Viewer Mail: Dave Shows The Band Some Love | Letterman

Dave answers questions about Barbara Gaines' voice, "Wheel of Fortune," Paul's band and more. Plus, Biff Henderson's Pyramid Of Comedy.
(From "Late Night," air date: 3/13/86)

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Welcome to the Letterman YouTube Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. These highlights have been artisanly-produced, carefully-curated, and chosen completely at random by an old computer that used to pick numbers for the New York Lotto back in the 90’s.

[dongiller]

Fun Fact: This was at the end of Anton Fig’s first week as Steve Jordan’s sub. He wouldn’t become a permanent member of the band until nearly two months later, May 5.

[SKYSCRAPERTELEVISION]

I remember starting High School in October 1982 ...a friend of mine who was a senior, told me about Late Night . Been a fan ever since. Thanks Dave & everyone at the LS (NBC & CBS)

[chiefscheider]

Dave's "Yes, for a living!!" made me LOL

[John-Andersen]

7:45 Dave helping Will Lee with his homework. Classic and timeless.

[allendracabal]

Elle MacPherson was the cover model of the 1986 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, which had an official release date in February 1986, the month before this episode was taped. "Jim" was probably there as part of an entourage from SI for Elle's appearance. Pretty cocky of him, though, to think he could stand wherever he wanted for the show taping, and then to go directly to hug Elle when he knew the camera was on him. I wonder whatever came of him. From his attitude, no doubt he schmoozed his way into something big, whether or not he had the talent to back it up.

[jeffclement]

"Are we done Biff?" "For today" 😝

[tvviewer]

That water mug bit was a perfect 10....

[Rangersly]

The good old days... Back when late night tv was fun.

[davidallen]

Dave always had a hatred for the "suits" and "insiders" who got hooked up with special favors by their powerful friends. Love it.

[johndavis]

Oh, How I remember this episode well.

[rdDimensionVU]

"Shrieking like a rabid squirrel, " says Dave. I love it. I can't find my rabid squirrel emoji.

[Fordham]

As to the bit about not giving enough attention to the band, this seems to be the short period when Steve Khan was playing guitar, iirc in between Hiram and Sid. Funny thing in light of this sketch, towards the end of an episode Steve did actually become a "guest" on show and was invited to the couch to tell stories about his dad, the legendary songwriter Sammy Khan.

[exiles_dot_tv]

This was when comedy reached its peak potential

[deputay]

David Sanborn with a big roll in monopoly! Get that $200

[Hmoo]

It was a whole different culture back then.

[JohnRoland]

Was Letterman the first late night / TV host who made his behind the scenes staff a part of his show (Biff, Barbara Gaines, etc) & not actors ?