ID on David Letterman

Imagine Dragons have played "It's Time" on the late night programs: Leno, Fallon, Conan and Kimmell but with the recent success of a new single, the band was given the opportunity to play "Radioactive" on "The Late Show with David Letterman."

From what I've seen, "Radioactive" and "It's Time" have taken very different routes to the top of the charts. "It's Time" was placed out in the radio sphere for new ears to hear, rising slowly through the charts as people caught on to the quirky stomp/claps and heart string pulling melodies, building momentum with syncs like "The Perks of being a Wallflower" trailer and other TV spots. The first single has the kind of melody and uniqueness that doesn't get old which is why it has broken records for it's staying power. ("It's Time" is now #10 on Top 40 Radio)

The story of "Radioactive" has just begun. I think there was a demand for a song like "Radioactive" so people found it on the album, shared it and the song took a life of it's own. The growth of the song has been fast and explosive, already landing its spot as number one on iTunes Alternative while "It's Time" sits between five and eight. In concert, the feel of the room changes with the first  "Oh's" of the song accompanied with the acoustic guitar. You can tell that for some, this is the song that brought them to this show and they will not take their eyes off the stage for one moment for fear of missing a note.

Day of Letterman:

Thursday morning we wake up in the bus outside the David Letterman studio on 54th and Broadway. The crew has been up for hours loading in gear and preparing for soundcheck even though they are performing the second show that night (Letterman shoots his Friday show on Thursday evening). Daniel Wayne tells me it's going to be a long day of sound checks and promo which is of no concern to me because I am free to do as I please in my favorite city. 

With a kiss goodbye, the band heads inside and I give my college professor and dear friend Jenny Hill Barlow a call because oddly enough she is in town with her friend and husband who is here on business. Even stranger, she has tickets for Letterman that night. We meet up and grab a delicious lunch at Lumbardi's (the first American pizzeria) and then shopping in Soho. The weather is abnormally cold (even for New York, so I hear). The Atlantic winds cut through my clothes and skin. I took my first subway which might have been a little frightening if I were alone, not only because it was confusing but also because we were serenaded by a homeless du-op group.

After a fun afternoon with the girls, we make our way back to the studio. I have about a half hour to spare so I run over to the Yumiko store in Hell's Kitchen for a quick shop for dance supplies (the bunhead in me didn't mind the mile sprint in the rain) and on the way back I meet up with Daniel Wayne and some of the band for dinner with the creators of the show "Impractical Jokers." The show is one of the staples playing on the TV in the Dragon Wagon so it was a really cool experience to meet the guys, they were hilarious and great company. 

Once we get backstage, Daniel Wayne gets hair and makeup done (hehe) while I dry off. He let's me know there is no seat for me in the audience but there are plenty of monitors to watch the show from the downstairs green room or upstairs dressing room. I chose to watch the performance from upstairs for two reasons:
(1.) Everyone else went downstairs and all of the rooms in the studio are extremely small and cramped
(2.) There trays and trays of mini cupcakes upstairs:)

After a boring interview with Owen Wilson's less successful brother, Luke and a celebrity rock look alike bit, the band turns night around with a raw and powerful performance of "Radioactive" that I think would make Dana Scully a believer. I am continually surprised by how well the band is doing. They are truly improving with each performance and I am so lucky I get to be here to watch.