In October of 2002, after doctors had given him less than three months to live, Warren Zevon appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman. Zevon was asked by Letterman if, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he had any enlightening information on life and death. Zevon thought for a moment and replied, "Only that you need to enjoy every sandwich."
On Sunday, after a year long battle, Zevon died at the age of 56.
Please take some time this week to tell someone that you love them and go enjoy a sandwich.
Posted by todd at September 09, 2003 08:21 AM
Letterman’s Zevon-only broadcast last fall after his diagnosis will remain one of the best single hours of television I’ve ever watched. It’s rare that Dave has a guest on the show for whom his respect and admiration is so evident. And Zevon’s thoughts on life and death amounted to about the best thing any celebrity has ever plugged on a talk show.
Zevon is another great example who disproves Fitzgerald’s assertion that there are no second acts in American life. He gave up drugs and drinking in time to enjoy fatherhood, and the “sacrifice” did nothing to blunt his incredible talent, singular vision and razor-sharp humor. And when told he was going to die, he determined that he would stick around long enough to record one last album of songs with his friends and to witness the birth of his grandchildren. It amounts to an extraordinary final year, but it seems to me that Warren knew what he was living for all along.
“… They say love conquers all
You can’t start it like a car
You can’t stop it with a gun”
You know, Warren is now having his pina colada at Trader Vic’s.
Posted by: j/c on September 24, 2003 12:05 AMSometimes I feel dead when my friends no longer call.
Posted by: TK on September 26, 2003 04:22 PM