5 classic skits left out of Saturday Night Live’s tribute to 50 years of music

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for Questlove’s Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music. It’s not just about gathering the best tunes from the artists who graced Studio 8H. Oh no, it’s far more than that! He certainly includes an array of unforgettable moments, from the thought-provoking to the audacious, and those that left indelible marks on our collective pop culture consciousness. But this film delves deeper, offering a unique perspective and insight into the music, the artists, and the legacy they’ve built over half a century.

The filmmaker uses interviews and old video clips to explore how closely related comedy shows and music really are, showing numerous instances where they share similarities. Furthermore, the production features various comedy sketches inspired by the realm of music.

In some instances, the skits were devoid of any music, such as Mick Jagger conversing with his mirror image (portrayed by Jimmy Fallon) in a 2001 sketch. On the other hand, certain sketches showcased full-blown musical performances like Fred Armisen’s spectacular “Punk Band Reunion at the Wedding” from 2010, where Dave Grohl played drums. Additionally, there was an abundance of Lonely Island music videos from Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone, which became a regular feature starting in 2005.

Saturday Night Live’s ode to 50 years of music missed some key performances

Given the abundance of material available, it’s no wonder that many instances were left out in the end. However, considering the intersection of music and humor, I found it striking that several iconic music/comedy skits were overlooked. To rectify this oversight, here are five instances where Saturday Night Live truly struck gold by delving into the connection between music and comedy.

“King Tut” – 1978

Let me share a brief, sincere moment with you… This is how Steve Martin, adorned in elaborate Egyptian-style attire reminiscent of a Halloween costume and bathed in subdued lighting, started one of Saturday Night Live’s most iconic skits from its early seasons. Capitalizing on the media frenzy surrounding the Tutankhamun exhibit in the late ’70s, Martin expressed his disappointment at the commercialization of this historical event.

He shared a tune he composed, filled with old-fashioned harmonies and tunes, as an attempt to honor and reestablish the dignity of the historical personality.

Later, he entertained for about three minutes in front of a band dressed up and accompanied by two dancing ladies. His performance included classic lines like “He could have won a Grammy – Spending his days in pajamas” and “He sacrificed his life for tourism.” Throughout the act, he maintained his famous wide grin and playfully interacted with the camera. The comedic impact was amplified when the dancers opened a standing coffin and out stepped Blue Lou Marini, dressed in gold-tinted attire, to perform a saxophone solo, adding another hilarious moment to the act.

“Derek Stevens Audition” – 1986

Here’s one way I might rephrase that sentence in a first-person perspective, focusing on the experience of being a fan:

As a diehard SNL enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at Dana Carvey’s electrifying debut as a cast member. On his very first appearance, he showcased one of his audition pieces in a memorable skit alongside Phil Hartman and the illustrious Sigourney Weaver. The skit, titled “Derek Stevens Audition,” was based on Carvey’s character – but it would go down in history as something entirely different: “Choppin’ Broccoli.

As a die-hard fan, I found myself captivated by Carvey’s portrayal of Stevens, a fallen rock star with a striking Mick Jagger accent. Once a household name in the music industry, Stevens had succumbed to the pitfalls that often befall our beloved rock stars. Now, however, he was clean, sober, and eager to share his fresh creations with Weaver and Hartman, the record label executives. The catch? He hadn’t prepared a thing! In a nerve-wracking turn of events, Stevens took a seat at the piano and improvised, hoping against hope that his impromptu performance would impress.

His initial composition is titled “The Lady I’m Familiar With,” and it opens with a clever verse: “There’s a woman I recognize – If I hadn’t known her, she’d be the one I didn’t know.” He subsequently describes her routine, including her visit to the market where she purchases broccoli.

The rest of the song features Carvey playing different versions of “chopping broccoli” as Weaver and Hartman, who start off confused but eventually get excited. While Carvey performs other parts, none of them stand out. This skit is typical of SNL in that it doesn’t know when to end, but we’ll never forget the “chopping broccoli.

“More Cowbell” – 2000

At the tail-end of a SNL episode in late April of 2000, I, as music producer Bruce Dickinson, hollered out one of the most iconic phrases linked to Saturday Night Live: “Gimme more cowbell!

During the recording of Blue Oyster Cult’s popular song “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” it was Will Ferrell who was energetically striking the cowbell. The rest of the band members, portrayed by Chris Parnell, Chris Kattan, Horatio Sanz, and Jimmy Fallon, weren’t entirely convinced by Ferrell’s intense drumming, but Walken continued to encourage them, famously saying, “I’ve got a feeling and the only cure is more cowbell.

Fallon often stumbles over his lines when it’s time to speak, whereas Walken is a powerhouse. He’s never been funnier. Later, he confided in Ferrell that the skit had a devastating impact on him because now fans persistently ask if he desires more cowbells.

“National Anthem” – 2006

Maya Rudolph has showcased her exceptional singing talent in numerous comedic performances. One particularly noteworthy skit was when she played Pamela Bell, a St. Louis resident who won a contest hosted by grocery chain Schnucks and got to sing the National Anthem before a World Series game. She was introduced by Jason Sudeikis and Bill Hader. As she waved to the crowd, a goofy grin on her face, was captured on screen.

Subsequently, a whirlwind of over-the-top pretenders vying for the title of diva unfolds, lasting approximately four minutes. She stretches her performance of “O say can you see” beyond ten seconds, and it only escalates from there into an unpredictable spectacle. Some lyrics become incomprehensible, while others are sung with the force of Ma Rainey or the eccentricity of Daffy Duck.

One second, there’s a fake British tone, and the next, fragments of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” play. Occasionally, we see clips of Sudeikis and Hader’s confused expressions, making the whole scene even more entertaining.

“Make Your Own Kind of Music” – 2023

Chloe Troast served as an SNL cast member for just one season, but before she departed, she collaborated with guest host Emma Stone in a standout performance. Similar to “More Cowbell,” the skit speculated that there exists some surviving footage from the 1969 recording session of Mama Cass’ Top 40 hit “Make Your Own Kind of Music.

This time, instead of Bruce Dickinson portrayed by Walken, we have Stone stepping into the role of Mitch Lester, a man with wild hair and a penchant for cigarettes, who possesses an instinctive ear for hits. He shares this insight with Mama Cass, predicting that the song will fade away for quite some time before making a powerful resurgence as the soundtrack for countless action films. In these movies, the heroine would find her moment to resist and retaliate.

At first, the artist feels shocked, but later she comes to accept the idea. Stone’s exceptional dedication elevates the sketches, and Troast’s perfect portrayal of Mama Cass adds an extra touch of magic.

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Initially taken aback, the artist eventually agrees with the concept. Stone’s outstanding performance takes the skits to new heights, while Troast’s impeccable depiction of Mama Cass makes it even more memorable.

Despite being well-known figures, it’s understandable that Questlove might have chosen not to feature them all due to the abundance of remarkable material associated with Belushi and Ackroyd as the Blues Brothers, Piscopo and Murphy portraying Frank and Stevie, and Gilda resembling Patti Smith in some way. The sheer volume of notable content made it challenging to include everything.

2025-02-16 22:00