Paul McCartney brought his legendary presence to Studio 8H, delivering a memorable closing act for Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Special on February 16. At 82, the iconic musician proved his timeless appeal, wrapping up the star-studded night with a selection of Beatles classics. Just days before, McCartney treated fans to a surprise performance at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom, but his grand finale on SNL left audiences in awe.
Performing songs exclusively from Abbey Road, McCartney began with a heartfelt rendition of Golden Slumbers, setting a nostalgic and dreamlike tone. Seamlessly, he transitioned into Carry That Weight, drawing the audience deeper into the emotional journey of the medley. The energy in the studio shifted as McCartney moved into The End, the powerful finale from the classic album. Fans rose to their feet, clapping and singing along as he delivered one of the most iconic lines in music history: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”
McCartney’s history with Saturday Night Live runs deep. While he has never hosted the show, he has appeared eight times over the years, both as a musical guest and in cameo roles. His performances span decades, from his first musical guest slot in 1980 to more recent appearances in 2010 and 2012. He was also part of SNL’s 40th-anniversary special, making his presence a fitting tribute to the show’s milestone celebration.
Beyond his real-life appearances, McCartney has often been the subject of playful impersonations on SNL. Comedy legends like Bill Murray, Dana Carvey, and Alan Cumming have all taken a turn at portraying the Beatle in various sketches over the years, highlighting his cultural significance even outside the music world.
The anniversary special itself was packed with an incredible lineup of guests. Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, and Bad Bunny were just a few of the A-listers who took part in celebrating five decades of comedy. The night also saw appearances from legendary past cast members, including Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and Amy Poehler. With McCartney’s unforgettable performance as the grand finale, SNL’s 50th anniversary was a night to remember, blending music, nostalgia, and comedy into one spectacular event.
