A Ball State University student will be making an appearance on"The Late Show with David Letterman" tonight to showcase his bodyof artwork and have a new tattoo added to his collection.
However, there is something unique about his choice in tattoos-- they are almost all "Late Show" related.
Ryan Carney, a sophomore telecommunications major and anadmitted Letterman fan, says he had always wanted a tattoo, butnever planned on having a Late Show theme. Then while Web surfingone day, Carney came across a photograph of "Late Show" announcerAlan Kalter.
"My Dad has tattoos, I always knew I was going to get one,"Carney said. "Then one day I was looking at the 'Late Show' Website, and I saw this picture of Alan (Kalter) and I thought thatwould be hilarious."
After committing to the idea, Carney printed out the photographand decided on the location, the outside of his left leg below theknee. Carney was tattooed in September of 2003, but had not yet hadhis fill. Like many others with body art, Carney said that one justwas not enough.
"I knew what I was getting into," Carney said. "I had planned ononly getting one tattoo, then a couple of months later I wantedanother."
In the period of a year, Carney had three more "Late Show"tattoos. David Letterman made his appearance second, on the insideof Carney's left leg. Next, "Late Show" band-leader Paul Schaferwas tattooed on Carney's calf, and finally, the "Late Show" marqueeon his shin.
Carney sees the humor in the tattoos but says they are old newsto those close to him. "People think the tattoos are funny, butmost people are used to them," Carney said.
"Everyone has tribal and butterflies and roses," Carney said. "Ijust wanted something no one had ... My mom was shocked when shefound out I had the tattoos, but I told her I would get on theshow."
Carney originally contacted the "Late Show" after getting theLetterman tattoo, and after receiving no response, e-mailed "LateShow" producers again in September of this year. Producers kept incontact with Carney over the last few months working out ideas fora segment.
"My original plan was to get them to autograph under theirpictures," Carney said. "They told me that I would be a guest abouta week ago ... When they offered the free trip I agreed to getanother face tattoo." With that Carney decided on the face of "LateShow" stage manager Biff Henderson.
Carney anticipates some buzz after his appearance on the "LateShow," but refuses to let it get to him.
"I didn't start out to be famous, I just wanted a tattoo,"Carney asserts. "The 15 minutes of fame is nice though. But if youknow me and want me to say your name on TV, I probably won't."
"The Late Show with David Letterman" airs at 11:30 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday on CBS.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
