New Delhi, July 13 -- CHICAGO - David Letterman took the stage at Wrigley Field on Saturday night and immediately addressed the absurdity of the moment. "What, are the Beatles here tonight, ladies and gentlemen?" the former late-night host told a sold-out crowd pressed into the legendary ballpark. "This makes that Taylor Swift wedding look like a student film." Then he said the name they had all come to hear.

the moment a comedian reached the same cultural altitude as the rock acts who had previously claimed the Cubs' home as their stage.

Wrigley Field, which opened in 1914, has hosted The Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, and a long line of rock royalty across its outfield concerts. Its capacity and mystique carry weight that most music venue...