Paul McCartney Still Owns “Band on the Run” on SNL
Paul McCartney returned to Saturday Night Live this weekend and delivered something you almost never see from a musical guest anymore, performing three songs instead of the usual two. One of those was “Band on the Run”, and somehow it still sounds just as good more than 50 years later.
McCartney is driving the song with his vintage Hofner with that unmistakable tone. Its great to see an icon still performing at such a high level at the ripe young age of 83. Also worth noting, Chad Smith was behind the kit, he was even part of the monologue with host Will Ferrell.
Check out all three songs, but start here.
No Treble CEO Jody Miller is a Chicago-based bassist, guitarist, engineer, and producer best known for his bass gear demo videos and as the co-host of The Bass Nerds podcast.
I haven’t watched SNL in 25 years, but, have watched the individual songs on YT. What made me most happy is the guitarist played it straight, not all improved up as it organically happens over many years and different lead guitarists.
I’m sure Macca recorded it with his Ricky originally, but, for a show like this, he had to pull out the Hofner.
The voice is weaker, as can be expected, but, he never embarrasses himself trying to sing it like it’s 1973. He’s our gift that keeps on giving.
Sorry to disagree, but his singing is pretty awful. He obviously has not kept up with vocal training and it really shows.
This is an embarrassing performance by a once fantastic artist. Obviously, his best days are far behind him.