooooo cool. Oh man oh man oh man. Thanks for posting this.
Started watching DL in 1985. He is 76 yo. I thought he looked good tonight. Beard decent length. I have always been amazed by his posture, which often changes as we age. But he walked on that stage as he did almost 40 years ago. Seems happier and more content. Amazing to look at DL and SC and hear them talk about their children in college!
When I heard Dave mention that Harry is a sophomore in college I was thinking "okay, now I feel old. Thanks Dave " I remember watching Paul filling in as host when Dave's good lady went into labor and Dave had to leave right before the show began.
...I love how Dave is channelling Edmund Gwenn with that Santa beard (a "Miracle on 34th Street original) ; bravo, Dave!
At one time, Dave Letterman's beard was 2-3x as long as now.
It's funny that the backstage crew try to rush Dave out… This guy knows how it works folks. Calm down
Attended a Late Show taping a couple weeks ago and I'm lamenting the bad luck to have missed such a momentous occasion!
Dave is finally home. Welcome home DAVID
That’s why he took so long. I was expecting him to run by and then walk out like he used to do
Actual letters from actual viewers - Yep, they are - Dave read my letter on air - My 15 minutes of fame!
Wow, that must have been a long letter.
buh dump bump TISH @@OMGWTFLOLSMH
If I were the writers on the new show, I could have booked Barbara, Paul, Bill Scheft, Biff, Nancy, Kathy, Rob Burnett, Hal Gurnee, Jerry Foley and Sheila Rogers to do a top 10 about:
Top 10 Things We Missed About David Letterman.
Dave forgot to run across the stage. 🏃
Dave is getting older.
Talk about "Event Television"! Thank you, Dave for appearing on the show. And thank-you to Barbara Gaines and her daughter, Mary for making Dave go!
This would have been like Johnny Carson returning to The Tonight Show eight years after retiring had he done so.
They acted like he has never done this before and would't recognize a cue for an enterance. Too funny.
Dave last night reminded me of himself on the LN.He is back 🤟
Oh, how I miss Dave! 😂❤
So much chaos backstage
The Awesomeness Continues!! 😲😊👊✊😆👍👌🍁
Close, but no Barbara Gaines Show. LOL :-)
David Letterman is a really good legend😂😂❤
LEGEND!!!
Life-changing clip. Thanks.
I was starting to think that David Letterman didn't want to return to the Ed Sullivan Theater. He had been a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live and had good relations with the other late night talk show hosts. He even made a return on NBC with Seth Meyers for the anniversary of Late Night. Were they saving it for a really big moment? Very surprised there wasn't a great deal of advance promotion ahead of the appearance.
Dave is the best!!!
I just miss Dave so much!😢
First timers always are nervous. He seems to have a chance at a good career ahead of him.
That Letterman kid is going to be wildly popular when he grows up.
Backstage, pacing like a tiger. Well maybe not a tiger, but certainly not an alpaca.
That was awesome. From my understanding, CBS had to edit the standing ovation down for broadcast. Was that Barbara Gaines saying "not yet"? Sounded like Barbara. Always liked her.
My buddies and I would always laugh when Dave would throw is suit jacket on the set… like.. that a 3-5000 dollar suit… just tosses the jacket.. good times
the GOAT!!!
So glad he did it, but my thoughts are actually unrelated to the show:
I think every time people make a joke about Dave's beard or ask him to shave it off, he adds one more day without shaving to his calendar just out of spite 😂 Also, hello Barbara, hello Walter and hello Donz!
You can tell by Dave’s jacket that he no longer has a tailor.
Wow I have just 1 issue, Dave should have ran …. That would have just topped it off. Great episode, ultimate guest. King Dave was back 🫡
Great interview but I was def rocking to Birdland in the background just now
Love you Dave 🙂, & stay the f alive!❤
"They hate me." Dave, you weirdo. Mary's response, though. "Not yet." Nice to see you, Mary. I think the four minute standing ovation proved otherwise, Dave.
It was Barbara's response ;)
Bristling with electricity!!!!
Talk about the table turned.
Quite the Power move by Barbara, sending not-even-a-co-host to promote her show on Colbert.
well, that was fascinating......
A step down from the Barbara Gaines show... but hey, good for you, Dave.
I don’t think this man understands how many people he’s entertained and influenced over the years.
I bet he thinks about it a whole lot. He spent 30 years waiting for the ratings to come in every morning, and chasing the numbers for the next show. I'm sure he understands exactly how many people he entertained, and misses it all very much, but he's mature enough to know history is history and has moved on with his life and family.
Now bring back Kate & Allie!
I don't know anything about TV production. Does anyone know what those lights are for that the guy turns on and off above the monitor? Thanks.
red light green light thing is kind of interesting I wonder how that works
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Good to see that he stuck to his guns about not going out in a giant syringe costume and doing the 'Vax-scene' dance.
I was hoping Dave would do its Late Show running entrance gag, but, alas, it was not meant to be.
I don't think Dave got the credit he deserved during his long run for being highly, highly intelligent-a person can't be that funny and be of mediocre intellect. I was in the Late Show in audience at the last episode before the strike and wanted to ask Stephen when Dave was going to be on show, but the Q&A closed before I got a chance. From what Dave said when he was on Strike Force Five, the reason he took so long to come back to the Ed Sullivan Theater because he had such a strong attachment to the place and the people that he had to work through that. There was never any "bad blood" between Colbert and Dave.
-----------------‐------ backstage area appears eerily similar to a head shop ....thanks4sharing strawberry incense n some blacklight posters your right there.....
He looks like Cat Stevens.
No “people “ around him ?
Dave enjoy Lolita Express ?
I'm really sorry this is what has become of his show. Late night died with Dave retiring.
It's making me crazy, I know the music The Late Show Band is playing in the background but I can't place it, Help! 😁
beats that 2 dollar suit he wears on the BG show
And now we're stuck with Steven "Mr. TDS" Colbert. Such a joy. 😑
What does TDS mean please? Thanks.
What a shill. How sad.
I'm sorry not sorry but Colbert cannot and does not hold a candle to Mr. Letterman.
As bad as a thought, David Letterman was he’s 10 times better than this other joker they brought in to replace him…
Wished he didn’t do it.
Love Dave but can't stand Colbert. The latter should've stayed at Comedy Central where he was at least semi-entertaining.
It's like saying; I love vanilla ice cream, but hate chocolate. There are alternatives.
I watched Dave in the 80's, 90's and beyond. But I can't even sit through this modern Colbert show, it stinks.