Paul McCartney closed out Saturday Night Live's 51st season as musical guest last weekend — and now NBC has shared two bonus performances that didn't air in full on the night. Both songs are drawn from The Beatles' 1965 catalogue, and both are essential viewing.
Will Ferrell's Cowbell Meets 'Help!'
The first bonus clip sees McCartney and his band tear through 'Help!' — the title track from The Beatles' July 1965 album of the same name. The performance has an extra layer of joy to it: host Will Ferrell joined the band onstage, adding his signature cowbell in a nod to his legendary Saturday Night Live character Gene Frenkle from the iconic 'More Cowbell' sketch. It's the kind of moment that only happens on live television, and it's glorious.
'Drive My Car' — Rubber Soul's Opening Statement
The second bonus performance is 'Drive My Car' — the opening track from Rubber Soul, released in December 1965. A harder, funkier edge than much of what surrounded it at the time, 'Drive My Car' has always been one of the more underrated entries in The Beatles' live canon. McCartney delivers it here with the same effortless authority he's brought to it across decades of touring.
The SNL Appearance in Context
McCartney's primary reason for appearing on SNL was to promote The Boys Of Dungeon Lane — his first solo album in five years, due for release on 29 May 2026 via MPL/Capitol. His main-show performances included the new album's 'Days We Left Behind' and a return to his Wings era with 'Band On The Run'.
The bonus 1965 material — both songs recorded and released within a seven-month window at the height of Beatlemania — underlines something that never gets old: McCartney performing Beatles songs live, in 2026, with the same conviction and musicality as ever. The man is 83 years old. Let that sink in.
The SNL Band
McCartney's backing band for the SNL appearance included several long-standing members of his touring ensemble alongside a notable guest:
- Chad Smith — drums (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
- Ingrid Michaelson — vocals
- Brian Ray — guitar/bass (with McCartney since 2002)
- Rusty Anderson — guitar (with McCartney since 2001)
- Paul 'Wix' Wickens — keyboards (with McCartney since 1989)
Chad Smith's presence is particularly notable — the RHCP drummer stepping in for longtime McCartney sticksman Abe Laboriel Jr. for the occasion.
About the Songs
'Help!' (1965)
Written by Lennon–McCartney and released as a single in July 1965, 'Help!' was also the title track of The Beatles' fifth studio album. It reached number one in both the UK and the US. Lennon later described it as one of the most genuinely personal songs he ever wrote — a real cry for help beneath the upbeat arrangement. It remains one of the most performed Beatles songs in McCartney's live sets.
'Drive My Car' (1965)
The opening track on Rubber Soul (December 1965), 'Drive My Car' was written primarily by Lennon and McCartney, with Ringo Starr on drums and McCartney on bass and lead vocal. Its bluesy, confident swagger was a deliberate statement of intent — Rubber Soul was The Beatles signalling a new artistic direction, and 'Drive My Car' set the tone from the first bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Paul McCartney appear on SNL?
Paul McCartney appeared as musical guest on Saturday Night Live Season 51 in May 2026, with Will Ferrell as host. It was the season finale.
What did Paul McCartney perform on SNL?
McCartney performed 'Days We Left Behind' and 'Band On The Run' during the main broadcast. Bonus performances of 'Help!' and 'Drive My Car' were subsequently released by NBC.
What is Paul McCartney's new album?
The Boys Of Dungeon Lane is Paul McCartney's first solo studio album in five years, released 29 May 2026 via MPL/Capitol.
Why did Will Ferrell play cowbell on 'Help!'?
Will Ferrell is famous for his recurring SNL character Gene Frenkle, a cowbell-obsessed musician from the sketch 'More Cowbell' (2000). His appearance with McCartney during 'Help!' was a nod to that beloved character.
Who was in Paul McCartney's SNL band?
McCartney was backed by Chad Smith (drums), Ingrid Michaelson (vocals), Brian Ray, Rusty Anderson, and Wix Wickens — with Will Ferrell adding cowbell on 'Help!'.
→ Paul McCartney Solo Discography
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