Paul McCartney made an impressive return to Saturday Night Live for its SNL50: The Anniversary Special, where he delivered a heartfelt performance of the Abbey Road medley, “Golden Slumbers” / “Carry That Weight” / “The End.” This nostalgic appearance marks a significant moment in McCartney’s ongoing relationship with the iconic sketch show, which he first joined as a musical guest in 1980 and has continued to grace over the years, including notable appearances in 1993, 2010, and 2012, as well as cameos in 2006, 2013, and 2015.
Taking the stage at Studio 8H on February 16, McCartney closed out the three-hour special, paying tribute to one of rock music’s most celebrated albums. His performance was part of a star-studded evening that showcased other prominent artists, such as Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, who performed a cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” and Paul Simon who shared a surprise duet with Sabrina Carpenter.
Lil Wayne opened the night with The Roots and DJ T. Lewis, performing a medley of hits from his Tha Carter series, while an unexpected collaboration featured Nirvana joining Post Malone for a rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The night was a festive celebration of music, but it also highlighted a legendary what-if scenario in rock history: the missed opportunity for a Beatles reunion on SNL. In 1976, Lorne Michaels famously invited the band to appear on the show for $3,000, but McCartney and Lennon ultimately decided against it, a moment that has remained a fascinating piece of SNL lore.
As McCartney continues to honor The Beatles’ enduring legacy, the year 2023 saw the band achieve their first No. 1 debut on the Billboard Hot 100 with the long-lost track “Now and Then,” which features Lennon’s vocals. This track not only topped the charts but also showcased The Beatles’ continued impact on music, bringing their total to 35 top 10 hits on the Hot 100.
SNL50: The Anniversary Special aired on NBC and is now available for streaming on Peacock. The celebration of both the show’s legacy and McCartney’s influence as a musical icon is a reminder of the enduring power of music and its ability to bring generations together.