Watch: The Music of _Saturday Night Live 40_
Last night’s Saturday Night Live 40th anniversary celebration was one for every television nerd who grew up with the iconic sketch show. To put it simply: Everyone showed up. Chris Rock, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and the list goes on and on to infinity. Musically, the show stacked the deck as well during its three and a half hour broadcast. Among those performing included Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Paul Simon and Miley Cyrus, with several others like Jack White and Win Butler making appearances during the show. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.
For your SNL buffs out there, you will thoroughly enjoy the cold open from none other than Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake. The two delivered a number that harkens back to their ridiculous “History of Rap” productions on Fallon’s various shows. This time, they travel through SNL history, reviving nearly every iconic character and bit in the show’s 40 year history.
Steve Martin led the opening monologue, welcoming out a slew of past hosts including Alec Baldwin, Billy Crystal, Chris Rock, Tom Hanks and more. Paul McCartney and Paul Simon represented the musicians who have appeared extensively on the show.
Even though Sir Paul partied until the early morning on Valentine’s Day with a show at Irving Plaza, he still brought it strong on the broadcast with the classic “Maybe I’m Amazed” with the help of his backing band.
Paul Simon has a personal attachment to SNL. He was the first musician to serve as both musical guest and host in the same episode in 1975 and reportedly flew 19 hours to be at the show tonight. Fittingly, Simon closed the three and a half hour marathon with a classic rendition of “Still Crazy After All These Years” that left SNL mastermind Lorne Michaels in tears. Also noteworthy on this bit is Simon allowing the house band to shine during the finale.

