Paul McCartney brought the star-studded crowd to their feet during the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special. The 82-year-old ex-Beatle performed a mashup of “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End,” rousing the audience with his energetic vocals and impressive guitar solo. Introduced by Martin Short, McCartney alternated between singing from behind a colorful piano and belting into a standing mic.
The camera panned to various celebrities and SNL alumni enjoying the show. The night featured several other memorable performances, including a duet from Miley Cyrus and Lil Wayne. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler reunited for a Q&A segment, fielding questions from audience members like Ryan Reynolds, Cher, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
McCartney’s surprise show at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City also made headlines recently, marking his first performance in the city since June 2022. Fans celebrated his arrival with excitement, holding up signs and shouting in anticipation.
McCartney’s showstopping performance
The anniversary special, filled with memorable performances and appearances, celebrated the long-lasting legacy of Saturday Night Live. The show aired live on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock. The special was not without its flaws, however.
Some sketches seemed insidery, and others went on too long. The musical performances also revealed the strain of bridging generations in entertainment. WDIV Local 4 in Detroit experienced an unexpected interruption during the airing of the special, leaving viewers without the final 13 minutes of the broadcast.
Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis apologized for the mishap, explaining that the show extended beyond its scheduled airtime and the technical teams were not prepared for the additional overrun. Despite the technical difficulties, the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special was a star-studded celebration of the show’s long-lasting impact on comedy and entertainment.
