In last week’s article about Warren Zevon by Bradley Towle, the last portion was cut off. Please find it below with our apologies.
In 2002, David Letterman, whom Zevon called "the best friend my music has ever had," invited the singer to be the sole guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. By then, it was widely known that Zevon was dying, and on October 30, 2002, he sat down to talk with his pal Dave and to perform his music publicly one last time. Zevon insisted that the show contain humor, of which there was plenty despite the moment's innate somberness. He joked that not going to a doctor for twenty years may have been a "tactical error" and that it was "one of those phobias that really didn't pay off." It was in that interview that Zevon delivered a quote that, in many ways, has become as enduring as his musical legacy. "From your perspective now," asked Letterman of the singer, "do you know something about life or death that maybe I don't?" Zevon took a beat and shifted his head before answering. "Not unless I know how much you're supposed to enjoy every sandwich, you know," replied Zevon with a wry smile. It was the second time he had said the line in the interview, and it quickly became an iconic slogan (whether or not one knows the origin) and advice that anyone visiting Palenville may be reminded of as they pass through. Zevon passed away a year later, on September 7, 2003, just two weeks after the release of his final work.
Maybe an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame doesn't mean much on the grand scale of things. But the grand scale of things is currently a bit bleak, and maybe the Hall finally honoring Warren Zevon for his artistry is the sandwich we should all take a moment to enjoy right now.
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