Watch CBS News

End Of An Era In Late Night TV As David Letterman Signs Off For Final Time

NEW YORK CITY (KDKA) -- It's the end of an era in late night TV.

David Letterman said goodbye Wednesday night, after more than 30 years on the air.

Before the final taping of "The Late Show", Letterman peeked out to thousands of fans waiting outside The Ed Sullivan Theater.

Several celebrities were there for the final show, including Tina Fey, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, Peyton Manning, Jim Carrey and Jerry Seinfeld.

"It was unbelievable. It was like non-stop action packed," said Terry Scott of South Fayette Township.

He was lucky enough to get tickets to the last show.

He and his dad sat in the balcony.

You may see Scott waving the Terrible Towel.

Some people walked out of the theater in tears, clearly emotional over losing a TV friend.

Everyone knows Letterman's sidekick Paul Shaffer, but did you know guitarist Sid McGinnis in Letterman's "CBS Orchestra Band" is originally from Penn Hills?

David Highfield caught up with McGinnis outside the theater.

More about Pittsburghers who have been on David Letterman.

McGinnis recalled all the bands he played with in Pittsburgh in the 1970's and also playing with "Simon and Garfunkel" in the 1980's.

As for the end of "The Late Show with David Letterman", McGinnis says, "The last six months have been fantastic. Just knowing it's winding down, the audience amped up more and more."

He says with Stephen Colbert taking over as host of "The Late Show" in the fall, the "CBS Orchestra Band" will all go their separate ways.

Letterman ended his final show by expressing his gratitude.

"The tribute at the end. It was great. He took about five minutes and he thanked everybody," said Scott.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.