David Letterman Honors Warren Zevon at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On November 8, 2025, television host David Letterman inducted the late Warren Zevon into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during a ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Zevon, who passed away in 2003, was recognized posthumously with the prestigious “Musical Influence Award.” This award celebrates artists whose music has significantly shaped rock and roll and broader cultural landscapes.

The ceremony also honored other influential artists, including Bad Company, Chubby Checker, the late Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. In a notable addition, the award previously known as the “Early Influence” category was rebranded, with Salt-N-Pepa also receiving accolades in this new format.

Celebrating a Musical Legacy

Warren Zevon is best known for iconic songs such as “Werewolves of London,” “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” and “Excitable Boy.” His compositions have become staples, and he is credited with writing hits for various prominent artists, including “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and “Carmelita.” Zevon is often described as an “artist’s artist,” known for his poetic yet quirky style that features dark humor and incisive lyrics.

In his introductory speech, Letterman emphasized Zevon’s unique ability to blend depth and whimsy in his music. He remarked that Zevon’s work was “dense with historic illusion, love, and sadness tinted with unexpected whimsy.” Letterman recounted Zevon’s final appearance on his “Late Show,” where the musician famously advised him to “enjoy every sandwich” during his battle with terminal cancer, a phrase that has since become a lasting reminder of Zevon’s outlook on life.

A Tribute Performance

At the conclusion of his speech, Letterman presented Zevon’s guitar, a gift he had given the musician 22 years prior, to Dave Keuning, the guitarist for The Killers, who performed a tribute in Zevon’s honor. The band delivered a lively rendition of “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” with lead vocalist Brandon Flowers delivering an electrifying performance. The tribute was further enhanced by guest musician Waddy Wachtel on electric guitar, and Flowers cleverly interpolated elements of Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” throughout the performance.

The entire induction ceremony can be viewed on the streaming platform Disney+, allowing fans worldwide to celebrate the legacy of Warren Zevon and the impact of his music. For further insights into Zevon’s contributions to music, his official website offers extensive information.

This event not only highlights the enduring influence of Warren Zevon but also showcases the continued appreciation of his artistry within the music community. As Letterman concluded, “Congratulations, Warren. Thank you for everything. Enjoy every sandwich.”