In 2002, a dying Warren Zevon appeared on David Letterman to “play his own wake”
In 2002, after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, Warren Zevon appeared on David Letterman’s show for an unusually candid conversation and performance. Letterman devoted the entire episode to his friend, giving Zevon space to speak about dying with the same blunt wit that had long shaped his music; Zevon joked that he was “playing his own wake”.
Zevon had been given three months to live and wanted to spend his remaining time making music. He recorded his final album, *The Wind*, as a farewell to family and fans, with guests and admirers including Bob Dylan and Letterman. Its closing line, “Keep me in your heart for a while”, has endured alongside his broader body of work.
- Letterman dedicated a 2002 episode to Warren Zevon.
- Zevon spoke candidly about dying and joked about his own wake.
- He made *The Wind* as a final musical farewell.
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Warren Zevon was an American singer-songwriter known for sharp, often darkly funny songs, including “Werewolves of London”. His music drew on rock and folk, and his lyrics often mixed humour with stories of trouble and loss.
David Letterman was a US television host whose late-night programme featured interviews and performances. He and Zevon were friends, and Zevon had appeared on the show before. Zevon’s final album, The Wind, brought together musicians and admirers as he continued working during his illness.