Late Night with David Letterman... and Johnny Carson (1985)

In the 1980s, every other May, "Late Night with David Letterman" would go on the road.  The show debuted in February, 1982, and did not have the clout yet to go anywhere in '83.  In 1985 they went to Los Angeles.  Las Vegas followed in 1987, then Chicago in 1989.  I do not know why the show stayed put in 1991.  In 1993, Dave's frosty relationship with NBC (over being passed over to replace Johnny Carson), pretty much made it an impossibility.  The fact that he was already negotiating a possible exit in 1992 made it VERY unlikely.  After Dave moved to CBS, I believe he only took two road trips: one to Los Angeles (which featured Johnny's final appearance, anywhere, ever) and one to London.  And now, he does not even venture away from the friendly confines of the Ed Sullivan Theater. I do hope that CBS names something in Dave's honor when he retires in May.  The Ed Sullivan office building (attached to the theater, and around the corner, on 53rd Street) would be a perfect choice.

Anyhow, during his very first road trip -- on May 16, 1985 -- Dave was in L.A. and welcomed Johnny as his guest.  Eddie Van Halen happened to be sitting in with the band, too.  Here's a classic episode of "Late Night with David Letterman."