Paul McCartney just shut down SNL50 with an ‘Abbey Road’ medley, and fans are feeling ‘all’ the emotions. No AutoTune, no fancy edits—just an 82-year-old legend giving it his all, voice cracks and all. One fan summed it up: “Almost no big names sing this raw anymore… seeing him do it is incredible. Long live Macca.” Another shared a throwback pic of Paul with Chris Farley, making the moment even more special. And someone else put it perfectly: “What an honor to be alive at the same time as Paul McCartney……….
Paul McCartney Just Shut Down SNL50 with an ‘Abbey Road’ Medley—and Fans Are Feeling All the Emotions
June 11, 2025 — New York City
Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded special—but it was Paul McCartney who brought the house down. In a moment that immediately set social media ablaze, the 82-year-old Beatles icon closed out SNL50 with a stripped-down, emotionally charged medley from Abbey Road, and fans are still trying to recover.
With no AutoTune, no backing track, and no fancy edits, McCartney delivered the kind of raw, heartfelt performance that’s increasingly rare in today’s hyper-polished music world. Voice cracks? Sure. But to fans, that only made it more powerful.
Opening with “Golden Slumbers,” McCartney sat alone at a grand piano, the stage lights dimmed, spotlight steady. As he moved into “Carry That Weight” and the triumphant finale of “The End,” a hush fell over the live audience—followed by a roaring ovation. Tears flowed both in Studio 8H and across millions of living rooms.
Social media lit up instantly. One user wrote, “Almost no big names sing this raw anymore… seeing him do it is incredible. Long live Macca.” Another fan posted a throwback photo of McCartney with late SNL legend Chris Farley, adding, “This moment feels even more special remembering what a legacy this show—and Paul—represent.”
It was a performance steeped in legacy, nostalgia, and timeless artistry. McCartney—who first appeared on SNL in 1976 and has since performed multiple times—chose not to chase perfection but instead opted for connection. That choice resonated.
“SNL50” itself was a who’s who of comedy and pop culture, featuring appearances from Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph, and more. Musical performances throughout the night included Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Foo Fighters. But it was McCartney who gave the night its most unforgettable moment.
“Honestly, I didn’t know I needed to cry tonight, but here I am,” one viewer wrote. Another added, “What an honor to be alive at the same time as Paul McCartney……….”
For younger fans who may have only known McCartney as a name in the history books or a voice on playlists, the performance was a revelation. And for longtime fans, it was a reminder of why he’s still considered one of the greatest of all time.
With the show closing on McCartney’s final chords, the camera cut to former SNL cast members and hosts embracing each other—some visibly emotional. It was more than just a TV performance; it felt like a passing of the torch, a living legend showing up not for glory but for the music.
As the Beatles famously put it: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” Last night, Paul McCartney gave both.
