Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

SNL 50 Closes Out with Paul McCartney-Led ‘Abbey Road’ Medley

Jimmy Baikovicius from Montevideo, Uruguay, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Jimmy Baikovicius from Montevideo, Uruguay, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The 50th anniversary special of “Saturday Night Live” was a triumphant celebration filled with performances, skits, and appearances from some of the biggest names in entertainment. The event came to a dazzling conclusion with the legendary Paul McCartney taking the stage to perform an unforgettable medley of songs from the Beatles' classic 1969 album, Abbey Road. The performance was a testament not only to McCartney’s enduring talent but also to his significant impact on the music industry over the decades.

Featuring “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End,” the medley was a fitting finale for the evening. At 82, McCartney perfectly encapsulated the timelessness of his music, delivering a performance that resonated with audience members of all ages. His rendition was met with a standing ovation as the audience—a mix of celebrities, past and present SNL cast members, and loyal fans—swayed and sang along, touched by the familiarity and nostalgia of the classics. The choice of songs was particularly poignant, serving as both a tribute to his past and a reminder of the unity and love that music can invoke.

This sensational closing act was the culmination of a night that had seen appearances and performances from a plethora of entertainment icons. The special, under the guidance of SNL creator Lorne Michaels, began with a touching duet by Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon, who performed “Homeward Bound,” an homage to Simon's original collaboration with the late George Harrison. It set the tone for an evening punctuated by laughter and musical nostalgia. Throughout the night, the audience was treated to performances by contemporary stars like Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, who joined forces to cover “Nothing Compares 2 U.”

The lineup for the special was a veritable encyclopedia of comedic and musical talent. Stars like Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and many more returned to Studio 8H, rekindling memories of the roles they once played in the storied history of the show. The mix of music, skits, and stand-up routines was a reminder of SNL's unique ability to bridge comedic and musical entertainment, evidenced by Adam Sandler’s humorous tribute to SNL’s 50 years and John Mulaney’s Broadway revue of New York's cultural evolution.

McCartney's performance was particularly poignant for fans familiar with his history with the show. He has appeared on “Saturday Night Live” multiple times, albeit this time marking a significant return since his last appearance as a musical guest in 2012. The performance itself, facilitated by his seasoned band and featuring dazzling guitar exchanges with Rusty Anderson and Brian Ray, reminded everyone why McCartney remains a revered figure in music.

Ultimately, the special was a monumental effort by the SNL team to honor and encapsulate the show’s history and its ongoing cultural relevance. Paul McCartney’s medley was not only a spectacular conclusion but served as a heartfelt reminder of the indelible connection between music and emotion. As lights dimmed on McCartney's closing proverb, “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make,” it's clear that “Saturday Night Live” has made—and continues to make—a significant impact on generations of fans.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

LEFT PHOTO: 'Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony' Tour Opening Night, Nashville, Tennessee, USA - 20 Mar 2025 RIGHT PHOTO: Vince Neil of Motley Crue performs during The World Tour co-headlining with Def Leppard at Hard Rock Live held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Mar 2023

Dolly Parton Collabs With Mötley Crüe

The legendary rock band Mötley Crüe has surprised fans and music enthusiasts by collaborating with the iconic country music star…

Grammy-winning musical satirist 'Weird Al' Yankovic (L) is joined by radio broadcaster Dr. Demento during an unveiling ceremony honoring Yankovic with the 2,643rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on August 27, 2018. Weird Al Yankovic Fame Walk, Los Angeles, California, United States - 27 Aug 2018

Dr. Demento Retires After 55 Years

After an illustrious 55-year career in radio, Barret “Dr. Demento” Hansen has announced his retirement, bringing to a close one…

John Oates John Oates in concert at Crest Theatre, Sacramento, California, USA - 09 Mar 2025

John Oates Sets 2025 Summer Tour Dates

John Oates, widely recognized as the co-founder of the legendary musical duo Hall & Oates, has recently announced a new…

Lorde Met Gala 2025, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, Arrivals, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA - 05 May 2025

Lorde Drops Final Single to ‘Virgin’ Album

Lorde, the widely acclaimed New Zealand pop artist, has released her latest single “Hammer” as a prelude to her forthcoming…

Matthew Bellamy Music Concert - Muse - Will of the People World Tour, Milan, Italy - 22 Jul 2023

Muse Releases New Song “Unravelling”

British rock band Muse has made a striking return with their latest single, “Unravelling,” marking their first new music since…

Lou Christie East Coast Music Hall Of Fame, Ceremony, New Jersey, USA - 07 Jun 2019

Lou Christie, 1960s ‘Lightnin’ Strikes’ Hitmaker, Dies at 82

The music world mourns the loss of Lou Christie, the iconic singer and songwriter whose signature blend of doo-wop, pop,…

The Blues Brothers - Elwood Blues, portrayed by Canadian actor Dan Aykroyd and "Joliet" Jake Blues, portrayed by American actor John Belushi The Blues Brothers in concert, Winterland Arena, San Francisco, California, USA - 31 Dec 1978 The Blues Brothers opened for the Grateful Dead.

Rare Blues Brothers Live Recording Accompanies New Graphic Novel

The iconic duo of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, collectively known as the Blues Brothers, are about to see their…

(15365897e) Joe cock (DJ accompaniment), Dave Phönix Farrell (bassist), Emily Armstrong (singer), Colin Brittain (drummer), Mike Shinoda (singer and guitarist) and Brad Delson (bassist) from Linkin Park live on From Zero World Tour 2025 at the Olympiastadion Berlin on 18 June 2025 Various 25agca

Linkin Park Cancels Concert Due To ‘A Medical Issue’

Linkin Park, a band known for its dynamic energy and emotive performances, faced a significant setback on June 20, 2025,…

New Music From Stone Temple Pilots’ Dean DeLeo

Dean DeLeo, best known as the guitarist of Stone Temple Pilots, is once again drawing attention for his musical prowess,…