Paul McCartney’s appearance on Saturday Night Live has been praised by viewers, despite one thing “ruining” the whole show.
Members of the public who tuned into the season finale of the long-running late-night show pointed to one person as part of the problem when it came to McCartney‘s performance. The Will Ferrell-hosted episode featured a series of performances from McCartney, who opted to play Wings hit Band on the Run and new single, Days We Left Behind. The latter is from McCartney’s album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which releases on May 29. A clip of McCartney and his band performing Band on the Run has since gone viral, with The Beatles legend rocking out with his long-serving guitarists.
Flea from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers also appeared on drums, and was dubbed the worst part of the performance by many. Footage of the performance was posted by one X user who wrote: “Paul McCartney performing the greatest song in history at 83.” One person quote-tweeted the post, adding: And the drummer from the Peppers ruining it.”
Another, a fan of The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, agreed. They wrote: “For me, the best drummer in the world, but you could tell Chad was holding back the whole time. But Abe Laboriel Jr. was born to be McCartney’s drummer. Plus, in these last few years, he practically sings in duet with Paul since the Master is finding it harder and harder these days.”
A third added: “The Peppers are impossible, but I think the backing vocals don’t help much either.” Some have since pointed the blame at McCartney himself, suggesting the veteran songwriter is too old to perform well enough.
“I don’t see it as the drummer’s fault,” one person commented. “It’s all very strained, poorly assembled, and uncomfortable to listen to.” Another added: “Guys… the song doesn’t demand much technically, the issue is nailing the groove that the track’s vibe needs, that’s why it sounds ‘off.’ Chad is really tough playing for that kind of music, that’s why it comes across as forced even though it’s not poorly executed. Just like Abe is for the Beatles tracks.”
A third wrote: “Chad Smith, one of the best drummers in the world and in history, and here comes this clown to say such a stupid thing. Clearly, you don’t play drums.”
Others believe McCartney is above criticism now after giving the world some of the greatest songs of all time. A fan wrote: “83 years old… He’s already given way more than we could have expected. Couldn’t we stop technically evaluating everything he does? Look, there isn’t much time left, and afterwards we’re going to miss him, you know! As for him and Richards, I don’t plan on asking anything more of them; just getting them on stage is more than enough for me.”
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