Jimmy Fallon Talks Stones, 'Lost' Finale and Bieber

By Mike Hess Posted May 17th 2010 10:44AM

In perhaps one of the boldest (and coolest) musical ventures in late-night TV history, 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon' went old-school last week -- during what they dubbed 'Rolling Stones Week.' With the reissue of the Stones' classic album 'Exile on Main Street,' the crafty and inventive Fallon pitched a grand plan to Mick Jagger: Have some of today's biggest musicians play their favorite 'Exile' tune each day on his show, and then 'Late Night' will give up its Friday show to the Stones' documentary about the album. PopEater was able to catch up with our pal Jimmy to discuss the Stones, Keith Richards' drinking habits ("I couldn't hang with Keith," Jimmy admits to us), the impending 'Lost' finale and more. Watch the exclusive interview below!

How did 'Rolling Stones Week' happen? What went through your head when it all came together?
It's the whole reason I have a talk show ... we just make it fun. It's a cool thing that we're doing. We're lucky to be in this business.

I ran into Mick at a party. I used to do a bit on 'Saturday Night Live' where I was his reflection in the mirror ... so I couldn't be any more embarrassed for him. So I asked what was going on, and he said, "We're working on the re-release of 'Exile on Main Street.'" I said, "If there's anything I can do to help, I'd love to do it." ... I was like, I'll give you my show! I didn't even talk to NBC yet, but I said, What we'll do is have the biggest bands play their favorite songs off of 'Exile.'

A common skit on your show is playing beer pong with guests. Budweiser sponsored 'Rolling Stones Week' ... how come there's no beer pong with Keith Richards?
No, that's not a game he plays. He loves to drink, but that's not a game for him. I couldn't hang with Keith.

You've been doing 'Lost' parodies on 'Late Night' called 'Late.' With the finale of 'Lost' this week, what do you think will happen?
I don't want it to end. I almost want there to be a weather advisory and no one gets to see the ending of 'Lost' ... like some glitch happens where television doesn't work that night.

You recently had Justin Bieber on the show as a guest, and he drummed with The Roots. What's your take on the Bieber?

I love me some Justin Bieber. What a great guy. He's such a talented guy ... sixteen years old. I don't know what he's going through right now. ... He was like, "If you want, I can play drums." That dude started as a YouTube sensation ... the chance to even talk to him it's like, "Just so everyone understands how this happened, you videotaped yourself singing and put it on YouTube and that's it?" Now he's selling out and people are rioting in Australia? What's going on? That's amazing and so cool that the Internet is so powerful you can do stuff like that.

What would your dream show be? Who's on it?
I want to do a show from space in Richard Branson's spaceship, with David Bowie as musical guest, and if the Queen was around, I'd have her up there too. Just let's go up to space, have a talk show from space. Gotta have a few of The Roots up there too.

You're great friends with Mario Batali. Is there a better person to be friends with in New York City?
Mario Batali is a genius. He's one of my best friends. I just love him. A generous guy, a smiley guy. You don't have be a jerk when you get successful, and he's proof that good people exist.