Letterman began his late night TV career at NBC, where he hosted the groundbreaking “Late Night With David Letterman” from 1982 to 1993. The show followed Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show.” When Carson announced in 1991 that he would retire the following year, it was widely expected that Letterman would take over the earlier slot.

The appearance from the former Late Night and Late Show host offered a reunion with bandleader Paul Shaffer, who is sitting in with his World’s Most Dangerous Band on The Tonight Show this week. The Roots, Fallon’s usual band, are off for the week as they prepare for Friday’s SNL50: The Homecoming Concert on Peacock.

Fallon was riffing with Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band, Letterman’s longtime sidekick and band from his time hosting CBS’ Late Show from 1982 to 2015 — Shaffer and co were filling in for Fallon’s regular house band, The Roots, who are rehearsing for the upcoming Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary concert.