In 2002, Warren Zevon had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. His phobia about doctors meant that he did not receive the news until his illness was in the advanced stages.
He was a regular guest and occasional substitute band leader for the David Letterman show. On October 20, 2002, he was the only featured guest on the Letterman show. Warren admitted, “I may have made a tactical error in not going to a physician for 20 years.”
When Letterman asked if he had any insights to offer on life now with the perspective he had gained, he replied,
“You’re reminded to enjoy every sandwich and every minute of playing…”