By Brian Stelter and Frank Pallotta
David Letterman’s last day on “The Late Show” is here.
The one-of-a-kind comedian will tape a farewell episode on Wednesday afternoon, and details are beginning to leak out about the plans.
The Foo Fighters, a quintessential “Late Show” band, will perform on the finale.
“The Fighters of Foo” as Letterman has called them over the years have appeared many times on Letterman’s broadcast and are arguably one of the most definitive “Late Show” bands.
To have the rock band on the final show is bound to be a touching moment for viewers and the host.
When the band played on the show last year, Letterman told an emotional story about how the band’s song “Miracle” had been added to a video of him and his son, Harry, skiing together.
“This is the second song of theirs that will always have great, great meaning for me for the rest of my life,” Letterman said at the time.
There will be some surprise appearances as well — but no Jay Leno.In a nod to the historic nature of the day, CBS Corporation CEO Les Moonves will be among the VIPs at the Ed Sullivan Theater when Letterman tapes his final episode.
“Well, here we are at the last show,” veteran Letterman producer Barbara Gaines tweeted on Wednesday morning. “Everything I own I owe to Dave Letterman. Thank you for 35 years.”
Gaines’ Twitter bio says, “I work in television but only for one more month.”
Longtime “Late Show” executive producer Rob Burnett said of the last episode, “We have all kinds of stuff planned.”
In lieu of the usual sit-down interviews, there will be highlights from past episodes, visits from A-list guests, and a “beautiful ending to the show that Barbara Gaines, one of our executive producers, really marshaled,” Burnett said.
“I think it probably will come down to the minute that Dave says goodnight,” he added. “Dave is very good at that, and I think no matter what he does, it will have emotional impact.”
After Wednesday afternoon’s taping, the staff will gather for a party.
Tuesday night featured Bill Murray, Dave’s first ever guest and one who has been on the show many times