Arts & Entertainment

Stephen Colbert and Eminem Rock Bob Seger on Michigan Public Access TV

Host of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" dropped by a Michigan public access TV station to practice for fall debut. No, seriously.

“Only in Monroe” could this happen.

Satirist Stephen Colbert dropped in under the radar the other day and hosted the 40-minute “Only in Monroe” public access television talk show.

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And “Only in Monroe” would Detroit rapper Eminem drop in and cover Detroit rocker Bob Seger.

No, seriously. This really happened.

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The program is running off and on on Monroe Public Access Cable Television (MPACT), which posted a video on YouTube Wednesday afternoon.

Colbert plays a somewhat hapless talk show host who is filling in for “Only in Monroe” regular hosts Michelle Bowman and Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson. He says it’s a good chance to brush up on his interview skills before “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” debuts on CBS-TV in September.

He gave a brief history of Monroe in classic deadpan style, then at about the 22-minute mark, he engages in a hilarious 15-minute segment with Marshall Mathers, who performs as Eminem.

Colbert asks Eminem about his music influences. “I imagine Motown?” he says. “Ted Nugent? Obviously Seger?”

“Bob Seger?” Eminem answers. “Bob Seger’s great.”

And then it begins. Colbert sings a few lyrics in an off-key falsetto, and asks Eminem to name the song.

Eminem only sang a few snippets that he recognized from “Night Moves” and “Against the Wind,” and seemed grateful – if only momentarily – when Colbert changed the subject and started asking the rapper about his fallback plan.

Everybody should have one, especially people trying to make it in the tough music business.

Carpentry, or HVAC?

“We’re always going to need HVAC,” Colbert said.

Then came the retirement account talk, the older man offering the younger man the benefit of his wisdom: So what does the rapper have in mind to do when the dream dies?

“You know, dreams die,” he says. “It happens.”

“I am so confused right now,” Eminem finally admits. “I’m trying to figure out if you’re serious or if ..

“I’m very serious,” Colbert responds. “If you don’t have a retirement account by the time you’re 50, you’re dead in the water. ...You’re a greeter at Walmart at that point.”

The interview goes absurdly along, dancing what appears to a be a fine line between real and feigned indignation.

Watch the clip below.


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