“There’s nothing quite like SNL in terms of its impact, inspiration, and magnitude,” remarks Billie Eilish in the documentary Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music by Questlove.
Director of Summer of Soul, Questlove, has delved into the extensive archive to highlight the numerous musical acts that have graced the show as it approaches its 50th anniversary celebration next month.
As Mick Jagger puts it, “What we have here, thanks to SNL, is a vast, influential catalog of musical performances that wouldn’t exist otherwise.”
Questlove kicks off the two-hour documentary with a stunning seven-minute montage of some of the most memorable performances (see below).
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The film, Ladies & Gentlemen…, includes interviews with prominent figures like Eilish, Jagger, Jack White, Dave Grohl, Debbie Harry, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, and Justin Timberlake, along with various SNL personalities.
Lorne Michaels, typically averse to nostalgia, also shares his insights in the film.
“When we started out, it was right after Watergate, the Vietnam War’s end, amidst financial and social turmoil… we just wanted to create a show that we’d enjoy, where music played a significant role,” Michaels explains. “Music evolves and so does the show, mirroring what’s current. By watching an old episode, you should be able to gauge what was happening in the country at that time.”
The documentary explores groundbreaking performances from Billy Preston, Sinead O’Connor’s controversial Pope episode, influential acts by Prince and David Bowie, the expulsion of Rage Against The Machine from Studio 8H, Ashlee Simpson’s infamous lip-sync incident, Debbie Harry’s introduction of rap on TV, and Nirvana’s mainstream popularization of grunge.
“To see real, live music on TV is crucial. It’s inspirational because it feels attainable when you see someone actually performing on stage,” says Dave Grohl, the iconic drummer from Nirvana. “It’s arguably the most iconic American TV show ever.”
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The documentary also captures Kanye West’s 2016 meltdown after his shiny stage floor was removed due to camera reflection issues. West exclaimed, “They removed my f*cking stage from SNL without consulting me. Now I’m upset. I am 50% more influential than anyone else. Don’t mess with me.” To which Michaels later noted, “This is more harmful to you than to us.”
The film not only focuses on musical performances but also the comedic musical sketches like The Blues Brothers, Lonely Island, and James Brown’s Celebrity Hot Tub Party.
Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music will premiere tonight (January 27) at 8pm, among several other documentaries from Questlove, including Sly Lives! which debuted at Sundance last week and is set for a February 13 release on Hulu.
DEADLINE: Let’s begin with that introduction, a seven-minute montage of top SNL performances. Why start there?
QUESTLOVE: Starting with that montage was a deliberate choice. Initially, when approached to create this, I contemplated showcasing the 50 best musical acts on SNL. As I delved deeper into the archives, I realized that music often played a more integral role even beyond the guest performances. It was almost like music was the unsung hero of the show, prompting a complete rethink of my approach. I believe in making a strong impact at the beginning and end of any presentation, as those are the parts people most likely remember.
Even with The Roots, if our show isn’t the best, I make sure the opening and closing are so spectacular that the audience might overlook any flaws in between. Starting strong was essential, and I treated the montage like preparing for a DJ set. But this required intense commitment. I was knee-deep in Summer of Soul promotions when this project came up in early 2021, knowing I had until 2024 to submit it. So, I committed to watching four to eight episodes of Saturday Night Live daily, which was a daunting task.
DEADLINE: How did you approach the vast number of musical acts over the decades?
QUESTLOVE: I started chronologically from the very first episode, taking extensive notes throughout. My DJing experience, where for every track played, I know ten other songs that could follow, greatly influenced my method here. I handled this task solo until, after about 11 months, I presented my findings to my editor. To my amusement, he had independently compiled a similar list, though he used a more automated method. This collaboration highlighted the balance between technology and the human touch, which is crucial for adding depth and nuance to any project.
DEADLINE: Can you share an early SNL musical moment that really stood out for you?
QUESTLOVE: Growing up, my primary exposure to music came from television, as my household had strict TV rules except for music programs. Soul Train was a major influence, always playing in the background like an aquarium. In Philadelphia, where I grew up, Soul Train aired at 1am instead of the usual Saturday afternoon slot. My parents would let me stay up late to catch musical acts on SNL and Soul Train. This was my window to see artists like Bill Withers and The Stylistics, who I wouldn’t have had the chance to see live. Those early years of SNL were formative for me.
DEADLINE: The rehearsal footage must have been fascinating to explore?
QUESTLOVE: Absolutely, going through the rehearsal clips was enlightening. It’s moments like Billie Eilish questioning a note she played that remind you of the raw, human aspects of performance. In all my documentaries, I strive to go beyond mere clip shows to uncover the deeper, personal narratives. For instance, the risk-taking ethos of Celebrity Hot Tub and other sketches show the critical role of daring in creating memorable, historic moments.
DEADLINE: Did Lorne Michaels require much convincing to participate?
QUESTLOVE: Surprisingly, no. Despite his reputation, Lorne was incredibly open and enthusiastic. His deep love and respect for SNL were apparent, and he shared fascinating stories with a genuine passion. It’s refreshing to see someone so accomplished maintain such enthusiasm and openness after all these years.
DEADLINE: Were there any unexpected absences among the musical acts on SNL?
QUESTLOVE: Apart from The Roots, you mean? Honestly, every significant artist considers SNL a crucial platform. Over the decades, it has evolved from showcasing underground acts to featuring the biggest names in music. Witnessing the behind-the-scenes process, like Paul McCartney’s extended performance of “Hey Jude,” was a privilege. These moments, usually unseen by the public, highlight the unique magic of live television.
DEADLINE: Speaking of Prince, he appeared on SNL multiple times, including the 15th anniversary. With the legal challenges facing Ezra Edelman’s documentary on Netflix, do you think we’ll ever see it?
QUESTLOVE: It’s doubtful that it will be released. However, viewing it was transformative for me and has influenced all my subsequent documentary projects. Even if the public never sees it, the impact of that work will be evident in the documentaries I produce, aiming to capture the essence of those transformative, risky moments in art and culture.
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