Today the last episode of The Late Show with David Letterman airs. As I started pouring over an endless list of musical guests from over the years, I realized how much The Late Show provided massive exposure for up and comers even when other venues wouldn’t. In true Letterman fashion, I’ve pulled together a Top 10:
 

ARCADE FIRE – “REBELLION (LIES)”

You can almost feel Win’s nerves when he first opens his mouth. Afterwards, I can only imagine viewers asking themselves “who was that??”

 

WHITE STRIPES – “FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL”

Meg never was much of a drummer, was she? Still, it’s fun to see a fresh-faced Jack and Meg bashing out a hit.

 

ROBYN – “DANCING ON MY OWN”

What’s better than a live drummer on a dance track? TWO live drummers. And, call me old fashioned, but I always liked when Dave would give the ladies a kiss on the hand.

 

METRIC – SYNTHETICA

Dave nails the pronunciation of “Turonno” on his second attempt, and offers to help the band stay in the U.S. There’s also a sweet guitar solo at 3:20.

 

CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN – “KATHLEEN”

Dave gets a chuckle out of the artwork for their album The Balcony.

 

KATHLEEN EDWARDS – “CHANGE THE SHEETS”

Before she retired from music to open a coffee shop, Kathleen Edwards delivered this heartfelt performance with Hannah Georgas adding vocals.

 

PHOENIX – “1901”

It’s hard not to dance to this spot-on synth and drum-heavy performance.

 

THE WAR ON DRUGS – “RED EYES”

It’s always fun to see Paul jump into a band’s performance, and he added some ethereal keys to this one.

 

FOXYGEN – “HOW CAN YOU REALLY”

What fuelled this high energy performance? Drugs. Lots and lots of drugs.

 

FUTURE ISLANDS – “SEASONS”

Of course, the performance (and dancing) that launched them into the mainstream. The best part is when Dave exclaims “Oh Buddy!” and “How about that!” and “I’ll take all that you got!”