Top 10 Paul McCartney SNL Moments

#10: “The Platinum Lounge” (2006)

With Alec Baldwin hosting on this November night in 2006, two comedic greats in Steve Martin and Martin Short joined him in a sketch called “The Platinum Lounge.” And then came musical great Paul McCartney, marking his first appearance on “SNL” in 13 years. This was shortly after the release of his fourth classical album, “Ecce Cor Meum.” The Beatles legend was not actually the musical guest on “SNL” that night; Christina Aguilera was. But clearly the crowd was excited to see him, even if just for a brief cameo.

#9: Monologue Appearance with Paul Rudd (2010)

On December 11, 2010, Paul Rudd hosted “Saturday Night Live” for the second time. During his monologue, he talked about people chanting his name outside before the show. Once he started making comments that were song titles by the Beatles, it became clear a different Paul was being referenced: Paul McCartney. And then the man himself appeared onstage to a warm reception. Soon, two Pauls became three once “SNL” cast member Paul Brittain arrived. With all due respect, McCartney’s probably the most famous Paul of all. And it was certainly cool to see him help this show get going.

#8: “Wonderful Christmastime” (2012)

Along with the New York City Children’s Chorus and his core backing band, Paul McCartney got us excited for Christmas in the last “SNL” episode of 2012. Of course that was by performing his 1979 holiday classic, “Wonderful Christmastime.” This episode as a whole had plenty of Christmas energy. That included the “Pageant Audition” sketch, which featured the duo of Paul McCartney and Martin Short. The latter’s character insisted McCartney’s character couldn’t sing—yeah, right! Ultimately, this sketch led into McCartney’s performance of “Wonderful Christmastime.” That earns the spot on our list, because it’s what everyone was waiting for.

#7: First Live Musical Performance on “SNL” (1993)

Less than two weeks after his 1993 album “Off the Ground” came out, Paul McCartney was on “SNL” promoting it with performances of “Get Out of My Way” and “Biker Like an Icon.” But it was actually an iconic throwback song that was the highlight of his musical guest appearance. We’re talking about the Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” which came out in 1968—25 years before this “SNL” episode. This was McCartney’s first live, in-studio performance on the show, and it only felt right that he performed one of his all-time biggest hits.

#6: “Cut Me Some Slack” (2012)

Paul McCartney and former Nirvana members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear first performed this song on December 12, 2012 at a benefit concert in response to Hurricane Sandy. A few days later, they performed it on “Saturday Night Live.” “Cut Me Some Slack” would go on to win the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2014. During this 2012 “SNL” episode, McCartney also sang his 2011 tune, “My Valentine.” But the performance with former Nirvana members gets the spot on our list, as that was a truly special moment, considering the rarity and unexpectedness of that collaboration.

#5: “Maybe I’m Amazed” at “SNL40” (2015)

The “Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special” was a three-and-a-half-hour event that had tons of guests and several musical performances. Paul McCartney made his mark on the historic night with a performance of “Maybe I’m Amazed” from his 1970 debut solo album. It’s a track that’s five years older than “Saturday Night Live.” It was fitting for this honorary episode to include a legendary musical guest whose solo career took off the same decade that “SNL” started. McCartney showcased his famous vocals and piano-playing in a lovely display of nostalgia and celebration.

#4: “The Chris Farley Show” Appearance (1993)

It wasn’t all singing for Paul McCartney during his February 13, 1993 musical guest appearance. Among other things, he was paired up with one of “SNL’s” all-time greats in Chris Farley, making for arguably the singer’s most memorable sketch moment. The host of “The Chris Farley Show” sure was giddy to see him, asking silly questions in typical funny Farley ways—and highlighting various aspects of the singer’s career. McCartney’s composure was pretty impressive. Just seeing these two together—comedy legend and music legend—was special. And looking back, it only feels that much more so.

#3: The “Coming Up” Music Video Premiere (1980)

The first time Paul McCartney appeared on “Saturday Night Live” was just five years into the show’s existence. His 1980 appearance included being a part of a “Weekend Update Exclusive Report” segment, in which Father Guido Sarducci interviews McCartney outside his home, asking marijuana-related questions—referring to his then-recent arrest in Japan. But what gets the spot on our list is the music video for “Coming Up,” which made its premiere on “SNL” that night. To use this platform to provide the first glance and listen for people throughout the United States was innovative.

#2: Musical Performance (2010)

The nostalgia was in full effect for Paul McCartney’s 2010 musical guest appearance on “SNL.” He performed “Jet,” “Band on the Run,” “A Day in the Life,” “Get Back,” and John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance”—all of which originated before “Saturday Night Live” even began in 1975. This musical guest appearance took place 17 years after his previous one on the show; so it sure had been a long time coming—and McCartney delivered. This performance was longer, better, and more memorable, while feeling like a celebration of some of his finest work.

#1: Close-Out Performance at “SNL50” (2025)

The “Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special” was a lengthy, star-studded celebration. And in the end, Paul McCartney was the man to cap it all off. It was an amazing way to close out the big night. The timeless musician delivered an epic medley performance of “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End” from the 1969 Beatles album “Abbey Road.” “SNL50” took place in 2025, meaning the album preceded it by over five-and-a-half decades. McCartney showed us that not only do the poetic lyrics remain powerful, but so does his voice.

What do you think is Paul McCartney’s most underrated work? Let us know in the comments!