Paul McCartney’s Legendary SNL Performances: ‘Band On The Run,’ ‘Coming Up,’ and ‘Days

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Legendary musician Paul McCartney made his first appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live in nearly 14 years during the show’s Season 51 finale on May 17, 2026, delivering a star-studded performance that included hits from his solo career and The Beatles.

The 84-year-old McCartney performed three songs during his segment: “Band on the Run,” “Coming Up,” and “Days We Left Behind.” His appearance marked only his second time on the iconic sketch comedy show, following his 2012 performance, and came opposite host Will Ferrell, who delivered a monologue during the season finale.

McCartney’s set included two of his most acclaimed solo tracks: “Band on the Run,” which won him an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1974, and “Coming Up,” a 2007 release from his album Memory Almost Full. The finale performance also featured “Days We Left Behind,” a song from his 2023 album McCartney III Imagined, which was released in collaboration with producer Jack Antonoff.

The appearance was particularly notable as it coincided with the conclusion of SNL‘s 51st season, which had already been marked by Ferrell’s return to hosting duties and a series of high-profile musical guests throughout the year. McCartney’s performance was met with widespread acclaim, with critics praising both his vocal performance and the show’s production values.

Ferrell’s monologue during the same episode drew particular attention for its satirical take on recent cultural events, though the specific content was not detailed in verified reports. The episode aired just one day before McCartney’s next scheduled public appearance, a live performance in New York City on May 18, 2026.

McCartney’s SNL appearance comes at a time when the musician continues to maintain an active touring schedule despite his advanced age. His most recent world tour, The Peanut Butter Factor Tour, concluded in late 2025 after a series of sold-out shows across North America and Europe. The tour was notable for its elaborate production and McCartney’s energetic performances of both Beatles classics and his solo work.

While this was McCartney’s first musical guest appearance on SNL since 2012, he had previously made a cameo appearance in 2002 during a special episode celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary. That appearance featured McCartney performing “Live and Let Die” alongside cast members.

The performance was filmed at NBC Studios in New York City and aired as part of the season finale, which also featured musical performances from other prominent artists throughout the season. No details about potential future SNL appearances were provided in verified reports.

McCartney’s SNL performance received immediate praise from music critics and fans alike, with particular attention given to his vocal stamina and the show’s production of his set. The episode has since become one of the most discussed moments in SNL‘s 51st season, with analysts noting the historical significance of having one of the most influential musicians of all time perform during a season finale.

As McCartney continues to defy age-related expectations in the music industry, his SNL performance serves as a reminder of his enduring influence on popular music and his ability to captivate audiences across generations. The appearance also underscores the show’s continued ability to attract top-tier musical talent for its annual season finales.