In celebration of the iconic “Saturday Night Live” marking a milestone 50th anniversary this fall, the ever-analytical Rolling Stone has meticulously curated a list ranking the top 50 musical performances in the show’s history. In a delightful twist that could make even the show’s original writers, Al Franken and Tom Davis, grin, two legendary acts from Minnesota seized two of the top four spots on this prestigious list.
The Replacements earned the impressive No. 2 ranking with their electrifying performance of “Bastards of Young,” while the incomparable Prince claimed the No. 4 spot with his dynamic rendition of “Partyup”—both performances hailed from relatively early in the careers of these revered Minneapolis icons.
On January 18, 1986, the Replacements took the SNL stage and, as described by Gavin Edwards, were “just the right amount of drunk.” Bassist Tommy Stinson was a whirlwind of energy, bouncing around off-camera as singer Paul Westerberg passionately urged guitarist Bob Stinson to kick off his solo by exclaiming, “Come on, [expletive].”
Following that audacious moment, the legendary Lorne Michaels, the executive producer of “SNL,” was decidedly outraged by the outburst of vulgarity live on air. In his frustration, he declared that the Replacements would never be invited back to perform on television again. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, the Minneapolis quartet still went ahead and delivered their scheduled second song on “SNL,” a captivating rendition of “Kiss Me on the Bus.”
Edwards remarked on the unpredictable nature of the band: “With the Replacements, there was always a fine line between brilliance and a sloppy mess.”
As for Prince, he was originally booked to perform just one song on February 21, 1981, sharing the stage with Todd Rundgren as another musical guest that evening. Edwards highlighted how “Partyup” was one of the scant selections from Prince’s then-current “Dirty Mind” album that contained lyrics appropriate for a television audience.
“He spun, posed, and rocked his falsetto,” Edwards described Prince’s on-stage presence. “At the end, he knocked down his microphone stand, stalked offstage, and didn’t return to the show for 24 years.”
In crafting this list, Rolling Stone evaluated over 900 “SNL” episodes, ultimately selecting a single standout song from each act to honor their legacy on this iconic program.
**Interview with Music Historian, Dr. Jane Thompson**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson! As ”Saturday Night Live” celebrates its 50th anniversary, Rolling Stone has released a list of the top 50 musical performances in the show’s history. What do you make of the Replacements landing at No. 2 and Prince at No. 4?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! It’s quite exciting to see these two legendary acts recognized in such a significant way. The Replacements and Prince not only shaped the music scene in Minnesota but also left an indelible mark on rock as a whole. Their SNL performances captured the raw energy and emotion that defined their music during that era.
**Interviewer:** The Replacements’ performance of “Bastards of Young” is iconic. Why do you think it resonated so well with audiences?
**Dr. Thompson:** “Bastards of Young” speaks to a sense of rebellion and angst that many young people could relate to, especially at the time it aired. The performance itself was unapologetic and full of raw power, showcasing the band’s authenticity. Moreover, it presented a stark contrast to the polished pop performances that were common on television, making it stand out even more.
**Interviewer:** And what about Prince’s “Partyup”? What makes that performance particularly memorable?
**Dr. Thompson:** Prince was a master of performance art; he could command the stage and captivate an audience like no one else. ”Partyup” is a celebration, and his delivery was both playful and profound. It’s a culmination of superb musicianship and showmanship. His SNL appearance helped expand his audience beyond just the music community, solidifying him as a pop culture icon.
**Interviewer:** It seems that SNL has played a crucial role in launching the careers of many artists. Why do you think the show has had such a lasting impact on music?
**Dr. Thompson:** SNL has always provided a platform for artists to reach a wider audience, especially those who might not fit conventional molds. The live aspect of the show enhances the experience, connecting artists with audiences in real time. Plus, the chaotic nature of SNL can lead to truly memorable moments, which further cements performances in the cultural consciousness.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, how do you foresee the relationship between SNL and music evolving in the future?
**Dr. Thompson:** I think we’ll continue to see SNL as a breeding ground for emerging talent. The landscape of music is always changing, and as new genres evolve, SNL will adapt to highlight innovative artists. It will be interesting to see which performances future historians will celebrate with the same fervor as we do with the Replacements and Prince today.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Thompson! Here’s to 50 more years of iconic performances on SNL!
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you! I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds.
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