Jack White Jokes About Wax Cylinders as He Welcomes Stephen Colbert Back to the Public-Access Stage!
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Jack White Revives Stephen Colbert’s Public Access Roots in Hilarious reunion
In a delightful twist of fate, Jack White took the stage alongside Stephen Colbert the night after the latter’s final episode of The Late Show, guiding him back to his humble beginnings on a quaint public-access television program in Michigan.
Just a day after bidding farewell to The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the beloved host made a surprise appearance on Only in Monroe, a community-access show based in Monroe, Michigan.
“It’s been a torturous 23 hours without being on screen,so I’m thrilled to be here with Monroe community Media before they too get snatched up by Paramount,” Colbert quipped at the start of the show.
FULL SHOW: Stephen Colbert Hosts Public Access Show “ONLY IN MONROE” – YouTube
White, who left his electric guitars behind, took on the roles of musical director, DJ, and comedic sidekick for the evening.
“You’ve got quite the setup over there,” Colbert teased, poking fun at White’s minimalist, vintage audio gear. “Did you forget your wax cylinders at home?”
“Yeah,” White replied with a straight face.
Colbert’s unexpected May 22 appearance featured a star-studded lineup, including Detroit rapper Eminem, actor Steve Buscemi, and fellow Michigan native Jeff Daniels.
This marked Colbert’s return to Only in Monroe, a show he first hosted back in July 2015, just before taking over The Late Show from David Letterman.
He hinted at this nostalgic comeback during his final broadcast, stating, “Our inaugural show in July 2015 was from a public access station in Monroe, Michigan, with an audience of just 12 people. Given the state of show business today,that’s likely where you’ll see me next.”
Throughout the episode,White played a pivotal role,stationed behind a boom box and reel-to-reel tape deck,spinning classic tracks like “96 Tears,” the iconic 1966 garage-rock anthem by ? and the Mysterians,a band with roots in Bay City and Saginaw,michigan.
In between songs, the duo engaged in lighthearted banter about local Bigfoot sightings and the long-standing rivalry between monroe’s chili-dog joints. At one point, they even shared a chili dog in a charming Lady and the Tramp-style moment.
White and Colbert share a chili dog during a discussion about Monroe’s cuisine. (Image credit: YouTube screengrab)
One of the evening’s highlights occurred when Colbert inhaled helium and serenaded White with the White Stripes classic ”fell in Love With a Girl.”
The show also marked a reunion for Colbert with Only in Monroe hosts michelle Baumann and Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson, the former Miss America who helped elevate the local-access program to cult status.
As the broadcast wrapped up, Colbert unleashed his pent-up energy by demolishing the Only in Monroe set. “Since they’re no longer using this set,it would be beneficial for me to destroy it,” he explained. “Which is fantastic news because, for no particular reason, I really want to break something right now.”
After the set was reduced to debris, Colbert joked about wanting to set the remains ablaze but needed a fire marshal’s approval. At that moment,Eminem,born Marshall Mathers,appeared in a pre-recorded message.
“Stephen, it’s Marshall here,” Mathers said. “You have my full permission to burn that mother down, bro.”
When announcing the cancellation of The Late Show last year, Colbert expressed, ”I’ve had the honor and responsibility of sharing our daily work with you in front of this camera for the past decade. It’s an amazing job. I wish someone else was taking it over.”
Colbert hosted The Late Show for ten years after succeeding David Letterman in 2015. Prior to that, he spent nine years as the host of The Colbert Report on Comedy Central.
In July 2025, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show, citing financial challenges within the late-night television landscape. This decision drew criticism, notably after Colbert had publicly criticized Paramount’s $16 million settlement of a lawsuit filed by donald Trump while the company sought regulatory approval for its merger with Skydance Media. Both Paramount and CBS denied any political motivations behind the cancellation.
Jack White jokes About Wax Cylinders as He Welcomes Stephen Colbert Back to the Public-Access Stage!
Jack White Jokes About Wax cylinders as He Welcomes Stephen Colbert Back to the Public-access stage!
Setting the Scene: A Nostalgic Return
In a delightful reunion that harkens back to simpler times, Jack White welcomed stephen Colbert back to the public-access television stage on May 22, 2026. This unexpected appearance came just a day after Colbert’s final broadcast of the Late Show, marking a significant moment in both their careers.
The Public-Access Comeback
Colbert made a surprise return to Only in Monroe, a community-access show in Monroe, Michigan, where he first showcased his comedic talents. This nostalgic setting allowed Colbert to reconnect with his roots, and White played a pivotal role as the evening’s musical director and comic foil.
Jack White’s Humorous Touch
During the show, White humorously left his electric guitars at home, opting instead for a retro audio setup. Colbert couldn’t resist poking fun at this choice, joking, “You left your wax cylinders at home?” to which White replied with a deadpan, “Yeah.” This light-hearted banter set the tone for an evening filled with laughter and music.
Star-Studded Lineup
The episode featured an impressive lineup,including Detroit rapper Eminem,actor Steve Buscemi,and Michigan native Jeff Daniels. Each guest brought their unique flair, contributing to a memorable night of entertainment.
Musical Highlights
White, stationed behind a boom box and reel-to-reel tape deck, spun classic tracks that resonated with the audience. Notable songs included:
“96 Tears” by ? and the Mysterians
“Fell in Love With a Girl” by The White stripes
Engaging Conversations
Between musical performances, Colbert and White engaged in humorous discussions about local Bigfoot sightings and the ongoing rivalry between Monroe’s chili-dog establishments. Their playful banter added a personal touch to the show,making it relatable and entertaining.
Chili Dog Moment
One of the most charming moments occurred when Colbert and White shared a chili dog in a Lady and the Tramp-style scene, showcasing their camaraderie and adding a whimsical element to the broadcast.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Show
The production of Only in Monroe is a testament to the charm of public-access television.With a focus on community engagement, the show has become a beloved platform for local talent and humor. Colbert’s return to this format highlights the importance of grassroots media in today’s entertainment landscape.
Benefits of Public-Access Television
Community Engagement: Public-access shows foster a sense of community by showcasing local talent and issues.
Creative Freedom: Creators have the liberty to express themselves without the constraints of mainstream media.
Accessibility: Thes platforms provide a voice for underrepresented communities and individuals.
Case Study: colbert’s Journey
Colbert’s journey from public-access television to hosting The Late Show is a remarkable story of growth and perseverance. His first episode of Only in Monroe in July 2015 was a humble affair, with an audience of just 12 peopel. Fast forward to 2026, and Colbert has become a household name, yet he remains grounded in his roots.
first-Hand experience: Colbert’s Reflections
During his final broadcast of The Late Show, Colbert reflected on his journey, stating, “I’ve had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years.” His heartfelt words resonate with fans and remind us of the importance of authenticity in entertainment.
Jack White’s Musical Influence
As a prominent figure in the music industry, Jack White’s influence extends beyond his performances. His ability to blend humor with music creates a unique experience for audiences. White’s commitment to preserving the essence of music, as seen in his choice of retro equipment, speaks volumes about his artistic vision.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Musicians
Embrace Your Roots: Like White and Colbert, don’t forget where you came from. Your background can shape your artistic identity.
Experiment with Sound: Don’t be afraid to explore different musical styles and equipment. Innovation often leads to unique sounds.
engage with Your Audience: Build a connection with your fans through humor and relatable content.
Join the Beatbounty Community
For those looking to dive deeper into the music scene, consider creating an account on the Beatbounty platform. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow musicians, share your work, and even submit ads to promote your music or events.Join today and be part of a vibrant community!
Conclusion
Jack White’s humorous welcome of Stephen Colbert back to the public-access stage serves as a reminder of the joy and creativity that can emerge from grassroots media.Their playful interactions, combined with musical performances, create a memorable experience that resonates with audiences. As we celebrate this reunion, let us also appreciate the importance of community and authenticity in the world of entertainment.
