"Upon his halt, the commotion in the studio echoed, 'Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness, what's transpiring?'"
Saturday Night Live's Shocking Moment: When Elvis Costello Pulled a Fast One
Ah, Saturday Night Live! The long-running US television comedy show has been a staple since its debut back in 1975. It's launched countless comedy careers and introduced millions to up-and-coming musicians. But let's talk about one of the most memorable moments in the show's history - the time Elvis Costello, the young punk firebrand, pulled a stunt that left heads spinning and Lorne Michaels fuming.
Back in 1977, Costello, then a 23-year-old with a growing reputation for his forceful lyrics, was hastily booked for the December 17th episode, after the Sex Pistols had to bail due to visa complications. Costello saw this as his big chance to reach millions, akin to the Beatles' debut on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964.
For the show, he was asked to perform two songs, "Less Than Zero" and "Watching the Detectives." But Costello had his reservations. He felt that "Less Than Zero," with its specific target and slower tempo, wouldn't resonate with the Saturday Night Live audience, and wouldn't showcase his true punk bite.
Inspired by Jimi Hendrix's impromptu song switch on the BBC back in 1969, Costello decided to exhibit some punk audacity. When the live show began, the band played the opening verse of "Less Than Zero," but Costello signaled a halt, waving his hands with an anarchic energy. The bespectacled Costello addressed the audience: "I’m sorry, ladies and gentlemen, there’s no reason to do this song here."
The band then tore into the rapid momentum of "Radio, Radio," a spikier track that aimed at media control and censorship. The Saturday Night Live crew was stunned, and the studio was filled with hushed murmurs of disbelief.
Snubbed for 12 years after this stunt, Costello has since acknowledged that it was more about being told what to play by his record company than NBC. In 1995, Costello hilariously reenacted the incident for SNL's 25th anniversary special, storming in and hijacking the Beastie Boys' performance of Sabotage with an incredible rendition of "Radio, Radio."
Costello still stands by his punk spirit, stating that he just wanted to make an impact and be remembered[Costello Zane Lowe 2021]. The impromptu performance remains a defining moment in both Costello's career and Saturday Night Live’s history, encapsulating the unpredictability of live TV and the spirit of punk rebellion.
Elvis Costello's rebellious spirit extended to the world of music, as he performed an unexpected song, "Radio, Radio," during the musical segment on Saturday Night Live, instead of the originally scheduled "Less Than Zero," showcasing his disdain for being told what to play.
In a nod to the past, Costello humorously reenacted this iconic moment during SNL's 25th anniversary special, once again demonstrating his commitment to preserving the spirit of punk rebellion and unpredictability in entertainment.
