Foo Fighters Perform "Everlong" on David Letterman’s Final "Late Show"

Photo by Jeffrey R. Staab/CBS

That’s it, everyone: David Letterman has retired following his final episode of the “Late Show”. The show closed with Foo Fighters performing “Everlong” beneath footage and images documenting some of Letterman’s most iconic moments. ”Thank you, and goodnight,” he said.

When Letterman returned to the “Late Show” following open heart surgery in 2000, he requested that his favorite band play his favorite song. Foo Fighters canceled a tour in order to play “Everlong” for him.

The final episode featured behind-the-scenes looks at the show, some of Letterman’s favorite clips from the show’s history, and a few special guests. As the show closed, he thanked the “Late Show” staff, producers, writers, the band, Paul Shaffer, announcer Alan Kalter, and Biff Henderson. He then thanked his wife and son, who were sitting in the audience. “I love you both and nothing else matters, does it?” 

The final top 10 list was read by Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jim Carrey, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, Peyton Manning, and Barbara Walters.

Read our feature on Letterman’s musical legacy.