Tom Waits performs new song for final Letterman appearance

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Photo: Jeffrey R. Staab/CBS

Tom Waits took the stage for the first time in nearly two years and bid farewell to the Late Show with David Letterman Thursday night with an appropriately titled new song for the occasion: “Take One Last Look.” With his trademark growl more grizzly than ever, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer introduced the track, saying, “This one’s for you, Dave.”

Prior to his performance, Waits sat for an interview with Letterman (and George Clooney, who had handcuffed himself to the host) and discussed the long lines in New York for people waiting for salad (“I was, frankly, embarassed for them”), inventions for personal use (a new car-smell anti-perspirant), inventions that Letterman might like in his new life (a perspirant called “Hard Work” so Letterman might seem/smell like he still works), and his nerves the first time he visited the show (in 1983, when Letterman was still hosting on NBC).

In the back, note a very bemused Clooney.

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Jeffrey R. Staab/CBS

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