Sir Paul McCartney served as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on May 16, marking his first appearance on the show since 2012. The 83-year-old music icon helped ring in the Season 51 finale, performing alongside host Will Ferrell. During the broadcast, McCartney debuted his new track “Days We Left Behind” and delivered a powerful rendition of the Wings classic “Band on the Run.”
The legendary Beatle’s involvement extended beyond the musical stage. McCartney appeared in a comedic monologue alongside Ferrell and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. The skit featured a playful exchange regarding Smith’s resemblance to the host, with McCartney eventually joining the pair to discuss his storied career before jokingly instructing Smith to return to the drums.
Smith later joined McCartney for the live performance of “Days We Left Behind,” the lead single from his upcoming album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which is scheduled for release on May 29. The performance was visually underscored by projected archival photos of McCartney’s childhood and his early days with the Quarrymen. In a treat for long-time fans, McCartney also performed “Band on the Run” and, during the show’s closing goodnights, surprised viewers with a performance of “Coming Up,” a song he originally premiered on the show during its fifth season. He also made a brief cameo in a sketch as an auto mechanic.
McCartney’s appearance served as the grand finale to a season that featured a diverse array of musical guests, including Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, and Sabrina Carpenter. This performance marked his fifth official stint as an SNL musical guest, further cementing his enduring legacy in television and music history.