It’s hard to believe it has been just shy of 14 years since Warren Zevon passed away.
On October 30, 2002, after Zevon’s terminal mesothelioma diagnosis, he was featured on The Late Show with David Letterman as the only guest for the entire hour. He noted, “I may have made a tactical error in not going to a physician for 20 years”. It was during this broadcast that Zevon first offered his oft-quoted insight on facing death: “Enjoy every sandwich”. He also took time to thank Letterman for his years of support, calling him “the best friend my music’s ever had”. For his final song of the evening, and his final public performance, Zevon performed “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner” at Letterman’s request. It was a powerful, driving performance, and a defiant farewell from one of the 20th century’s most underrated songwriters.
