Joan Rivers died this week at the age of 81, leaving behind an unparalleled comedic legacy. But her tenure as a talk show host—from fall 1986 through spring 1987 on Fox’s “The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers” and later on the early 90s daytime talk show “The Joan Rivers Show”—also led to some rather iconic (and infamous) musical performances.

Whether because Fox was so new—or because nobody else would have some of these acts—Rivers managed to get away with some pretty subversive stuff on “The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers.” But even when she cleaned up for the more conservative daytime crowd, she didn’t lose any edge—bringing in infamous NYC club kids for an interview (and fashion show) or highlighting the Madonna impersonator Viva Sex right after “Justify My Love” made headlines.

On either show, the caustic wit for which she became known wasn’t evident during her interviews with either unfamiliar bands or cultural misfits. Even when faced with the weird or strange, Rivers didn’t condescend; she genuinely seemed interested in their artistic motivations and what made them tick. And even when some acts tested her patience—see below—she reacted with humor, grace and self-deprecation.

Beastie Boys Licensed To Kill Licensed To Ill Licensed To Kill Gwar Public Enemy Fear Of A Black Planet Wendy O. Williams Kommander Of Kaos The Mission UK God’s Own Medicine Ozzy Osbourne Dread Zeppelin A segment on dealing with “Teens and Heavy Metal” Jim Rose Circus Hüsker Dü Elton John The Cult Poison

You should really follow Annie Zaleski on Twitter – @anniezaleski.

—

Want more? Check these out:

Gwar Is Laughing At You, Not With You

I WENT DRIVING DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH HüSKER DU’S BOB MOULD

Doing MCA’s Work: We Interviewed the Guy Who Created a Visual Companion to Paul’s Boutique