Kevin Parker, the frontman of Tame Impala, recently shared an unexpected revelation about his performance on “Saturday Night Live” during an interview on The Zane Lowe Show. Reflecting on the band’s debut on the iconic stage in 2019, Parker admitted that he improvised the lyrics to their song “Borderline,” leading to a unique and somewhat chaotic performance alongside host Sandra Oh. At that time, he was grappling with the demands of creating music for their upcoming album, resulting in his last-minute songwriting scramble.
“I didn’t have lyrics ready for the song that we played on SNL,” Parker explained. He had been up all night trying to finalize the track. Consequently, when it came time to perform, he resorted to singing gibberish on stage, a decision he described as a necessity rather than an artistic choice.
Tame Impala had already performed their recently released single “Patience,” but “Borderline” was not yet available to the public. As Parker noted, “That shows just how much of a f‑‑‑ing mental state I was in at the moment. I didn’t care.” This candid admission gives insight into the pressures artists often face in the lead-up to significant events and performances, a sentiment echoed by many musicians who find themselves balancing creative urgency with public expectations.
Interestingly, the pre-performance logistics added a layer of complexity. The band was required to submit lyrics in advance, leaving Parker’s tour manager in a tough spot when he ultimately had nothing concrete to share. Fortunately, amidst the anxiety, Parker described a sense of tranquillity during his appearance on SNL, a contrast to the pressure typically associated with late-night TV performances.
Despite the unorthodox experience, Parker ultimately felt positive about the outcome. “It was good,” he commented. “I sang words.” This experience underscores the often unpredictable nature of live performances and the resilience required in the music industry.
As “Saturday Night Live” kicks off its 51st season, the show continues to provide a platform for innovative performances. The interactions between artists and show teams not only entertain but signify the creative spirit inherent in live television, which resonates with audiences and fosters lasting connections. Fans can look forward to future episodes airing Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and streaming on Peacock.