Paul McCartney delivered a captivating performance during the 50th anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live, showcasing a medley from the Beatles’ iconic 1969 album, Abbey Road. His performance initiated with the poignant “Golden Slumbers,” reflecting themes of homecoming, a sentiment echoed at the outset of the show by Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter with their rendition of “Homeward Bound.” This choice cleverly linked McCartney’s closing number to the show’s beginning, as Simon had performed with George Harrison on SNL back in 1976.
McCartney’s seamless transition between “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End” mirrored the original album’s flow. Energizing the crowd, he stood up during the drum solo, showcasing his electric guitar skills. As his performance drew to a close, McCartney sang the poignant final lines of “The End”: “And in the end / The love you take / Is equal to the love you make,” before expressing his gratitude to the audience in attendance.
This marked McCartney’s fifth appearance as SNL’s musical guest, with his last performance dating back to 2012. Earlier in the week, the legendary musician had also performed a series of pop-up shows at the Bowery Ballroom in New York, where he similarly ended his set with the same medley.
This event not only celebrated McCartney’s enduring legacy but also emphasized the timeless message of love and togetherness that his music embodies. It serves as a reminder that the arts continue to unite people across generations, with SNL providing a platform to celebrate such cultural milestones.