Numerous alumni and music legends came together to celebrate the spectacular kickoff of SNL50 weekend, which promises to culminate in an unforgettable anniversary special.
The excitement of Saturday Night Live weekend is palpable, with the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert launching in spectacular style at Radio City Music Hall. This iconic venue resonated with the sounds of nostalgia and celebration, as fans and performers alike came together to honor the legacy of one of television’s most beloved shows. Let?s take a closer look at some of the unforgettable highlights from this monumental event!
Jimmy Fallon, a beloved former cast member from 1998 to 2004, took on the hosting duties for this remarkable kickoff to SNL50. He not only showcased his charisma but also paid tribute to the legendary Blues Brothers, the iconic characters originally portrayed by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, who made their memorable debut on SNL back in 1976. Fallon?s enthusiastic homage set the tone for an evening filled with laughter and musical delight.
After Fallon’s tribute, the nostalgia continued with Bill Murray reprising his role as Nick the Lounge Singer. This classic character brought back fond memories for many fans. Additionally, SNL staples Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer joined forces as The Culps, delivering a lively medley of contemporary hits, including a vibrant performance of a song by the recent Super Bowl halftime show star, Kendrick Lamar. Such nostalgic performances highlighted the enduring impact of SNL on pop culture.
The concert featured a stellar lineup of both past and present SNL cast members, some of whom shared the stage with iconic music acts. Notable appearances included Fred Armisen, Bowen Yang, and Sarah Sherman joining forces with The B-52s for a lively rendition of ?Love Shack.? A memorable reunion of The Lonely Island also took place, with them performing alongside Lady Gaga on ?Dick in a Box.? The evening was further enriched by a medley of beloved Lonely Island songs from SNL, such as ?Motherlover,? ?I?m on a Boat,? and the classic ?Lazy Sunday.? Former cast members like Kate McKinnon, Molly Shannon, and Adam Sandler introduced these performances, adding to the nostalgia and excitement of the evening.
As the festivities unfolded, it was impossible to overlook the absence of cherished figures who had been lost over the years. Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam poignantly handled the tribute segment, delivering a heartfelt cover of Tom Petty?s ?The Waiting.? During this emotional moment, he honored the memories of legends such as Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Chris Farley, Norm Macdonald, and Michael O?Donoghue, reminding everyone of the profound impact these individuals had on SNL and its audience.
The concert marked merely the beginning of a weekend-long celebration dedicated to SNL50. On Sunday, viewers can look forward to the highly anticipated Anniversary Special, airing on NBC at 8 p.m., promising even more surprises and nostalgic moments for fans of the iconic sketch show.
Did you tune in to the SNL50 concert? What moments stood out to you as the most memorable? Share your thoughts and favorite highlights!
