Jon Stewart’s heartfelt farewell to The Daily Show ended with a performance from a fellow Jersey pop culture star: Bruce Springsteen. With his E-Street Band, Springsteen performed Land of Hope and Dreams and part of Born to Run in the final moments of the finale. “This is by request of the man himself,” said Springsteen before the legendary band wished him off. “Thanks for everything, Jon. We wish you happy and safe travels.”
To commemorate the end of Stewart’s 16-year run as anchor of The Daily Show, past correspondents on the show including Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Ed Helms, and Steve Carell came to display their gratitude. Then Stewart launched into his last bit, a memorable speech seeking to battle against B.S. in the world. “I say to you, friends, the best defense against bullshit is vigilance,” said Stewart according to Consequence of Sound. “So if you smell something, say something.”
The celebrated comedian then began his on-screen goodbye, telling his viewers that this isn’t actually the end. “We’re merely taking a small pause in the conversation. A conversation which, by the way, I have hogged … I’ve really been dominating this in a really selfish way. So rather than saying goodbye, or goodnight, I’m just going to say: I’m gonna go get a drink, and I’m sure I’ll see you guys before I leave.”
Then, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band performed their first performance together in over a year. Closeups of the band show them in their element, soaking up the energy in the room as Stewart passed off his hot seat to Trevor Noah (who showed up midway through the episode to, jokingly, take measurements for his new desk).
After the performance, which ended with the crowd dancing to Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run, Stewart was visibly moved. “Thank you,” he managed to say. “Good night.”
