Conan O'Brien hosted his show in Chicago on May 9th-12th, 2006. This was the first time a late night talk show host visited the city since Letterman in 1989.
Conan had many guests on that had roots in Chicago. Mr. T stopped by to give Conan a tour of the city. Conan visited his old apt with his former roommate Jeff Garlin, and George Wendt stopped by several times.
Tues: Sean Hayes, music by Cheap Trick
Wed: Dave Chappelle, music by Common
Thurs: John C. Reily, music by John Mayer
Fri: Senator Barrack Obama, music by Wilco
To get into a taping of the show, you needed to email NBC for tickets. According to the Chicago Tribune, 71,000 requests came thru (and 1 request = 2 tix). The Chicago Theatre only holds approx 3800 people. I was one of the lucky people who received tix. I waited 2hrs in the rain to get inside for the Thursday taping featuring John C. Reily and John Mayer.
When Conan came out, the audience went bananas. It took quite a while to quiet everyone down. During Conan's monologue, his tongue slipped and he said the "Shitty of Chicago." He quickly corrected himself but the audience blew up laughing hysterically. Conan replied with "I guess we're on Cinemax tonight!"
John C. Reily, a Chicago native was fantastic. I loved his work in Boogie Nights & the musical Chicago. He even broke out into song during the interview and Conan joined him in singing "the Night Chicago Died." John Mayer was joined by the Max Weinberg 7 performing "Sweet Home Chicago."
La Bamba (trombone player in the band) dressed up as someone different every week: Chicago police officer, Wrigleyville Beer Vendor, CTA driver, and yes, the Empire Carpet Man.
I loved my experience and appreciate Conan making the trip here. Hopefully, he'll come back some day....
