I actually know what I was doing on August 30, 1993. I had just arrived at college for my freshman year. I was going through the usual college freshman feelings of fear, nervousness, loneliness, etc. And I had unwittingly signed up for the all black dorm. I wasn’t inclined to care. My roommate was a nice guy. But it became clear pretty quickly that I wasn’t wanted. There was another white guy, Matt, down the hall who was in the same position as I. Only he was a little older, a transfer student rather than a freshman. And he had a TV in his room. Needless to say, we bonded. And it turns out, we were both fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan and David Letterman. That’s as good a place to form a friendship as I can think of. So, on August 30, 1993 at 11:30 at night, I sat in my new friend’s dorm room and we watched Dave premier his talk show on CBS.
I think I’ve watched more episodes of Late Night than any other TV show. The only thing I’ve probably watched more is NESN’s coverage of the Sox. It’s been a few years since I’ve watched Dave regularly, though. I’m old, work two jobs and have a young daughter. I just don’t stay up that late anymore. But, starting last week, I’ve been watching again. It’s the same old show, and I mean that in the best way. It’s been like hanging out with an old friend.
Tonight is Dave’s last episode. I will definitely be watching. David Letterman was my first good college experience and helped me find my first college friend. Even though Matt and I haven’t spoken in over 20 years, I hope wherever he is he will be watching, too.
