Bruce Springsteen Performed on the Second-To-Last Episode of ‘Late Show With Stephen Colbert’

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert wraps up its nearly 11-year run on May 21, 2026. The Late Show has been a staple of late-night television since David Letterman launched the show on August 30, 1993. After 33 years, the show will come to an end. On the eve of the show finale, Bruce Springsteen appeared as the musical guest on May 20. Springsteen performed his most recent protest song, “Streets Of Minneapolis,” making a statement against the show’s cancellation.

For the final weeks of The Late Show, special guests have included original host David Letterman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Steven Spielberg, Jon Stewart, and Barack Obama. Music guests have included David Byrne, The Strokes, Michael Stipe, Chris Stapleton, and Foo Fighters. Foo Fighters were the final musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman on May 20, 2015.

On May 13, 2026, Foo Fighters performed a medley of the first song they played on the show, “This Is A Call,” and “Everlong,” the final song performed on Letterman’s show.

Springsteen Performed On The Final Episode of ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ in 1993

Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance on the final episode of Late Night with David Letterman. On June 25, 1993, Springsteen performed with Letterman’s World’s Most Dangerous Band, ahead of Letterman’s move from NBC to CBS. He performed “Glory Days” to wrap up the show, ahead of Conan O’Brien’s takeover. Letterman moved to CBS and launched The Late Show with David Letterman shortly after. The then-unknown Conan O’Brien was announced as the new host of Late Night, recruiting Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg to lead his band.

Springsteen first performed on The Late Show with David Letterman on April 5, 1995. He performed “Murder Incorporated,” along with a cover of The Weavers’ “Pay Me My Money Down.” With his legendary E Street Band, he also performed the classic “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” and “Secret Garden.” During a commercial break, they covered the classic “Money (That’s What I Want).”

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ends on May 21, 2026, with guest appearances kept under wraps. It’s the end of a historic run for the show, one that held many iconic music performances throughout the years.