Tom Waits - Letterman 12-21-83

Рет қаралды 687,531

Mrsilenciobackgammon

13 жыл бұрын

Tom visits Dave during the 'Swordfishtrombones' era in 1983.

Пікірлер: 391

@Jeffjr8atUNI 4 жыл бұрын

Every 6 months or so I go down a tom waits rabbit hole and spend a few hours watching old interviews. Amazing talent.

@sumo-ninja Жыл бұрын

What's he building in there

@luvpants2012 2 жыл бұрын

"I know a place where a royal flush can never beat a pair." Such an incredible lyricist, and why Bob Dylan refers to him as one of his secret heroes.

@chilblain1 Жыл бұрын

Tom Waits, Bob Dill, the singin pickle, & Randy Newman. Inheritors of twain yo.

@lindahoyt5690 6 жыл бұрын

I could hang out in a room full of people like Tom and feel totally at ease. It's the "normal" plastic people that scare the hell out of me.

@ciaranosullivan9352 5 жыл бұрын

Linda Hoyt Same here Linda , You hit the proverbial nail on the head.

@tylerwiltse1268 3 жыл бұрын

He probably has 6 different outcomes for whatever he’s trying to say, I would just like to hear the 6 alternative versions of this that it could’ve been in a compilation

@misterroboto8881 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Plus he is criminally ignored by the mainstream. I'm guessing he likes it that way

@OffhandDelivery 9 жыл бұрын

Still seems like the coolest guy in the room even when he's nervous as hell. Tom Waits ladies and gentlemen. Most artistic artist that ever graced a stage.

@SynysterGoose 9 жыл бұрын

This is the influence of leadgers joker

@OffhandDelivery 9 жыл бұрын

this is Tom fucking Waits. The influence of millions. And that ain't no joke

@BubblingSyphilisSund 9 жыл бұрын

OffhandDelivery A-fuckin-men.

@barquedust 9 жыл бұрын

Nobody can tell a tale with grit and texture like this ol wolf.

@samirafriis 7 жыл бұрын

He's not nervous, he's never nervous! High maybe, or drunk...

@robfalgiano 9 жыл бұрын

This is from when America was still a wild frontier intellectually and musically. Just before corporations swallowed the entire culture, homogenizing people into numb emotion-free oblivion. All the greats are weirdos, b/c at heart everyone is a weirdo, but some people actually let it show.

@antarctic8560 9 жыл бұрын

Agreed Rob. This politically correct bullshit society we live in today has reached the nadir of humanity, let me tell you. I refuse to partake in it, and I don't give a shit what anyone thinks. If I want to smoke, I do, and I'll say what's on my mind as well.

@thebatman4279 9 жыл бұрын

antarctic Hear hear! :D Fuck society!!!

@yjadalyn1 9 жыл бұрын

Great comment

@garyyukich2755 9 жыл бұрын

This guy is too much-saw him long ago playing the piano has been drinking with his foot...on the nickel-Ruby's arms-one of the greats

@robfalgiano 8 жыл бұрын

Letsbang Okay Sure, anything can be turned into a trend, even being "weird" (Lady Gaga?). Though that random weirdness is transparent, whereas weird "genius" is much more complex and intriguing (Tom Waits, others). And lasting, because it's not playing for fame or cash, its playing for its own creative expression.

@calebm6477 10 жыл бұрын

Dave is an absolute comedic genius and Tom is one step ahead of him. A true artist.

@kymlardnerofficial Жыл бұрын

Suddenly I'm in Tom's world and I've left my troubles behind.

@amcsibozgor6791 10 жыл бұрын

Waits has always amazed me with how low-key and genuinely shy he seems during interviews and confident and bombastic and expressive in his music. He truly communicates who he is through the music he makes.

@miralabualjadail4206 10 жыл бұрын

don't know about the shy part ,low key, yes

@berryhomchas 2 жыл бұрын

Artists are people driven by the tension between the desire to communicate and the desire to hide.

@lordkorner 3 жыл бұрын

Its a fact that no matter how long you live you will never encounter the wealth of great music that exists, Im so glad Ive come to know the music of Mr Waits.

@PlayNiceFolks 3 жыл бұрын

I will live forever

@v.f. 8 жыл бұрын

This man's voice... Unbelievable..

@robertkees6048 3 жыл бұрын

This is one of my favorite clips of Tom performing, and I've probably watched it 50 times if I've watched it once, but today is the first time I've been able to watch it since my Mom passed away. It always made me cry before she passed, but it didn't this time, it's kind of weird, I thought I'd lose it, but I've been afraid for no reason, I'm glad I finally got back to it, now it's safe to come back again. I love you Mom, you too Tom, and thanks.

@mic982 7 жыл бұрын

Wild, whacky, weird and quite unique. It's more people like Tom that our world needs, not less, imo. But something tells me God dispenses them in just the right doses as we need them. It's too bad so many people miss the medicine.

@ginnydupuy3710 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful song. Amazing artist. Sometime around this time, my good friend and I "stalked" Tom in the French Quarter. We acted on a tip, after seeing a John Prine show, and my friend knew where he was at. We found him alone, standing at the bar, his head down, staring at his drink, with a hat blocking any real view of his face. I avoided any eye contact when he'd look up. We were so struck by his coolness and apparent desire to be left alone, that neither of us could approach him....haaaaaaaa. Good times. I miss my friend, Joe.

@Mrsilenciobackgammon 6 жыл бұрын

Great story!

@bluebow68 7 жыл бұрын

Not many artist have brought me to tears..Waits does it with so many of his tunes..

@MikeLazarus 8 жыл бұрын

Tom Waits ... Always brilliant, often hilarious

@Malouco 7 жыл бұрын

Mike Lazarus he is one of a kind. Like Bowie and Pop.

@dom9762 8 жыл бұрын

Lmao i never noticed until now but i can hear a jazzy Steve-O in his voice

@penske_material 8 жыл бұрын

that's the first thing I heard too

@Zlayzey 7 жыл бұрын

Or Heath Ledger's Joker

@garnerday7149 6 жыл бұрын

You ever spoke to a junkie? Smoking things that should not be smoked and throwing up from liquor will give you a voice like a demon doing his best.

@moncorp1 9 жыл бұрын

On the Nickel. Man, that's powerful stuff.

@luvpants2012 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I love that lyric about the royal flush never beating a pair. Brilliant.

@louisboyer3919 8 жыл бұрын

music and comedy was so strong the personalities seemed so stronger in those days.

@maiabrittany Жыл бұрын

We need more Tom Waits & Dave Letterman's in this world. Both huge talents in their fields, though I reckon Tom could have made a living as a comedian. Respect. I particular like Tom's ballads, no one (except maybe Nick Cave) sings one better.

@teob1176 5 жыл бұрын

He temporarily cures my depression

@richard_d_bird 11 жыл бұрын

I remember seeing this on tv when it aired. That was the first time I ever heard of tom waits. One of the best things I ever saw on tv I thought.

@anicetoogumoro6208 6 жыл бұрын

First time to hear this guy sing after a string of solid interviews. Never knew his name before today, but I must say, I missed out and must catch up. Peace

@mefi9788 6 жыл бұрын

Aniceto Ogumoro I only recently really started listening to him. Amazing. Love this guy

@TheBachedPotato 10 жыл бұрын

This was being filmed around the exact moment I was being born. Jesus God that is awesome.

@Zirc0nium69 8 жыл бұрын

Isn't it great that for over 30 years now Tom Waits and David Lynch have clearly had the same hairdresser?

@whodoobucrew2960 7 жыл бұрын

Otto Toksik jarmush too

@rosalievaldes5647 6 жыл бұрын

Throw Lyle Lovett in the mix as well

@danitodd9482 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing that no one there really gets him. They all laugh but he was simply being himself. Love TW

@DRFW1962 9 жыл бұрын

Can never decide Tom singing, which is quite good, or Tom in uberHowlingWolf mode. Genius regardless. The key changes in this are superb.

@mayormc 9 жыл бұрын

Very classic. Swordfishtrombones still stands as one of the most unique albums. What a character and amazing talent.

@mistercharlie8827 8 жыл бұрын

I believe that's the great bassist George Duvivier on the upright in what may have been his last performance. He died of cancer in 1985. God bless George. Hope you're playin' in a swingin' band wherever you are.

@hetmanjz 8 жыл бұрын

Indeed it is: 9:56

@mistercharlie8827 8 жыл бұрын

HaHa! I didn't bother to watch the second song. My loss! Such great stuff.

@hetmanjz 8 жыл бұрын

Mister Charlie It was waiting for you!

@shaunpearson7905 7 жыл бұрын

OH yeah! He played with Eric Dolphy, Herbie Nichols, Randy Weston, Oliver Nelson - good stuff.

@stockyphilb7663 7 жыл бұрын

Never heard of that guy. Thanks for sharing.

@MrCook1227 10 жыл бұрын

I can't help but cry every time I listen to this song. For those of us with a clue what it's like to live on the street, it's obvious that Tom Waits gets it. Every word rings true. I don't think Letterman knew the complexity and depth of TW in 1983. In later interviews he shows a bit more respect, not looking for Tom to be a clown.

@MrCook1227 10 жыл бұрын

***** I think my reply to you was deleted because I added a link to my cover of "Coney Island Baby" here on youtube. It's an extra step, but you can find it and other cover songs I've done on my channel, MrCook1227's Channel. If you make the effort to look, thank you and I hope you enjoy the songs.

@jasonenosart 7 жыл бұрын

Even in this interview, you can tell Letterman is trying not to make Waits look like a clown while Waits gets his laughs. He plays along, but he never ostracizes.

@peterbliek8614 6 жыл бұрын

Tom Waits is such a comforting artist

@absoluteego 6 жыл бұрын

what?

@randynixon5059 6 жыл бұрын

MrCook Amen...

@arex82 6 жыл бұрын

Timeless. I was 18 mos old when he performed this. Discovered it in my twenties and have been mesmerized ever since. Hats off to you, Mr. Waits. For this, and the rest of your legendary catalogue

@robertmarinelli8158 8 жыл бұрын

Seeing this in 1983 was my first encounter with Tom Waits, I cannot believe I found this. I ran to the early VCR and recorder it after the first few lines, I was in love.

@j7286 8 жыл бұрын

I first saw Waits on the old Soundstage talk show, hosted by Chip Monck, and was blown away. Went out and bought Nighthawks at the Diner, and saw him in person 4 times between 75 and 76. Got to meet him, and he paid for the drinks for my husband and myself.

@jimbackus3172 8 жыл бұрын

That's great! Very cool.

@toofoolish 9 жыл бұрын

i had the carlos skit on my answering machine for about a year ... less than a week after i took it off i came home to find a message on the machine "lori chapman, tom waits here ..." he was looking for a stylist for the Swordfish Trombones album cover (which i ultimately did) ... imagine if he'd phoned a week earlier

@holdencaustic 6 жыл бұрын

lori chapman wow!!!!

@kitpalmer1583 5 жыл бұрын

the Carlos skit? you mean Franks Wild Years, from the album you supposedly worked on?🤔

@dijohnle8460 5 жыл бұрын

when did she say that?

@jimbackus3172 5 жыл бұрын

lori chapman very nice work. You captured the essence of the album perfectly.

@GabrielKerr 5 жыл бұрын

That... Is awesome.

@btm450 4 жыл бұрын

If only the music industry had the artistic integrity and intelligence of this time! Thank goodness for The Ben Folds, Amanda Palmer’s and Andrew Birds of today not that they get the recognition they deserve hopefully true artists will not be buried by mainstream pop garbage. We can only hope!

@Davett53 4 жыл бұрын

In 1983, Tom was 34,....a mere babe. He's still around in 2019,...and he just turned 70. He's plodded along, kept turning out amazing albums,....wait until 1999, when he creates Mule Variations. It'll blow your mind.

@GregDrayGregDray 12 жыл бұрын

Tom Waits is one of the most honest musicians I have ever had the pleasure to know of. His sons are truely from the heart. (I know you're not supposed to end a sentence in a preposition)

@hotlov72 2 жыл бұрын

It's funny...I always thought sons were fron the womb?

@earthangel8730 Жыл бұрын

You didn't end a sentence with a preposition (from). You ended a sentence with a prepositional phrase. As far as sentence structure goes, that is well formed.

@mactheAnimal798 Жыл бұрын

What a Poet! Give those poorest and backstreet peoples a voice. Love!

@lucindachinn3963 11 жыл бұрын

I love Tom Waits. Wish he would tour again.

@johnvndonut 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mrsilenciobackgammon for posting and thank you to David Letterman for putting this wonderful loon on the tv box.

@lisamcmullan6484 2 жыл бұрын

He,s just so cool without even any effort ,a wordsmith and excellent musician 👌

@nathanwheeler9129 4 жыл бұрын

He’s so good and always has been.

@trapper2 9 жыл бұрын

Why this great talent was not one of the so called platinum acts only proves the words of PT Barnum to be right 'on the nickel' . Tom is great as always, there's so much wit and compassion in that gravelly voice.

@AgeOfBile 12 жыл бұрын

How does this not have any comments? People need to stop watching American Idol and watch AN American Idol instead! The culture is truly broken.

@muzicsalesman Жыл бұрын

Well, shit. Here we go again; I watched one, now I have to watch them all.

@MarkCodyDirtAndMingle 6 жыл бұрын

Genius...what a wonderful piece of footage.

@JoeCiliberto 5 жыл бұрын

The great George Duvivier on upright bass.. Rest in Peace Mr. Duvivier with my best friend Coz, no longer on the nickel but up in heaven.

@TheSkyCheif 12 жыл бұрын

Such an honest character. Id love to be as free as Tom Waits.

@brianwood7237 11 ай бұрын

I wasn't aware of Dave, or Tom, until at least 85...if I had seen this when I was 13, I'd probably of changed the channel back to MTV😂

@EstimatedProphet92 10 жыл бұрын

i got a new pack of menthols and a half gallon of the cheapest vodka i could find... lets get into this shit

@AUdioHipster 10 жыл бұрын

Man i like this ...intel i read the below posts... then i went to FUBR there 2 ... good entertainment stands the test of time... Cheers Tom great entreating song writing... we here at AudioHIpster love it.

@spongebobslushpants1 9 жыл бұрын

A recurring theme in all these interviews with Tom as a young man just show all these interviewers trying to make fun of him, or make him look batshit. It's crazy that Tom dealt with it as well as he did.

@xmagicxx01 9 жыл бұрын

Waits is going with it because hes a song writer for the people, he don't care about showing off!

@xmagicxx01 9 жыл бұрын

Hell I think its more bad ass that he went through rough times and can take it like a man, then showing off some flashy shit that don't mean anything to him!

@shafersongs Жыл бұрын

It worked for both of them

@miguellevy 12 жыл бұрын

I have been commenting on other songs, but i'll say it again... This man is a music monster, and will always be heard by me, hopefully by all of you

@DirkGastonGrave 11 жыл бұрын

That's exactly how I started. Sitting in a room, smoking, drinking, reading Buk and listening to Tom Waits, that's EXACTLY it!

@sandyman1960 10 жыл бұрын

loved seeing this guy being interviewed

@PawnShopRockers 5 жыл бұрын

I love the FLY on your picture. I kept wanting to brush it away. Very good.

@jackcarraway4707 Жыл бұрын

I like how out of all the tracks on Swordfishtrombone, he picked the short spoken word one.

@JoakimHaloReach 12 жыл бұрын

Well, this man is legendary, and so original. To bad that there arent many of my generation that listen to Tom Waits.

@yankeedoodlecajun 9 жыл бұрын

Just beautiful.

@douglasdog1 6 жыл бұрын

Originally was going to skip the performance and go straight to the interview, but it was captivating to listen to him and what his next line was going to be. A true entertainer.

@The3rdGunman 8 жыл бұрын

Heath Ledger comments on Tom Waits videos is the new Columbine comments on KMFDM videos Please let it go in 2016....Been better part of a decade.

@TeeKay19 7 жыл бұрын

I remember this -- just before Christmas. A rumor (maybe true) was that Waits only agreed to appear if he could do "On the Nickel." Supposedly the producers didn't like a "downer" of a song on the show. I always felt Letterman retained a bit of integrity by having Waits and also McCoy Tyner on his show several times over the years.

@kyledieterich5020 7 жыл бұрын

Very cool rumor. I choose to believe it. One thing I loved about Letterman was his taste in music. It was obvious that he genuinely enjoyed a large majority of artists that were presented on his show. When he retired it was like another source of great music was shut off in the modern era. Truly a shame. I really think it'd be amazing if he could do something that re-opened that pipeline of artistry. Weekly youtube video with a musical guest or two and have them just talk, interact, play songs. Something. Several of my favorite artists I learned of through his late night shows. Waits was one of them. Thanks Dave.

@TeeKay19 7 жыл бұрын

I think Paul Shaffer had a lot to do with the musical guests. He knew everyone, in a lot of genres, too. I thought one of the best segments, or at least it was one of my favorites, was Shaffer & Stevie Wonder in a "name that tune" contest. I think it was a tie, but it was fun and awesome. I may be mis-remembering it, but I think Shaffer would play a few notes on the organ and Stevie would name it, and Stevie would hum or scat-sing a few notes and Paul would nail it. Just plain fun.

@holdencaustic 6 жыл бұрын

TeeKay19 Letterman has always had the best musical guests

@thecaptainnoah 7 жыл бұрын

One of the Greatest Artist of our time.

@czrio 9 жыл бұрын

MAN, THATS ONE COOL CAT

@fosbury68 9 жыл бұрын

George Duvivier on bass. Wow.

@richierich7945 Жыл бұрын

Truly stunning words emotions animations and creativity that never came from anything corporate or anything commercial. This was truly what America was rooted in in art and music until pop came to ruin America's dream

@deeleym2740 8 жыл бұрын

Brilliant man! Brilliant.

@jocotti 7 жыл бұрын

Thx for posting this.

@Tommyfazz 8 жыл бұрын

Quality always- clever as always

@hayseedpunkash 12 жыл бұрын

I was a baby when this came out. Wish I had been old enough to enjoy it..... True legend.

@commentcopbadge6665 6 жыл бұрын

"If you're good at something, never do it for free!"

@wordhurler 12 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this.

@mmchenry 10 жыл бұрын

Simply one of the BEST !

@hazi108 9 жыл бұрын

i believe that was " frank's wild years."

@DarkeningSkies1 9 жыл бұрын

Check out bassist George Duvivier's discography some time as well... a jazz legend.

@gerrythrash 9 жыл бұрын

DarkeningSkies1 Yes!

@sdovas 8 жыл бұрын

I can remember watching this when it was first broadcast, psyched to see Tom on Letterman, and HOLY CHRISTMAS he's got George F'ing Duvivier playing bass for him on On The Nickel!!! Amazing, I was in heaven, and it's a thrill to be able to see it again and weird - out my kids by getting them to see it.

@wilhelmmikalsen8074 6 жыл бұрын

This man Is pure class

@blindreefer 12 жыл бұрын

Tom Waits was 45 years old the day he was born

@randynixon5059 6 жыл бұрын

Nowadays no one would even understand this man. When I was just trying to figure out how things are a lot of conversations sounded like this, no alcohol required. A lot of ww2 vets spent 30+ years in the netherworld of semi functional society. I respect the man's dignity while others laugh uncomfortably...

@joehaywood1236 2 жыл бұрын

The first of many appearances to come on Letterman.

@SPRPhilly 11 жыл бұрын

I thoroughly enjoyed this.

@jaschaheifetz 9 жыл бұрын

George Duvivier. George Duvivier. Quarter note master.

@TheOnlyNonie 10 жыл бұрын

woah letterman has been here for ages!

@TheHlokey 12 жыл бұрын

isn't it great there's an audience for Tom Waits? Not for everyone, but he sure is cool. No one like him.

@Mrsilenciobackgammon 11 жыл бұрын

That's when he got married and started working with his wife. I've always likened it to Hitchcock's working relationship with his better half, a top notch partner who doesn't take a cut.

@ZanderYates 7 жыл бұрын

Tom Waits 2020

@turducken665 12 жыл бұрын

brilliant, I fell in love with Tom Waits when he was inadvertently put on a Beatnik Box set I bought about 18 years ago.

@tylerwiltse1268 3 жыл бұрын

Let’s take a moment to realize that if Steve-O was trained vocally intensely he would sound like Tom waits

@thechunkyone7118 Жыл бұрын

Him and Duncan trussel ha

@jmarts715 6 жыл бұрын

They broke the mold after the creation of Tom Waits. Beyond cool.

@serenityseekerasmr5889 9 жыл бұрын

I just heard that Heath Ledger's Joker was based on Tom Waits' demeanor and mannerisms. After watching this, I think that might be accurate.

@serenityseekerasmr5889 9 жыл бұрын

Graham Carney Yep. Troy Baker.

@TheManTheMythD 9 жыл бұрын

Eargasm ASMR Me too, buddy.

@Daddy0os 9 жыл бұрын

He's even more Joker-like in his 70's interviews. Check those out.

@Spiff12 9 жыл бұрын

Beyond!

@serenityseekerasmr5889 9 жыл бұрын

Kenny Saunders Beyond to you as well, Sir!!!

@shadenfreude11 4 ай бұрын

Freaking Genius!

@jamesbradshaw3389 7 ай бұрын

There is a great similarity between Shane McGowan & Tom Waites, Shane was what Tom sang and wrote about

@anatchuv 9 жыл бұрын

Funny guy, outstanding musician and poet.

@dandrechesterfield5411 6 жыл бұрын

Tom is so nervous in this interview, it's really endearing

@xgoldlion07x 11 жыл бұрын

Tom is literally the coolest person alive

@LGZ024 3 жыл бұрын

No he's "literally" not. "Coolest" is a subjective term like greatest, best, worst it can't really be proven to be "literally" coolest, best, worst, ect. Let's make sure and not misuse and abuse the term literally please, thanks for your help... The Literally Constable

@graffinator 12 жыл бұрын

every other word is a goddamned new detail. man is a consummate storyteller

@supermanziggy 7 жыл бұрын

He is more of a performance artist then a musical one. With entertaining poetry to go with it.

@rckrckrckrck 6 жыл бұрын

Aman Offaith no, he’s also incredibly musical. Can you play piano like that?

@loveTrinityS 12 жыл бұрын

simply brilliant. the best artist out there.

@88hunky 9 жыл бұрын

first time I saw this. Incredible

@paulgregory7533 9 жыл бұрын

I think Tom holds his own and its banter between guys like in Gran Torino, thats how guys talk to each other. I have just been give two of my best pals shit, via whats app, as one looks like Bob Dylan but behaves like Deuce Bigalo. Haven't seen each other in years, but first thing sis take the piss :-D. Tom is amazing he makes me piss awesome artist and love his personality. He's Tom Waits does it his way and doesn't give a shit who thinks what!