Kevin Parker, the lead singer of Tame Impala, recently recounted an unexpected moment from his band’s debut performance on “Saturday Night Live” during an interview on The Zane Lowe Show. Reflecting on the 2019 appearance, Parker revealed that he improvised the lyrics to their song “Borderline,” resulting in a performance that blended his lively spontaneity with a touch of chaos, all while sharing the stage with host Sandra Oh. At that time, Parker was feeling the weight of creating music for their upcoming album, which led him to scramble for lyrics just before the show.
“I didn’t have lyrics ready for the song that we played on SNL,” Parker disclosed. He had spent the night striving to finalize the track, and when the moment arrived for the live show, he resorted to singing gibberish on stage, a choice he described more as a necessity than a creative decision.
Though Tame Impala had already performed their recently released single “Patience,” “Borderline” was not yet public, adding to the pressure of the moment. Parker candidly stated, “That shows just how much of a f‑‑‑ing mental state I was in at the moment. I didn’t care.” His honesty highlights the intense pressures that artists often face leading up to high-profile performances, a reality many musicians can relate to as they juggle creative demands and audience expectations.
The logistical challenges before the performance further complicated matters, as the band needed to submit lyrics in advance, putting Parker’s tour manager in a bind since he had no finalized material to provide. Yet, amidst the surrounding anxiety, Parker described experiencing a sense of calm during the SNL performance, contrasting sharply with the usual pressure associated with late-night television appearances.
In retrospect, Parker felt positively about the unique experience. “It was good,” he reflected. “I sang words.” This incident illustrates the unpredictable nature of live performances and the resilience that artists must cultivate in the music industry.
As “Saturday Night Live” prepares to launch its 51st season, it continues to serve as a dynamic platform for innovative performances. The interactions between artists and the show’s team not only captivate audiences but also embody the creative spirit of live television, fostering connections that resonate deeply with viewers. Fans can anticipate upcoming episodes airing on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and streaming on Peacock.