Top 10 Most Memorable SNL Musical Guest Introductions
#10: Paul Giamatti Ludacris Feat. Sum 41 (2005)
Pop-punk band Sum 41 collaborating with rapper Ludacris on a rock remix of his hit “Get Back” is one of those mid-2000s footnotes we’re better off forgetting. But based on “SNL” host Paul Giamatti’s introduction, you might think that this was the crowning musical event of the decade. With his glasses, goatee, and button-up blue shirt completing the very professional ensemble, the Oscar-nominated actor projected his voice with reverberating passion. For further emphasis, Giamatti opened his arms as if he was offering a major gift to the audience, both in the studio and at home. His delivery definitely makes us more excited about this collab than we’d normally be.
#9: Patrick Swayze Mariah Carey (1990)
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Patrick Swayze was known as one of the most handsome men in Hollywood, and part of the attraction stemmed from his willingness to look silly. When the star of “Ghost” and “Point Break” hosted “SNL,” he introduced pop superstar Mariah Carey while wearing a robin egg blue suit and fake mustache, complete with a ridiculous accent. There is some context to this introduction, however. Swayze had appeared in an earlier sketch as South American singing star Jorge Montenero. Sadly, his vocal chops just weren’t quite as good as Carey’s. But we also appreciate a good-looking guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously.
#8: Ruth Gordon Chuck Berry (1977)
In the 1970s, nonbinary gender identities weren’t exactly a mainstream concept. But Ruth Gordon still showed solidarity with people who don’t identify with male or female terms when she hosted “SNL.” When introducing rock legend Chuck Berry, Gordon referred to “ladies and gentlemen and all the rest of us.” She might’ve meant it as just a humorous aside, but Gordon’s delivery is filled with heart and sincerity, and we can’t resist her winning smile. Were she still around today, we like to think Gordon would relish how many people are living as their true selves.
#7: Ron Howard The Clash (1982)
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Before he was an Oscar-winning director, Ron Howard was known for playing Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show” and Richie Cunningham on “Happy Days.” This clip reminds us of what a charming presence Howard had in front of the camera. When introducing iconic punk band The Clash, Howard, wearing a button-down shirt with feather patterns and a mustache that screams "I still love the 70s,” sounds positively beaming. Once he says the band’s name, Howard starts clapping effusively, with his hands above his head. Does it get more “punk rock” than a Ron Howard introduction? We don’t think so.
#6: Pamela Anderson Rollins Band (1997)
Pamela Anderson has been married to both Tommy Lee and Kid Rock, so she definitely has some musical connections. Still, it’s pretty amusing to see her introduce punk icon Henry Rollins' eponymous outfit. The platinum blond bombshell's ensemble is also a sight to behold, with a lavender top hat and a feather boa. This is the kind of host and musical guest combination that could only happen in the 90s. This introduction might not have defined the decade, but it’s certainly an important cultural artifact. We’d love to know who scheduled this night’s show.
#5: Don Rickles Billy Idol (1984)
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Don Rickles was the king of roasts. So when he hosted “SNL” with punk and glam rock legend Billy Idol, there was bound to be some hilarious comments. Both Rickles and Idol are side-by-side in the introduction, and before even a word has been uttered, the audience is guffawing at the contrast. Things start with a friendly handshake and some playful banter, where Rickles sardonically thanks Idol for "dressing for the show" and tells him he hopes "[he goes] to the barber and he makes a mistake." The “White Wedding” singer takes the ribbing with grace and even musses up Rickles’ hair a bit to give him a taste of the wild side. We’re so grateful to “SNL” for bringing these two together.
#4: Robin Williams James Taylor (1988)
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Part of why Robin Williams was such a beloved entertainer is that he never phoned things in. He could be acting in a movie, accepting an award, or introducing a musical guest on “SNL,” and he would give it his all. When introducing folk legend James Taylor, Williams, wearing a plaid shirt and suspenders, affects a country twang and points to the stage with total flair. We can just imagine Williams rehearsing this dozens of times over, working to find the perfect cadence and gestures. Years after passing, we haven’t stopped missing Robin Williams. And after seeing this clip, we doubt we ever will.
#3: Christine Baranski The Cure (1996)
Who better to introduce The Cure than Christine Baranski? Tony-and-Emmy-winning actress' sunny presence might not have been a little incongruous with the goth rock band behind such hits as “Just Like Heaven” and “Lovesong.” But, as we’ve seen numerous times on this list, opposites attract when it comes to “SNL” hosts and musical guests. You can see Baranski's black sequin dress shimmering as she announces the band, complete with a dramatic point of her right arm for emphasis. The Cure’s music can get pretty gloomy, but we hope this moment made them smile.
#2: Nathan Lane Metallica (1997)
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Another amazing contrast between a Tony-winning host and an intense musical guest came when Nathan Lane introduced heavy metal legends Metallica. Known for his vocal talents, Lane shows he’s not afraid to get a little gruff. He gives his voice some real guttural urgency towards the end while retaining that signature Nathan Lane charm. His facial expression is also perfect, and you could watch this on mute and still get amped up. But it’s best when experienced in its full glory. Any word on when a Metallica musical is going to hit Broadway?
#1: Daniel Craig The Weeknd (2021)
If you’ve spent any serious time on Twitter in the last year, you’ve probably seen this clip of actor Daniel Craig introducing R&B superstar The Weeknd about a thousand times. Typically re-posted on Fridays, this clip, of Craig announcing the guest with a weary sigh and shrug, captures our collective overwhelm and exhaustion. This was the last episode of season 45 to air live from the studio before COVID-19 changed things. But this clip persisted and stands as the absolute best introduction of any musical guest by an “SNL” host, or, at the very least - the most iconic.
