He softened, "Thanks, probably songwriting." Suddenly, there was a vast sadness in his eyes and weariness to his posture that startled, even frightened me. I mumbled something about "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" being my theme song and modus operandi for about ten years in my twenties and early-thirties, then excused myself to resume less emotionally charged conversation. Later that night I bumped into Zevon again and complimented him on his impressively buffed physique. He told me he had been "working out more than Vin Diesel" for over a year.
A month later, a visit to the doctor revealed untreatable cancer in his lungs and liver. In September Zevon told the Los Angeles Times with a small laugh he had assumed his "shortness of breath" and the "tightness in his chest" were side effects of his workout routine. In a statement to the press, he said of his condition, "I'm okay with it, but it'll be a drag if I don't make it till the next James Bond movie comes out." He has lived to see not only the theatrical release of James Bond's Die Another Day, but also its video release June 3 - large victories in the guise of small.
When the bad news broke ten months ago, Warren Zevon, former wastrel, resolved to devote his remaining time to music, friends and his family, especially his two grown children, Jordan and Ariel. He has had exceptional success, even good luck, in these endeavors. In the summer of '03 Zevon became a grandfather for the first time when Ariel gave birth to twin sons, Augustus Warren Zevon-Powell and Maximus Patrick Zevon-Powell. Warren was at the hospital for the births, a source of great joy said a spokesperson.
On October 30 of '02, Zevon appeared on television as the only guest of David Letterman, a huge fan, in a special episode of the show. Zevon was witty, charming, even profound without getting heavy or maudlin. Letterman was clearly moved. Besides Zevon's musical performances, the highlight of the show was this exchange:
Dave - "Do you now know something I don't know?"
Warren - "I know how much you are supposed to enjoy every sandwich."
That Zevon has seemed most fully alive in the twilight of his life is either existential cruelty or a final gift, depending upon your perspective. To his everlasting credit, Zevon chose the latter view and acted very nobly upon it.
Portions of this story originally appeared here.
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