Questlove’s tribute to 50 years of SNL music is a complete joy

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Recently, Questlove has found himself quite occupied. This month alone, he’s unveiled not just one, but two significant music documentaries! The first is his in-depth exploration of Sly Stone titled “Sly Lives! (aka the Myth of Black Genius)“. Additionally, his film focusing on the music of Saturday Night Live, named “Ladies and Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music“, was also released. This project was part of a grand gala celebration that encompassed a live concert and a three-and-a-half hour live comedy program filled with numerous entertainers who have contributed to the show’s illustrious history.

Ahmad Questlove’s participation in the festivities took shape as a 128-minute documentary highlighting the array of musical talents gracing the program. However, this isn’t just an assortment of timeless performances; it delves much further. By employing archival recordings, fresh interviews, and a wealth of show clips, Questlove explores the intricate bond shared between live comedy and live music.

It’s possible that no other film director could be as well-suited to this specific job. For over three decades, Questlove has been an influential figure in The Roots, a renowned music group. His experience in TV work provides him with a distinctive viewpoint regarding the behind-the-scenes aspects of production.

Questlove’s Saturday Night Live production is simply perfect

Instead of just being familiar with performances, he has a deep understanding of the planning, reservation, enactment, and possible consequences of every musical aspect involved in a show. This comprehension is evident in the manner he constructs his SNL tribute.

In a fresh take, Sly Lives! initiates a discussion by posing the question, “What defines black creativity?” Earlier, he employed a similar technique to delve into the music of Saturday Night Live (SNL), but this time around, he asks different SNL cast members to hum the signature tune of SNL.

Despite listening to this tune numerous times, these comedians struggle to hum even a small portion of it. Nobody manages to do so. The best they can do is recall that it involves a saxophone solo.

In contrast to the obvious theme presented in the film “Sly Lives!”, this movie subtly highlights a fascinating aspect that has gone relatively unnoticed: the profound role of music in the show, right from its inception. While we’re all aware that SNL features music, few realize just how crucial it is to the very essence of the show. Some of this music has even achieved legendary status. However, its significance is often overlooked.

Multiple artists often observe the parallels between stand-up comedy and live music. Regardless of how much preparation you do, when you’re on stage without a safety net, things can shift unexpectedly. The audience’s response becomes significant. Technical glitches will happen. Spontaneous incidents introduce an extra thrill, at times even a hint of risk. Questlove offers numerous instances of such occurrences and more.

Many well-known and notorious performances, along with the backstage tales of their creation, are showcased. In 1981, John Belushi utilized his stardom to secure a performance for his favorite band, Fear, on the program. Approximately two dozen fans of the band stormed Studio 8H and engaged in slam dancing during the performance, causing quite a stir among the clearly non-punk audience. The band’s lead singer, Lee Ving, nearly tears up when reminiscing about how Belushi helped propel their career forward.

In the same year, Blondie’s Debbie Harry urged the show’s producers to have Funky Four + 1 perform on stage. This marked the first time a hip-hop group graced live national television. Interestingly, the female MC of this group was unprecedented. Most viewers, whether in the studio or watching at home, were unfamiliar with scratching prior to that performance on SNL. In the film, Sha-Rock, the female rapper from that group, recalls how groundbreaking that moment felt.

Questlove discusses extended accounts of various incidents that caused controversy, such as Ashlee Simpson being exposed for lip-synching in 2004, the time Rage Against the Machine were prevented from performing their second song in 1996 and stormed guest host Steve Forbes’ dressing room, and several instances involving Kanye West.

In simpler terms, Tom Morello from the band Rage admires Lorne Michaels’ cleverness when he questions, “What did they expect would occur?” This refers to the time Lorne booked a progressive band like Rage alongside a conservative political figure such as Forbes on the same show.

It’s important to note that SNL hasn’t been accused of creating controversies, but rather, they serve as a platform for pushing the boundaries of popular culture. They invite artists to perform live and unscripted, which can lead to unexpected outcomes since nothing is predictable.

In the well-known Elvis Costello performance from 1977, the young rocker veered away from his prepared song after just a few bars and opted for something unexpected instead. This spontaneous move was initially thought to be a risky career decision, but both Costello and Michaels later found humor in it. As Michael’s explained, no performer is ever truly “barred” from SNL.

If their importance continues to matter significantly, they’re likely to be invited back, irrespective of past problems. This is evident in Costello’s numerous return engagements, with one of the most memorable instances being when he disrupted a Beastie Boys concert in 1999, reenacting his iconic moment from 1977.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but be captivated by the iconic musical scene that stirs the most conversation in this show. It’s fascinating to listen to the production team reminisce about the behind-the-scenes work leading up to Sinead O’Connor’s memorable 1992 performance. During rehearsals, they shared, she specifically asked for the camera to remain focused on her during the climactic a cappella finale. In those practice sessions, she made a powerful statement by holding up a photograph of a child as the song concluded, an image that still resonates strongly today.

During the live performance, I found myself utterly taken aback by an unexpected move she made. Instead of a child’s image, she displayed a photograph of Pope John Paul II, then dramatically tore it apart before a dumbfounded crowd, shouting, “Let’s fight the true adversary!” The atmosphere was electric with shock and intrigue.

Any live performer needs a certain amount of fearless courage, and Questlove’s film clearly showcases this. The producers rightfully boast about introducing acts such as Nirvana and Dua Lipa to the nation. It’s intriguing to watch backstage footage from rehearsals and promotions. To be honest, I knew Krist Novoselic was tall, but seeing the Nirvana bassist towering over NBA star Charles Barkley in a promo still left me amazed.

Indeed, not every performance was a smashing success. During Captain Beefheart’s 1980 show, when he played “Ashtray Heart” and “Hot Head”, the audience remained mysteriously silent (except for one instance where their reaction is better left unsaid according to our editorial guidelines).

Nevertheless, a wealth of magnificent music was available to create numerous documentaries. Let’s take a glimpse at some of the historical performances from this collection. They include Prince, James Brown, Frank Zappa, the Rolling Stones, Patti Smith, David Bowie, the Talking Heads, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Ray Charles, Lady Gaga, Jay Z, A Tribe Called Quest, Kendrick Lamar, the Band, Public Enemy. The list continues indefinitely.

In the early days, there was a recurring joke where Lorne Michaels would appear on camera offering The Beatles a substantial $3,000 if they’d perform a reunion on the Saturday Night Live (SNL) stage. Just three songs were required for this generous sum. Although Lorne couldn’t bring the Fab Four back together, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr each graced the SNL stage individually instead.

Five years after their split, the second episode saw them performing together again – only the second time on stage since their breakup.

In Questlove’s film, it’s not just about musicians from the past; he also features an impressive roster of live interview subjects. Jack White recounts how he was summoned at short notice to replace Morgan Wallen, who had broken COVID protocols before a show. Mick Jagger, Dave Grohl, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Justin Timberlake, and Miley Cyrus also share their stories. The list of interviewees seems endless.

Actors too reminisce about past experiences. Eddie Murphy narrates his encounter with Stevie Wonder following his impersonation of the artist. Joe Piscopo recounts his sincere apprehension when imitating Frank Sinatra. Jimmy Fallon reflects on performing as Mick Jagger alongside the real person. The sight of Mike Myers, Madonna, and Roseanne being moved to tears by Barbra Streisand’s surprise visit during their Coffee Talk skit is a priceless moment that justifies the ticket price alone.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that certain characters with exceptional musical skills, like John Belushi, Fred Armisen, Adam Sandler, and notably the Lonely Island crew, tend to steal the show a bit more when it comes to the rhythm and melody department.

Questlove delves backstage for in-depth interviews with four distinct music directors, as well as other crucial figures in the show’s musical department such as Paul Shaffer and Hal Willner. These individuals provide captivating perspectives on the role of music within the series throughout its history. Notably, Lorne Michaels himself shares his thoughts on various aspects of the production.

There are always some treasured moments that don’t make it to the final cut in such a rich history. Personally, I found it disappointing not to see Leon Redbone, a regular performer in the early days, and the Replacements’ 1986 performance, which was memorable for their intoxication that left them barely standing after the second song. I may not be a Faith No More fan, but their live TV performance of “Epic” in 1990 stands out as one of the best I’ve ever witnessed. Of course, everyone has their own opinions about what makes the cut.

If you manage to catch this film, you’re unlikely to focus on minor details. The captivating tunes and engaging discussions about music overshadow any potential absences.

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2025-02-18 14:01