Meeting Paul McCartney has to be one of those experiences where your brain briefly turns into a shaken soda can. What do you even say if you suddenly find yourself face-to-face with one of the Beatles backstage at Saturday Night Live? If you are SNL cast member Sarah Sherman, apparently, you talk about your very Paul McCartney-coded mullet... then let the man inspect the merchandise. While the sketch comedy series is on hiatus before returning to the 2026 TV schedule, the comedy star gushed about meeting the former Beatle and shared his hilarious reaction to her haircut.

In an exclusive interview with People at the 5th Annual Las Culturistas Culture Awards, the 33-year-old performer recalled how the former Beatle approached her after he appeared as the musical guest on SNL’s Season 51 finale, which Will Ferrell hosted. The setup came from Sherman previously joking on the show that her haircut looked like the rock legend’s Wings-era mullet. Apparently, he remembered. As the comedian put it:

Talk about the perfect SNL celebrity encounter. A musical legend inspecting your mullet like he’s authenticating a rare artifact? Beautiful. This is exactly the kind of backstage story that feels too specific to invent.

The late-night sketch performer also shared more of the encounter during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which she later posted to TikTok. She said McCartney came up to her during the goodnights, knew her name and pulled on her “mullet tails.” Jimmy Kimmel joked that it is probably rare for someone to get their mullet pulled by a Beatle, and Sherman had the only correct response: she liked it.

Honestly, that tracks for Sherman. Since joining SNL in 2021 and later being promoted to the repertory cast, she has made a whole art form out of being proudly strange. Her comedy has always had a chaotic, squirmy, body-horror-adjacent energy, so of course her Paul McCartney story involves hair verification.

The best part, though, is that the You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah actress did not just talk hair. She also made sure the British music icon knew she was a real fan. She told the outlet that she praised him directly, and his response was somehow even funnier than the mullet bit. She continued:

I love that so much. There is something deeply refreshing about a rock legend not pretending he is embarrassed by praise. The 84-year-old singer-songwriter has earned a little adulation. Actually, he has earned several dump trucks of it. If Sarah Sherman wants to complement McCartney II, the obscure 1980 solo album that has since become a cult favorite, who among us is going to stop her?

She also named McCartney II as her favorite album for People Picks, along with Martin Short’s Clifford as her favorite movie and The X-Files as her favorite TV show. That is such a Sherman-coded trio that it almost sounds like a character description. The whole thing is just a great collision of personalities. Plenty of people have probably told Paul McCartney they love his music. Far fewer can say he pulled their mullet first.

You can catch Sherman’s comedy special, Sarah Squirm: Live + in the Flesh, with an HBO Max subscription.

Your favorite movie or TV show may tell an incredible story, but no story is more incredible than the one that fans can tell themselves. The recent Stranger Things #ConformityGate conspiracy had fans of that series in an absolute tailspin, as a significant number of those fans had convinced themselves the series finale was some sort of fake-out, and that more of the show was on the way.

ConfirmityGate won’t be the last pop culture conspiracy theory from fans, nor was it the first. A very similar theory sprouted amongst fans of Sherlock when that final season didn’t end the way fans wanted. However, neither of these holds a candle to what may be the greatest pop culture conspiracy theory of all time. It’s a conspiracy I never believed, but that I've followed for decades.

Man On The Run Asks If Paul McCartney Is Dead

As a huge fan of the Beatles, I am always interested in any new material about any of the Fab Four, so I was happy to sit down with a Prime Video subscription to enjoy Man on the Run, a new documentary about Paul McCartney’s life post-Beatles. Though I was a little surprised to see it open with a sequence that dealt with the iconic “Paul is Dead” conspiracy theory.

The documentary points out that following the breakup of the Beatles in 1969, Paul McCartney, one of the most famous human beings on planet earth, appeared to vanish. Rumors of his death began to circulate. However, the rumors also kick-started an already existing theory that believed that, not only was McCartney dead, but he had been for years.

Paul McCartney Is (Not) Dead

The Beatles gave their last public concert in the summer of 1966, at which point, while they continued to release music, they stopped touring. The Beatles claimed that touring wasn’t good for them, that the concerts weren’t great because they couldn’t hear themselves play, and that they wanted to work on new ideas in the studio. However, the conspiracy theory posits that the real reason the Beatles quit touring was that in the fall of 1966, Paul McCartney died in an automobile accident.

It’s a wild idea at the outset of course, but the part that makes it wilder, which the documentary only hints at (it has more important things to discuss, of course) is that the reason fans “know” about the alleged death of Paul McCartney at all is that, like any great pop culture conspiracy theory, the Beatles left clues in their music revealing the truth to those few people smart enough to find them.

The Paul Is Dead Clues

Allegedly, Paul’s replacement was taken from the winner of a Paul McCartney look-a-like contest, and in some versions of the theory, went by the name Billy Shears, a character who is “introduced” in the second track of the Beatles' first album following the “accident,” Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Just ignore the fact that Ringo sings that song.

The album cover for Sgt. Pepper is supposed to be Paul’s funeral, with a crowd of mourners in attendance. An arrangement of flowers is either an outline of Paul’s bass or possibly his name spelled out. An image inside the album cover includes the other three Beatles facing the camera, but Paul has its back to it. The song “A Day in the Life” includes a man who “blew his mind out in a car.” Not the method of McCartney’s alleged death, but close enough.

The Beatles' next album, Magical Mystery Tour, would include hints of its own. A bit of verbal gibberish at the end of “Strawberry Fields Forever” was interpreted by some as John Lennon saying, “I buried Paul.” The White Album would add its own hints, including a section of “I’m So Tired” that, when played backward, allegedly said, “Paul is dead, man, miss him, miss him, miss him." Similarly, playing a section of "Revolution #9" backwards resulted in the alleged statement, "Turn me on, dead man."

The two albums together would convince many that The Beatles really were leaving clues, or at least messing with them. John Lennon sang the song "I Am the Walrus," but in the White Album song "Glass Onion he would sing...

Here was Lennon literally saying, this is a clue here. How did the walrus being Paul mean Paul was dead? It's been suggested that the walrus is a symbol of death or the afterlife in Viking or Inuit cultures, but that's simply not the case.

One of The Beatles' most iconic images is also connected to the conspiracy theory. The cover of the Abby Road album sees the Beatles in a crosswalk, allegedly creating a funeral procession. John, dressed in pure white, leads the way as St. Peter, a priest, or some other heavenly figure. He’s followed by a black-clad Ringo, who is representing the undertaker. A shoeless Paul follows him as the corpse. Then George, slightly more casually dressed, ends the procession as the grave digger.

Conspiracy Theories Are Wild, But They Can Be Fun

The above is not an exhaustive list of the alleged clues that Paul McCartney has been dead since 1966. Basically, every song and album from Sgt. Pepper forward apparently hints at the conspiracy. Much of it doesn't make much sense.

Even after the Beatles were over and McCartney began his post-Beatles career, the conspiracy would not end. McCartney’s first solo album cover would be of an empty bowl of cherries, and if “life is like a bowl of cherries,” then clearly an empty bowl of cherries is a representation of death.

I've loved this particular conspiracy theory since I discovered it as a teenager. I approached it with a strange curiosity at first, not necessarily believing it, but assuming that if somebody had written a book on the topic (a book I can no longer find, I'm sad to say), there must be something to it, right?

Today, the Paul is Dead hoax is the stuff of legend, and nobody really believes it (I don’t think), but it’s difficult to look back at it and not see a lot of the hallmarks of modern pop culture conspiracies. Sometimes people just need to believe in something, even if it’s crazy.

Being the huge music fan that I am, I’m always seeking out music documentaries so that I can learn more about the greats of our time and yesteryear. I’ve seen quite a few Beatles documentaries and movies over the years, which never fail to interest me – particularly Peter Jackson’s Get Back doc from 2021. So, when I heard about Morgan Neville’s Man On The Run, I was immediately ready to hit play. While the account tracks perhaps the least noisy, rock ‘n’ roll moment in the musical career of Paul McCartney, I think it’s absolutely worth a watch for any one with the curiosity to do so.

Man On The Run comes the accomplished Morgan Neville, who has previously made portraits of the the lives of Brian Wilson, Johnny Cash, Mister Rogers, Anthony Bourdain and Mickey Mouse through his chosen medium. He’s also the guy who made the LEGO biopic about Pharrell Williams called Piece By Piece as his last project before this. As you watch his latest, narrated by its subject, there’s a confidence about how it all unfolds. But what struck me the most while watching the feature was the Beatle delving into the somber yet liberating years after the Fab Four broke up.

Man On The Run expressively explores the question of how one moves forward after being in the Beatles.

The new documentary starts with the end of the Beatles, which, according to McCartney, quietly happened in the fall of 1969 when John Lennon told the other members he was leaving the group. McCartney retreated to a rundown farm in rural Scotland with his family and quickly got back to writing music again. As archival footage showcases his much simpler life away from Beatlemania, McCartney’s narration gets honest about how his depression gave way to experimentation with music that led to his solo albums of the early 1970s – which he recorded practically by his lonesome at first.

While his records were panned at the time, I found myself (someone who’s loved the Beatles and McCartney my whole life, yet hasn’t delved into every inch of the Fab Four’s catalogue) excited by this exploration of a different era for the songwriter. While the period is surely not as explosive or catchy as his Beatles discography, getting to watch how the iconic artist pushed forward with his talents despite isolation and lack of fanfare is a treat. I was quite amazed at the suggestion that McCartney practically began indie rock through his DIY approach to music-making at this time.

It’s a rather soft and mild documentary, but there’s a refreshing earnestness about it.

Man on the Run has some talk about the brotherly relationship between Paul and John Lennon, which led to some budding heads and public discrepancies. The doc illustrates the criticism he faced from the public as he started anew, but as far as music docs go, it’s pretty much free of any drama or glamorization of things.

Sure, that may make the documentary somewhat of a sleepy entry into the genre, but this approach makes it also feel as honest as Paul was living his life at the time. There’s a lot to cover from the decade, and it doesn’t spoon feed every detail about things to viewers or hang too long on one moment, but the compilation of footage, journals, interview clips and such make for an engaging, yet wistful scrapbook into what McCartney was up to in the 1970s.

While I would have also been interested in learning more what the other Beatles were doing at the time as well post-1969 and the doc including more perspectives, there’s something special about the fact that Man On The Run keeps things as a simple, yet detailed account of Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles era.

And of course, a big part of that is the formation of his band Wings in 1971 – the documentary looking back on McCartney getting to tour venues of 3,000 people with his new mates and his wife Linda McCartney before Wings had its own hits in their own right. There’s certainly something to be said about his decision to start from scratch rather than riding on the coattails of the Beatles being the biggest band of all time, and I'm happy this retelling of it (with the artist's involvement) exists.

As someone who wasn’t around during this era of McCartney’s life, I find Man on the Run to be an elegant treasure of the “Silly Love Songs” going down memory lane over what it was like for him to redefine himself and grow up after a whirlwind near-decade with the Beatles.

The new documentary film Man on the Run, available this weekend with a Prime Video subscription, focuses on Paul McCartney’s time with Wings, the band he formed after leaving the Beatles. Of course, you can’t talk about the post-Beatles time without discussing the actual end of the Beatles, and to say it was acrimonious is underselling it quite a bit.

Following the end of The Beatles, Paul McCartney ended up suing his former band members, as well as Allen Klein, who had taken over as business manager for the band following the untimely death of Brian Epstein. In the new documentary (via Page Six), McCartney addresses his decision to sue, as well as the fallout, which included John Lennon recording the song “How Do You Sleep?” which took a shot at McCartney’s contributions to their former band, claiming the song “Yesterday” was all he ever did.

The whole thing still clearly irks McCartney, who drops an F-bomb in response, saying:

To be fair, “How Do You Sleep?” was seen by observers as a direct response to McCartney’s own earlier song ‘Too Many People,” which was read as an indictment of John and Yoko Ono as the people responsible for the Beatles' ending. Still, the fact that Paul uses such strong language today indicates how he felt back then.

Whatever bad blood there may have been between John and Paul, we know the two eventually reconciled. A few years later, the pair briefly considered taking up Lorne Michaels on his famous offer to reunite The Beatles on Saturday Night Live. That’s the sort of thing that we expect from two friends having fun together, not two people who are mad at each other.

It’s been a surprisingly great time to be a Beatles fan, considering the band hasn’t existed for decades. In just the last few years, we’ve seen new and remastered documentaries about the Beatles, and in a couple of years, we’re going to get not one, but four biopics about the Fab Four. Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney. Harris Dickinson will take the role of Lennon. Joseph Quinn and Barry Keoghan round out the band as George Harrison and Ringo Starr, respectively.

Each movie will give us the story of The Beatles from the perspective of each of the members. The breakup of the band may end up being the most interesting part of the four movies, as each member likely had a very different perspective on what transpired.

While it has been suggested that the era of the movie star is largely over, it’s still the case that there are certain actors people love to see. Since studios will do whatever they can to make their movies successful, that often means casting names people know and love. This frequently results in certain stars becoming “hot” at different times. Paul Mescal is definitely one of those actors right now, but he’s not looking to overexpose himself anytime soon.

Mescal can currently be seen in Hamnet, a movie with serious awards buzz, but he was also in The History of Sound in 2025. That’s a lot of Paul Mescal, but following his leading turn in Gladiator II, he seems to be an actor a lot of people want to see. He told The Guardian that despite that, he's planning on taking a break. While he understands the downside of taking time away, as people may cool on him, the alternative is worse. He says…

Honestly, that is a little bold. While some stars who have been around a while could take time off and still come back and remain big stars, Mescal seems to only be just entering his “star era,” so it’s less clear that he would be in the same position if he took time off. Still, he clearly understands this and thinks that it’s better for him to take the time.

As things stand, Paul Mescal’s next movies aren’t expected for two years, but that’s not to say he won’t be working between now and then. Mescal is set to play Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes' massive Beatles biopic project. But the actor thinks it will be good for him to disappear for a couple of years. He continued…

Considering that when Paul Mescal does hit screens again, he'll be part of not one, but four movies, he may be on to something. Sam Mendes is filming four Beatles biopics simultaneously. Each one will be told from the perspective of a different member of the Fab Four. We're going to get a lot of Mescal and his co-stars Joseph Quinn, Barry Keoghan and Harris Dickinson in 2028.

It’s been suggested before that other “It” actors, like Glen Powell, are being forced on audiences, which has caused some to revolt against them. Perhaps Mescal will avoid that feeling, and when the four Beatles movies come out in a couple of years, fans will be excited to see him return.

When it comes to the holidays, people love their traditions. They like to watch the best Christmas movies over and over again, though there are always some exceptions. Some filmsare just unbearable to watch over and over, despite being popular, and the same applies to beloved holiday music. Many of us have those tunes we hate but, fortunately, DJs on TikTok have remixed one of the worst Christmas songs of all time to make it more palatable for December, which I love.

In truth, I'm a fan of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" and don't mind hearing it on the radio nonstop in between holiday shopping. That said, I've heard time and time again how many people hate it, so they'll be happy to hear a lot of DJs are mixing it with hip-hop songs and improving its quality drastically if you're a fan of the genre. Take this one, for example, that adds GloRilla and Sexyy Red's "Watchu Kno About Me":

What a remix! And, after hearing it, I'd hardly believe it was originally written by a guy who once (allegedly) mailed baby poop to a critic. Of course, it's not exactly the type of family friendly Christmas song like the original is but more like something a person would expect to hear in Bad Santa or some other raunchy holiday movie.

Of course, remixes of Paul McCartney's Christmas song very likely won't be featured in Sam Mendes' upcoming Beatles film. However, that's fine, because TikTok has that space covered with other options for those digging the rap remixes. Personally, I'm a big fan of this one, which mashes it up with Soulja Boy's "Donk":

That one is going to appeal to a more Millennial crowd, perhaps the type that will watch Home Alone a hundred times and still find something new to love. That's not a knock on anyone at all, as I love that movie so much I went and saw a special screening hosted by Macaulay Culkin!

Speaking of Millennials, I never realized I needed a proper Christmas song by Nicki Minaj until now. This mashup gave me just what I needed and just on the heels of her defending pop star Britney Spears from recent criticisms:

It's music to my ears. I'm always on the hunt for new stuff to enjoy during the holidays, and it may take a few more attempts. However, I think TikTok is onto something with these mashups. I think if we can get just a couple more versions up on the web, we can make a definitive ruling what the official remix of "Wonderful Christmastime" should be. I also just want to say I hope this leads to more Christmas rap songs, but that's a longer rant for another time.

December isn't that far off, so be sure to stick with CinemaBlend as we revisit the Christmas classics and talk about other great things happening over the holiday season. After all, winter is always a good time to enjoy movies and TV, especially shows you may have missed earlier in the year.

When it comes to fame, celebrities deal with it in different ways, and that's no different for legendary Beatle Paul McCartney. Some stars move out of Hollywood in favor of a quieter and safer area or ignore what critics are saying. Others, meanwhile, opt to face the industry head-on, either by staying in Tinsel Town or speaking out about the haters. It seems McCartney once did the latter by way of sending baby poop to a lying critic.

For context, during the ‘70s, following BeatleMania, which will be highlighted in Sam Mendes' upcoming films, McCartney started a fresh chapter with a new band: Wings. While they’ve grown to be respected over the years, that wasn't the case during their early days.

The memoir Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run recounts (via Us Weekly) the how the titular group received negative reviews and faced hostile critics. Former Wings drummer Denny Seiwell recalled how a British writer came to a show in the early ‘70s and claimed he wouldn’t be reviewing the show and would instead do a story on the band touring with their families. Despite the band letting him live like a rockstar for a bit, the journalist was not too impressed, as Seiwell explained:

The article was published a week later and allegedly included a “full-on review” of the concert he didn’t attend, and it sounds like it was not what everyone was expecting. I can only imagine the surprise the group had when the story came out, especially since it was supposed to be about how they tour with their families. The person who was allegedly most upset was McCartney, who at the time had three young daughters: Heather, Mary, and Stella with then-wife, Linda. McCartney wound up using their youngest to get back at the journalist, as Seiwell shared:

I would have loved to know what the writer’s response was to that very “thoughtful” gift, as it was certainly unique. Considering the article was the opposite of what they were expecting, it's understandable that the "Live and Let Die" singer wanted to give the writer a piece of his mind. Still, I can't say sending someone feces would've been my first course of action in such a situation. If anything, I now want to know how Stella McCartney -- who has since taken over the fashion world -- thinks of her dad using her as ammunition when she was a baby.

Of course, at the time Wings was around, Paul McCartney was no stranger to criticism following the Beatles’ high. I'd be lying, though, if I said I couldn't understand the singer-songwriter's desire to get even after the writer broke the promise he made to the band.

I'd say that this alleged account from Denny Seiwell serves as another piece of interesting lore about Paul McCartney. The music icon himself hasn't formally commented on this bit from the memoir yet, and I'm eager to see if he does. (Also, I would love to somehow added to the upcoming biopic about McCartney and co.)

Through rock and roll history, there have been few stars bigger and more important than David Bowie and Paul McCartney. Imagine being a young exec at an upstart cable TV channel called MTV and finding yourself in nothing but a towel, chilling in a sauna in Gstaad, Switzerland, with both of them at the same time! That’s exactly what happened to MTV co-founder Tom Freston. The story is as wild as it sounds.

In The Beginning, MTV Wasn’t A Sure-Fire Hit

In his new memoir, Unplugged: Adventures From MTV to Timbuktu, which Vanity Fair has published an excerpt from, Freston recalled a crazy adventure in the early days of the fledgling cable network. It had been decided that MTV needed an ad campaign with the biggest stars in the business. They set their sights on the then-seemingly impossible task of landing maybe two of the biggest: Mick Jagger and David Bowie. A former Beatle, Paul McCartney, also plays a role in the incredible story.

According to Freston, that’s when the “I Want My MTV” campaign was born. His colleague Les Garland was charged with snagging Jagger, who once lobbied for the role of Frank in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, for a commercial. Freston went out to get Bowie. Bold moves for a couple of guys in their early 20s from a cable station that was still a ways off from becoming the cultural icon it would one day be. Garland quickly got Jagger to do the ad, paying him one dollar. Freston explains:

Boom, one megastar was in. For Freston, things were a little trickier and a lot more exotic.

Freston Went Where The Stars Were

With Jagger on board, wanting his MTV, Freston contacted one of Bowie’s inner circle, writing in his book:

Soon, Freston and another colleague, Dale Pon, made their way to the Alps with their small camera crew and heavy equipment. When they arrived, Bowie, who was no stranger to film shoots, and his associates took over, as Freston describes:

Then they got what they wanted:

The story doesn’t end with the now-famous commercial, though.

Bowie Invited Freston To His Hotel For A Sauna Session

After the shoot, Bowie asked Freston if he’d be interested in meeting up at the star’s hotel for a sauna. Here’s where the FOMO comes into play, for me, and everyone else reading, I’m sure. Freston describes the scene:

That’s right, not only did Freston find himself having a schvitz with David Bowie, but they were joined by Paul McCartney (who will soon be the subject of a Beatles biopic) of all people! Freston couldn’t believe it, either, as he notes:

Gratitude is one way to put it! I don’t get starstruck very easily, but it would be impossible not to in this situation! Chilling with two of the biggest and best rock and rollers of all time in any situation would be mindblowing. Naked in a sauna, talking about a brand new MTV, which would soon take over the world? It’s just too much!

Soon after, “I Want My MTV” became one of the catchiest and most effective advertising slogans of all time, with dozens of stars doing spots for the campaign. It’s incredible to read how it basically started on a ski slope in the Alps, followed by some sauna time with Bowie and a Beatle.

I think it’s safe to say everyone can claim at least one great Jeff Goldblum movie as their favorite from his five decade+ career. As one of the most well known and beloved Hollywood vets today, you’d think he’s met everyone and can keep cool while doing so. Surprisingly, neither case is true, at least when it comes to his recounting of meeting George Clooney earlier this year.

During his stop in at Late Night with Seth Meyers to promote his new album, Still Blooming, Goldblum shared the starstruck moment he had with Clooney. While the Jurassic Park actor thought he’d just be seeing the stage production Good Night and Good Luck, and then meeting the cast, he learned Paul McCartney was there to do the same. So, after thrillingly meeting the Beatles member, the pair went backstage to meet the third mega-hitter and co. with equally exciting energy. Goldblum recalled:

As fans of the 72-year-old have come to know, he’s candidly caring onscreen and off. From his response to being on the '49ers jumbotron this past winter and having gushed about young Scarlett Johansson, to even hyping his Ragnarok peer who left him starstruck, Cate Blanchett, he loves to share that he too is a fan of so much. Now knowing that not only did he meet one of his most admired stars, but two at the same time, shares a lot about his experience.

Jeff Goldblum went on about the behind-the-curtain experience. Humbly, he noted that they ended up taking a picture together, and the Ocean’s actor seemed to have an equal amount of appreciation for The Fly alum. He finished by sharing just how much it all meant:

I love the whole evening for him! Even A-listers need a magical celeb encounter now and again and this seems to fit the bill perfectly for Goldblum, as he and his castmates await Wicked: For Good to hit the 2025 movie guide this November. Frankly, I’m not sure how the Broadway cast handled having the terrific trio all under one roof for the evening, but it sure sounds like an unforgettable night!

The real question is: who will be the next public figure that Jeff Goldblum will gush over meeting? I’d love to know who remains on that list after having George Clooney and Paul McCartney checked off.

Have you ever gone out to dinner and the evening didn’t go according to plan? I think we’ve all been there before. Between the food, the service and the conversation, there’s a lot that can go wrong. Let the record show comedian David Spade can commiserate. The popular actor somehow found himself having a dream dinner following the SNL musical special a few weeks ago with a table full of absolute legends, but what should have been an all-time memory turned into a night of recurring frustrations.

Spade was apparently supposed to have dinner with Chris Rock, but at the last minute, Rock told him plans were changing and they were instead going to dinner with a bunch of other celebrities who also attended the SNL 50 event including Paul McCartney. Sounds great, right? Well, much to his frustration, Spade found himself several seats away from the former Beatle and spent the entire night trying to hear stories and getting distracted by waiters during every key punchline. Here’s his hilarious recollection…

One of my favorite things about David Spade is how both relatable and unrelatable he is. He’s done like fifteen seasons of network TV and has been the star of a bunch of memorable comedies, but he’s also less famous than a bunch of his friends like Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. He told the above story during a recent episode of Fly On The Wall, the podcast he hosts with Dana Carvey, and in a way, it feels like a microcosm of every episode. The two of them come off like normal dudes who somehow got famous and go about their lives having these amazing adventures but reacting to them exactly how most of us would, except with more wit.

Unfortunately for Carvey, he got sick prior to SNL 50 and wasn’t able to appear. He certainly would have given how often both he and Spade have been making cameos on the regular show lately, but sadly for him, he missed out on the chance to crank his neck and lean in to try and hear Sir Paul McCartney talk about the good old days. What could have been.

Spade, however, did not miss out on the festivities. He appeared in John Mulaney’s wild musical sketch (the same one where Jenna Ortega got her personal space invaded), getting a really funny line when he just went back to his seat before it was over, and he obviously got a ton of fun interactions with plenty of legends of the game. He’ll probably be telling that story for years too, just as the rest of us would.

Musical Guests have been a part of Saturday Night Live since the very beginning and there have been many memorable music moments on the show. Some are infamous, some are funny, and some are just amazing performances by legendary artists. Here is our list of 32 of the most memorable, from the great to the not-so-great. 

Sinead O'Connor (1992)

Probably the most infamous moment in SNL music history is Sinead O’Connor’s appearance in 1992. For the Irish rabble-rouser's second song, she performed an acapella version of Bob Marley’s “War” and at the end, pulled out a photo of Pope John Paul II and tore it to shreds while saying, “Fight the real enemy.” To say the moment was explosive doesn’t even begin to explain the reaction. The audience sat in stunned silence as the show rushed to commercial break. The media firestorm that followed lasted for weeks and completely curtailed O’Connor’s career, though it would recover somewhat. O’Connor’s goal was to expose abuses by the Catholic Church and in many ways, her protest was redeemed years later when more and more abuses came to light. 

Taylor Swift (2021)

In a surprise move, when Taylor Swift performed on SNL in 2021, she chose to do the full ten-minute rendition of “All Too Well” from Red (Taylor’s Version). It’s not at all what you would expect from a TV appearance by a pop star, but Swift (a member of the musical guest five-timers club)  is a master at doing the unpredictable. It’s an incredible performance that has Swift holding millions of the TV audience in her hand for the whole 10 minutes. 

Elvis Costello (1977)

Another of the most infamous moments came when Elvis Costello and the Attractions played SNL in 1977. Ever the iconoclast, Costello was pressured by his record company to play his latest single “Less Than Zero” but famous just seconds into the performance, he stopped the band and they started up his song “Radio, Radio.” It was a move that got him banned from the show but he turned up 14 years later with the Beastie Boys and mocked the original appearance. 

Kanye West (2013)

2013 found Kanye West perhaps at his creative peak and that is on full display in his intense, incredible performance of “Black Skinhead” on SNL. It’s as powerful a performance as any artist has ever done in the show's long history. 

Simon and Garfunkel (1975)

Paul Simon has been a stalwart on SNL since the show’s first season. He’s hosted numerous times and has been the musical guest more times than anyone else, 15 at last count. His performance in 1975 was notable because, for the first time since their breakup in 1970, Simon played live with Art Garfunkel. 

The Replacements (1986)

Minneapolis post-punk legends The Replacements were notorious for their rowdy behavior on and off stage and their appearance on SNL was no exception. After spending most of the show drinking backing stage, they came out for their last number and almost got into a fistfight with each other. That kind of thing happened at their shows a lot, but when it’s on national television, it takes it to a new level. 

Neil Young (1989)

Sometimes people forget that the 1980s was a lean decade for rock legend Neil Young. He didn’t have many hits and felt disillusioned with the whole industry, as he made clear in some of his songs from the era. In 1989, however, Young was reborn and recaptured what had made him great with a sizzling performance of “Rockin’ In The Free World” on Saturday Night Live. It’s a performance that would reignite his whole career. 

Miley Cyrus (2020)

During the Covid lockdown, SNL struggled to adjust and produced a number of “at home” shows with mixed success. One of the true highlights of those shows was Miley Cyrus performing an incredible version of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” It was a sentiment everyone felt at the time as millions of people felt the isolation of the lockdown and Cyrus’ passionate performance was one that will not soon be forgotten. 

Funky 4 + 1 (1981)

In 1981 hip-hop was still years away from making the global impact it would eventually usher in. Rap, even in New York City where it was born, was still far from mainstream. Blondie singer Debbie Harry was an early acolyte of the music and when she hosted the show in 1981, she insisted that an early rap crew, Funky 4 + 1, play the show. It was quite literally the first time many in America first heard the genre.

Fear (1981)

By far the most chaotic musical guest in the show’s history was when the DC Punk band Fear played on Halloween night, 1981. John Belushi was an early fan of the band and got them the gig and he also made sure some of their fans from Washington DC came up for the show. Absolute punk madness occurred when the band took the stage with fans moshing and straight-up fighting with local NYC punks and a few minutes into the performance the show cut and went to commercial. 

Prince (1981)

By the time Prince first played SNL in 1981, he was already on his way to superstardom. It was his performance of “Partyup” on the show, however, when most of America experienced his jaw-dropping live show for the first time. It’s a scintillating performance, as only Prince could do. 

The Rolling Stones (1978)

The Rolling Stones were having a huge career revival in 1978 as they promoted their seminal Some Girls album. That included taking over Saturday Night Live for three songs in October. They played “Beast Of Burden,” “Respectable,” and “Shattered” on the show and the most infamous moment came during “Respectable” when Mick Jagger leaned over to Ron Wood and licked his face. The look on Wood’s face when he realizes what is happening is absolutely priceless. 

Rage Against The Machine (1996)

Political protests are rare, though not unheard of, on SNL. In 1996, when the show booked Rage Against The Machine on the show with host Steve Forbes, they should’ve expected something. Just before the band hit the stage for “Bulls on Parade” a crew member noticed an American flag hung upside down on the band’s amps. He took the flag down before the band went live, but it was still enough to reportedly get them banned from the show and they did play their planned second song of the night. 

Paul McCartney With Nirvana  (2012)

If there is anyone who could get the members of Nirvana to reunite, it’s rock and roll royalty, Paul McCartney. The former Beatle convinced Dave Groehl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear to write and record the song “Cut Me Some Slack,” their first together since the death of Kurt Cobain. They performed it on SNL in 2012. 

Radiohead (2000)

Radiohead was on top of the world in 2000 and when they performed “The National Anthem” from their album Kid A on the show, it completely brought the house down. Joined by a horn section, Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and the rest of the band completely owned the moment and it will forever be one of the best performances in the show’s history. 

Billy Preston (1975)

The late Billy Preston has two tidbits of music history that only he will ever be associated with. First, he’s the only guest musician to play on both a Rolling Stones album and a Beatles album. Second, he was the first musical guest to ever play on SNL, performing “Nothing from Nothing” on the show's debut episode in 1975. 

Mariah Carey (1990)

The first time America was exposed to Mariah Carey was in the summer of 1990 when she performed “America The Beautiful” at the NBA Finals. The first time we all saw her perform one of her own songs was on SNL later that fall. The rest, as they say, is history. 

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1994)

Tom Petty played Saturday Night Live a lot, but his most memorable appearance came in 1994 when he was joined by Dave Grohl on drums. It was the first time Grohl played publicly after the death of Kurt Cobain and the first time Petty had played without Stan Lynch, his longtime drummer whom he’d just fired. 

Lizzo (2019)

This one isn’t one here for anything groundbreaking and certainly not for any notorious reasons, it’s just an all-time banger of a performance by Lizzo in the show in 2019. Lizzo was in the process of achieving superstar status on the strength of her third album, Cuz I Love You, and this appearance cemented it. 

Nirvana (1992)

In the fall of 1991 Nirvana literally broke music. The grunge sound they pioneered with other bands from the Northwest changed everything about rock music and in January of 1992 the band appeared on SNL and played raucous versions of their hit “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and a deep cut from Nevermind, “Territorial Pissings” which ended with the band destroying their instruments on stage. 

Frank Zappa (1976)

In 1978 Frank Zappa, who famously later showed up on Miami Vice also on NBC, hosted SNL in a disastrous appearance that got him banned from the show. Two years earlier, however, he and his band had a triumphant appearance on the show, playing their song “I Am The Slime” with the show’s announcer Don Pardo doing an amazing voice-over during the scorching performance. 

Joe Cocker (1976)

The early days of SNL were great partly because they were so unpredictable. Take, for example, Joe Cocker’s appearance in 1976 when he was joined on stage by SNL cast member John Belushi doing a spot-on and hilarious impression of the quirky singer. It’s the kind of stuff that made the show so legendary in the early days. 

Ashlee Simpson (2004)

Certainly one of the most notorious musical moments on the show came when Ashlee Simpson was caught lip-syncing during her first (and only) appearance as a guest. The singer lost her voice the morning of the show and the band had done even a rehearsal with a backing track, Still, her label convinced her to do the show with the backing track, and predictably things went sideways, It took years for the singer to overcome the debacle, and that really wasn’t fair. Plenty of singers lip-sync and have for years.  

Sun Ra (1978)

Free jazz musician Sun Ra and his Arkestra are absolute legends among many jazz musicians. They are not, however, easy to digest, and watching them play some of the freakiest music ever played on American television is really something else. It’s bizarre and wonderful and wild. 

Paul Simon (1976)

Back in the early days, there were no rules for the show, and in 1976, during his monologue, Paul Simon legendarily performed his song “Still Crazy After All These Years” in a turkey suit. Though it’s not technically a performance by a music guest (Simon was the host), there’s no way to leave it off this list.  

Patti Smith (1975) 

Quite possibly the first time America was exposed to what was happening in the East Village of New York came with Patti Smith’s performance in 1975, playing her song “Gloria.” It’s a jaw-dropping performance by the first lady of punk rock who brought the underground CBGB’s sound to the rest of the country. 

Devo (1978)

No one had ever seen anything like Devo in 1978. The art rockers were busy playing small clubs and theaters when they were booked to play SNL and their performance of The Stones’ “Satisfaction” completely changed the trajectory of their career. Mark Mothersbaugh has become one of the most interesting film composers of the 21st Century and his theatrical nature was on full display almost five decades ago. 

David Bowie (1979)

Rock god David Bowie first played SNL in 1979 and proved why he was the reigning king of glam rock with his performances of “The Man Who Sold The World” and “Boys Keep Swinging.” It’s everything anyone could ever want from Bowie. 

Adele (2008) snl

Here’s a good trivia question, how is former Vice Presidental candidate Sarah Palin partly responsible for Adele’s biggest break in America? Well, Palin was announced as a special guest on SNL in October of 2008 ahead of the election that year and viewers turned out in droves to see it. Adele, who was somewhat unknown in the U.S. at that point just happened to be the musical guest. Of course, she absolutely killed it in her appearance and the exposure helped launch her career to the next level.

Pearl Jam (1992)

Since their very beginning, Pearl Jam has been known for their powerhouse live shows. The first time most of America got to see that was when they appeared on SNL in early 1992 just as “Jeremy” was breaking as the Seattle band’s first major hit. It’s raw and commanding, and simply put, incredible. 

David Byrne (2020)

David Byrne has been known for his theatrical performances all the way back to his early years in Talking Heads and his 2000 performance on SNL could be his peak. It features the musicians that would make his Broadway show, American Utopia, a hit and it’s an amazing performance.  

Paul Simon And George Harrison (1976)

If you ever needed proof that Saturday Night Live was the coolest thing to hit TV, maybe ever, in those early days, just look at how they could book a Beatle and Paul Simon to perform “Here Comes The Sun” and “Homeward Bound” together. That is no other show in TV history that could have pulled that off, much like many of the unforgettable performances on this list. 

The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event is one of the most ambitious creative projects in the history of Hollywood. While we normally are focused on the more immediate, like the 2026 movie schedule, director Sam Mendes has taken on a challenge so huge that we're talking about it in length, despite being about two years away from the simultaneous release of all four movies. Each movie will focus on an individual member of the band: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.

That’s right, there are four upcoming music biopics about The Beatles, collectively known as The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. It’s safe to say that the band's legacy has never waned, and they remain as relevant today as they were in the 1960s. However, there has never been an officially approved film about the iconic rock band until now. And what a way to do it!

The films are being shot simultaneously and cover the same period in the band, from their early days in Liverpool until their breakup in 1970, with the same cast appearing in all four. Each film will be seen from the point of view of an individual Beatle. Over the last couple of years or so, we’ve gotten a lot of information, including who will play most of the important people in the story (including all four Beatles), as casting is pretty much fully fleshed out at this point, at least all the major players (save one - who will play Pete Best??).

Oh, and did we mention that all four movies will be released on the same day in 2028? Let's get into it, because I can't wait to see these movies.

What Is The Release Date?

Understandably, the project is going to take some time. In March of 2025, Variety reported the news that all four movies will hit theaters on April 7th, 2028. That certainly feels like a long way off, but The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event is a huge undertaking, so it’s hardly a surprise that it will take a while to complete. Production began in November of 2025.

The announcement called it “the first binge-able theatrical experience,” and if you are going to binge it, it's going to be a long day at the movie theater, as all four will be released simultaneously!

Who Are Playing The Beatles And Everyone Else In The Cast?

The cast of The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event is absolutely stacked. Columbia Pictures has announced the names of most of the important people in The Beatles' orbit, including, of course, the four actors playing John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Plus producer George Martin, manager Brian Epstein, and the women who will be playing their wives. Here's everyone we know, including photos of the actors playing the Fab Four:

Paul Mescal As Paul McCartney

Though all of the Beatles are among the most famous men of the past 100 years, Paul McCartney might just be the most famous. His career has spanned an incredible 65+ years, and even in his 80s, the songwriter shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, McCartney released a new album, his first in six years, in May 2026. In the Mendes Beatles movies, "Macca" will be played by Hamnet star Paul Mescal.

Mescal's breakout role came in 2024's Gladiator II, in which he played Lucius Verus Aurelius. That came after he was nominated for an Oscar for 2022's Aftersun. In January 2026, we even got a sneak peek of Mescal as Macca, as well as a quote from the actor saying he will be doing the singing as Paul.

Harris Dickinson As John Lennon

Harris Dickinson will play the role of the late John Lennon. Lennon, who was shot and killed in 1980, did more to shape the Beatles than anyone else, both for better and for worse, and there is no doubt his story will likely be the most anticipated. Dickinson has been busy lately, working with fellow Beatles movie star Saoirse Ronan in Blitz in 2024, and writing, directing, and starring in Urchin in 2025.

Joseph Quinn As George Harrison

In 2025, Joseph Quinn joined the MCU as Johnny Storm in the well-received Marvel movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps. He'll be reprising the role in 2026's Avengers: Doomsday. Quinn has been tapped to play George Harrison in the Beatles movies. Of all the stories to be told, Harrison's might be the most interesting during his time with the band. Though he was an original member, he often felt apart from the writing team of Lennon and McCartney. It famously led to a fair amount of friction within The Beatles, and watching it play out will likely be a highlight of the four movies.

Barry Keoghan As Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr might not have been the band’s original drummer, but he joined just at the right time. That’s not to take away from his drumming, of course, or his impact on the band. His quirky personality and tasteful drumming were keys to the band’s success. He will be played by Irish actor Barry Keoghan. Keoghan spoke to Collider in March 2026 about the pressure of portraying a Beatle:

Keoghan has quickly become one of the most celebrated actors of the last decade with standout roles in shows like Chernobyl from HBO and Masters Of The Air, which can be seen with an Apple TV subscription, as well as movies like The Banshees of Inisherin, Eternals, Saltburn, and most recently, Crime 101 in 2026.

Anna Sawai As Yoko Ono

Without a doubt, one of the most anticipated casting announcements would be who would play Yoko Ono. We now know that Anna Sawai will be stepping into the role of John Lennon’s second wife and widow. She won an Emmy last September for her amazing performance in 2024’s Shōgun, which you can watch with a Hulu subscription.

Lennon met Ono in 1966, but they wouldn’t start dating until 1968, before marrying in 1969. She was a near-constant presence with the rock star after their marriage. This is one of the stories I'm most interested in, as I, like others, think that Ono got a bad rap for far too long as the "woman who broke up The Beatles," which isn't remotely true. It looks like Sawai agrees, telling Variety:

Ono is the most famous non-band member in The Beatles story, so this should be a major aspect of John's movie, I would think.

Saoirse Ronan As Linda McCartney

Saoirse Ronan is one of the more celebrated actors of the last two decades, earning four Oscar nominations since 2007. Most recently, she can be seen in 2025’s Bad Apples and 2024’s Blitz on Apple TV.

Ronan will be playing Linda McCartney, née Eastman, who married Paul in 1969. Linda, a professional photographer, met Paul in 1967 while she was on assignment, and they began dating shortly after. They remained married until her death from breast cancer in 1998.

Aimee Lou Wood As Pattie Boyd

One of the biggest breakouts in 2025 came from Season 3 of The White Lotus. Aimee Lou Wood is wonderful as Chelsea in the anthology series, and she is, frankly, perfect for the role of Pattie Boyd Harrison, wife of George Harrison. Most recently, Wood has co-created and is starring in the BBC show Film Club. For the role of Pattie, Wood is very aware of what she needs to do to play such a famous public figure, telling The Standard:

George and Pattie met on the set of Hard Day's Night in 1964, where Pattie played one of the two school girls on the train with The Beatles. Like in the movie, she caught the eye of one particular Beatle, and they married in early 1966. Their relationship was a rocky one, and Boyd famously divorced Harrison in 1977 and married Harrison’s best friend, Eric Clapton. Most of that story happened after the Beatles broke up, so we probably won’t see it in the movies.

Mia McKenna-Bruce As Maureen Starkey

Ringo Starr’s most famous (and current) wife is former Bond girl Barbara Bach, but they didn’t marry until 1980, so she likely won’t be part of the story in these movies. In the time period covered by the movies, Starr was married to Liverpool-native Maureen Starkey, née Cox. They married in 1965 and were together until 1975.

Maureen will be played by Mia McKenna-Bruce. McKenna-Bruce had her breakout in 2022’s How to Have Sex and is set to star in the Netflix show The Seven Dials Mystery, based on the book of the same name by Agatha Christie.

James Norton As Brian Epstein

We've also learned from Deadline that The Beatles' legendary manager Brian Epstein, who died in 1967 at the height of Beatlemania, will be portrayed by James Norton. Norton recently starred in House of Guinness, one of the best shows on Netflix in 2025.

Norton is no stranger to playing record industry legends. The actor played Island Records founder Chris Blackwell in the biopic Bob Marley: One Love in 2024. Norton is also in Season 3 of House Of The Dragon as Ormond Hightower.

Harry Lloyd As George Martin

Game of Thrones veteran Harry Lloyd, who played the ill-fated Viserys Targaryen in the HBO series, will play famed Beatles producer George Martin. One of the many men sometimes referred to as "the fifth Beatle," Martin was crucial to the band's legendary albums. There's no question he'll play a prominent role in all four films.

The rest of the cast, including some of the Beatles' family members, and other important people in their career, have also been cast:

• Bobby Schofield As Neil Aspinall
• Daniel Hoffman-Gill as Mal Evans
• Adam Pally as Allen Klein
• David Morrissey as Jim McCartney, Paul's father
• Leanne Best as Mimi Smith, John's aunt, who raised him
• Arthur Darvill as Beatles PR man Derek Taylor
• Adam Pally as Allen Klein, the band's manager in their later years
• Lucy Boynton as Jane Asher
• Farhan Akhtar as Ravi Shankar
• Morfydd Clark as Cynthia Lennon, John's first wife
• Harry Lawtey as Stuart Sutcliffe, The Beatles' original bass player

Some of the musicians who worked with The Beatles will hopefully make appearances, like keyboardist Billy Preston. He worked with the band extensively in their final recording sessions and can be seen with a Disney+ subscription in the amazing docuseries The Beatles: Get Back from director Peter Jackson. Eric Clapton, who played the guitar solo on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and was good friends with George Harrison (and later married Pattie Boyd, after she divorced Harrison), could also pop up.

Of course, we haven't seen an actor attached to the role of the band's drummer before Ringo, Pete Best, either, but as Stu Sutcliffe has been cast, I assume Best will appear too.

There Will Be 4 Movies, One For Each Beatle

Rather than cover The Beatles across one biopic, this project is dedicating four feature films to these musical icons. As an added twist, each movie will focus on a different band member’s point of view, with all of the stories being “interconnected.” So although we’ll see Paul, John, George, and Ringo in all of these movies, each one will see one of the men taking center stage while the others occupy supporting positions.

As such, it’s reasonable to assume that, along with certain events being re-explored in each of these movies from different perspectives, there will also be opportunities to go down narrative paths that only involve the central Beatle, depending on the movie.

The Story Will End With Their 1970 Breakup

Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr continued to produce music for their solo careers well after the Beatles dissolved, but it sounds like that won’t be explored in any of these upcoming movies. Per an official press release (via Variety), the Beatles' movies will wrap up with their breakup in 1970.

It’s possible that in the midst of each Beatles’ narrative being covered, there will be post-1970 flash forwards to show where these men ended up in life, but since these movies are specifically centered around the band when they were together, it’s doubtful a lot of screen time will be dedicated to what has happened after the breakup, or a lot about their solo careers.

Sam Mendes Is Directing All Four Movies

With a resume that includes American Beauty, Road to Perdition, Skyfall, Spectre, and 1917, it’s safe to say that Sam Mendes remains one of Hollywood’s most talented directors. Still, the prospect of directing four movies like this back-to-back-to-back-to-back would surely be daunting for any filmmaker. And yet, Mendes has taken it upon himself to helm and produce all four of them, though that’s not surprising since, per the Deadline story, he “conceived this grand vision.”

There Will Be Three Screenwriters

In May 2025, we found out that the four films would be written by three screenwriters. It’s a group of heavyweights, too. Per Variety, Tony Award-winner Jez Butterworth, who worked with Mendes on the James Bond film Spectre, will work alongside Peter Straughan, who just won an Oscar for his script for Conclave, and Jack Thorne, who took home an Emmy for his amazing work on Adolescence, which you can check out with a Netflix subscription.

These Are The First Official Biopics About The Beatles Ever Made

The Beatles are no strangers to cinema. Not only did Paul, John, Ringo, and George star in the movies A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, and Magical Mystery Tour, but they also provided the music (but not their voices) to the animated Yellow Submarine. There have also been several documentaries, and their music has been prominently featured in movies like Across the Universe and Yesterday (with the latter being possible thanks to a deal between Working Title Films and Apple and Sony). They even once tried to get their own Lord of the Rings adaptation off the ground.

However, Sam Mendes’ Beatles movies are the first time that scripted cinematic stories about these men have been approved by Paul and Ringo, as well as the estates of John and George. The full life stories and music rights of all four band members have been granted by those individuals and Apple Corps Ltd., the corporation that manages The Beatles’ music and various other media ventures.

There have been plenty of unauthorized versions of The Beatles on screen, with varying success, but none of those had the full backing of the band members and their surviving families, as these do. That means we’ll get lots of The Beatles’ music in the films, which is great, but it is fair to worry if the films will be too sanitized and leave out some of the more controversial moments of the band’s career, like the death of early band member Stu Sutcliffe, for example.

Given the success of music biopics from recent years like Bohemian Rhapsody, Elvis, A Complete Unknown, and the most recent Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, making a movie about The Beatles seems like it would be a no-brainer, but releasing four movies about them at once could lead to this becoming the cinematic event of 2028.

CinemaBlend will continue sharing the big updates on how Sam Mendes’ Beatles movies are progressing, so keep your eyes peeled!

There are few bands in the history of time that have built quite the following as The Beatles. They were incredibly popular in their prime and that love from the fans has never really dissipated in the decades since. Entire movies based on Beatles music have been written. Director Sam Mendes is working on four separate Beatles biopics. If this is how popular they are today, it's not a shock that nearly a decade after the Beatles broke up, the producer of Saturday Night Live offered the band cash to reunite on the show.  

It’s one of the more famous stories from the early days of Saturday Night Live. Producer Lorne Michaels appeared on camera to offer the Fab Four money to appear on the show together and play three songs. It was a publicity stunt. It was a joke. But as it turns out, it was very nearly successful.

How Lorne Michael Tried To Get The Beatles Back Together 

It was April 26, 1976, and Saturday Night, not yet called Saturday Night Live, had been on the air for less than a year. Despite the Beatles having broken up as a band and the members largely moved on by 1969, there were constant rumors that they might reunite, and Michaels wanted to be sure that, if it happened, it happened on his show. Or at the very least, he wanted to make a funny joke about it. Michaels offered the band $3,000 for three songs, saying (via Yahoo)…

This was equal parts serious and joke, of course. Even in 1976 $3,000 wasn't a lot of money, especially to be split four ways. It was funny that the show would offer the most famous band in the world mere peanuts to do the thing they had certainly been offered a lot more to do. Of course, that's not to say that if The Beatles wanted to be in on the joke, they wouldn't oblige.

Obviously, the reuniting of The Beatles never happened. If it did, it likely would have been the best Saturday Night Live moments ever, and you would have heard about it. However, it turns out that one of the Beatles was watching, and two of them almost took Lorne Michaels up on his offer. 

How John Lennon And Paul McCartney Reportedly Reacted To The Offer 

While it's been reported in the past that John Lennon and Paul McCartney were actually watching the show together when the offer was made, that's not entirely accurate. Paul McCartney has said since that only John Lennon had been watching Saturday Night when Lorne Michaels made his $3,000 offer to the Beatles. 

In an interview years later, McCartney said it was a week later when Paul was visiting his friend in New York, and the show came on, that John told Paul about the offer. McCartney says John suggested the two of them should just head over to the studio and take Lorne Michaels up on it and take half the cash. McCartney explained… 

John Lennon lived in New York, not far from where Saturday Night Live was broadcast, so it would have been fairly easy for Lennon/McCartney to just hop over to the studio, in the middle of its live broadcast, and offer to play. The show would have almost certainly accommodated them.

To say it would have been a great story would be an understatement. The Beatles were one of the all-time great bands and fans were heartbroken when they ended. To see even two of them play together live would be a big moment for music, not to mention a massive coup for the young TV show. Of course, Saturday Night would not need The Beatles to become one of the best sketch comedy shows of all time 

Unfortunately, the Beatles would never have their chance to reunite. With the death of John Lennon, any chance of that ever happening was gone, and while the Fab Four would find ways to make new music together thanks to old songs and new technology, the magic of them being on stage again is something we would never see. 

Seeing A-list celebrities on SNL is certainly nothing out of the ordinary, considering there is a different one hosting the show each week, even including non-actors who end up nailing it. Lorne Michaels and company have still managed to shock the Studio 8H audience numerous times by bringing out a public figure whom no one could have guessed was going to be part of the show. The following are some of our all-time favorite Saturday Night Live celebrity cameos.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Season 39)

In Jonah Hill’s third SNL monologue, the Academy Award nominee is bombarded by questions about working with Leonardo DiCaprio before trying to convince the audience that the future Oscar winner was not even supposed to be in The Wolf of Wall Street initially. Just then, the Titanic cast member himself walks on to knock some sense into his co-star before agreeing to recreate the famous “We’re flying!” scene from the Best Picture Oscar winner. 

Barack Obama (Season 33)

In the cold open for SNL’s 2007 Halloween show, a spooky party hosted by Bill (Darrell Hammond) and Hilary Clinton (Amy Poehler) is crashed by an unexpected guest in a Barack Obama mask. The stranger removes the rubber face to reveal he is actually the future 44th President of the United States in the flesh.

Barbra Streisand (Season 17)

A recurring topic in Mike Myers’ “Coffee Talk” sketches was Linda Richman’s obsession with Barbra Streisand, who shocked the host and her guests (played by Madonna and Roseanne Barr) by briefly walking on the set to greet them in one sketch. According to Barbra Archives, Myers had been informed that the Oscar-winning Funny Girl star might show up, but Madonna and Barr’s shocked reactions were completely genuine.

Robert De Niro (Season 26)

Academy Award winner Robert De Niro never hosted SNL until 2002, but made multiple surprise appearances beforehand, such as the time he showed up on “Weekend Update.” The cameo was in response to Jimmy Fallon’s unfavorable review of 2000’s Meet the Parents, which Fallon tries to defend with his impersonation of the acting legend, who turns the tables by imitating him at the end.

Kel Mitchell (Season 48)

A pre-taped segment imagines a reboot of the classic Nickelodeon comedy, Kenan & Kel, but with host Keke Palmer as a new character named Kelly. However, the bit ends wonderfully with an appearance of Kenan Thompson’s original co-star, Kel Mitchell, who actually auditioned for SNL once before, to no avail

Judge Judy (Season 24)

Cheri Oteri made an impact on SNL in a short time with memorable characters and hilarious impersonations — especially that of Judge Judy. However, the honorable TV personality herself proved that no one “rules” like the original when she interrupted one of Oteri’s parodies of her court show.

Sarah Paulson (Season 48)

In a sketch poking fun at his internet persona, host Pedro Pascal plays a teacher whose students have made viral videos honoring him as a surrogate “daddy” and another teacher name Ms. Jenny as “mommy.” Entering the room to the crowd’s surprise as Ms. Jenny is the Last of Us cast member’s good friend, Emmy winner Sarah Paulson.

Taylor Swift (Season 49)

Even after her boyfriend — one of the funniest pro athletes to host SNL, Travis Kelce — made a surprise appearance in the same episode (hosted by Pete Davidson), no one anticipated Taylor Swift would show up in the Season 48 opener to introduce musical guest Ice Spice’s second performance. Reportedly, neither of these cameos were planned and were put together last minute when the Grammy-winning superstar and Kansas City Chiefs tight end happened to show up at 30 Rock.

Jason Momoa (Season 45)

In a courtroom-style sketch starring Chance the Rapper as a judge who rules purely by first impressions, one of the defendants is played by Jason Momoa, who already has the host in stitches with his ridiculous wardrobe. However, the Aquaman actor suddenly cannot stop laughing after accidentally referring to himself as a “paraplegic,” when he meant to say “paralegal.”

Eminem (Season 46)

Pete Davidson plays a young man named Stu who writes a series of increasingly erratic letters asking Santa Claus (Jason Bateman) for a PlayStation 5 in this holiday parody of “Stan” by Eminem. As we learn at the end of the bit (which original video star Devon Sawa loved), the Real Slim Shady is the one who ended up getting the PS5 under his tree.

The Property Brothers And Tony Hawk (Season 48)

Kenan Thompson plays the host of an international beauty pageant that is close to going off the rails when he makes note of the random selection of Property Brothers’ Drew and Jonathan Scott and Tony Hawk as the judges before introducing them. Much to the surprise of Thompson’s character (and the audience), the twin renovation reality show stars and the pro skateboarder are appearing as themselves.

Jeff Probst (Season 48)

At first, the only joke this wedding-set sketch has going for it is the repeated utterance of the word “Joker," in reference to the best man’s choice of Halloween costume, modeled after Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight. What transcends the SNL sketch from terrible to amazing is when Survivor host Jeff Probst shows up to announce if the guests voted in favor of the best man (Andrew Dismukes) keeping on his makeup or in favor of the bride (Heidi Gardner), who thinks his costume has ruined the ceremony.

Conan O'Brien (Season 47) 

When John Mulaney’s induction into SNL’s Five-Timers Club doesn’t seem to be going well, with veterans like Steve Martin and Candice Bergen believing he doesn’t fit the quality standards, coming to his aid is none other than Conan O’Brien. The beloved late-night host-turned-podcaster’s surprise appearance was not only special because he starred in the first Five-Timers Club sketch while working as a writer, but because he previously severed ties with NBC after 2010’s embarrassing Tonight Show debacle.

The Hunger Games Cast (Season 40) 

After starting his third SNL monologue with a song about the year 1989 modeled after Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space,” Woody Harrelson is suddenly joined by his Hunger Games movies co-stars Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson. When Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence shows up, Harrelson initially mistakes her for “the real Taylor Swift.”

Eugene Levy (Season 46) 

Host Dan Levy offers a glimpse of what Studio 8H looks like backstage in a post-Covid environment. During the tour, he is shocked to learn his father and fellow Schitt’s Creek cast member, Eugene Levy, flew from L.A. to New York to support him, but pandemic protocols have forced the comedian to watch the show from a clear, protective case.

Matt Damon (Season 44)

Matt Damon is the face behind many of the most amazing celebrity cameos in movies, but the Oscar-winning writer and star of Good Will Hunting has worked his magic on the small screen as well. For instance: his surprise appearance on SNL as Associate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in a hilarious cold open recreating his senate hearing.

Julia Stiles (Season 49)

On “Weekend Update,” Chloe Fineman demonstrates her most romantic holiday gift idea: recreating the balletic performance from the end of one of the best dance movies, Save the Last Dance. Fineman and the crowd are suddenly starstruck when the film’s star, Julia Stiles, shows up to help bring the tribute to a grand finale.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (Season 14)

When an overly excited Danny DeVito interrupts his monologue and requests to re-do the show’s opening, he asks his good friend and Twins co-star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to launch things with the famous catchphrase while he is sitting in the audience. The Terminator movies star would show up in the episode again to pay a visit to his cousins, Hans (Dana Carvey) and Franz (Kevin Nealon).

Bryan Cranston (Season 42) 

In a funny cold open, CNN reporter Jake Tapper announces that then-President Donald Trump has selected a new head of the DEA. The person in question is former high school chemistry teacher Walter White, played by former Breaking Bad cast member Bryan Cranston reprising his legendary, multi-Emmy-winning role.

Paul McCartney (Season 32) 

This sketch is already crawling with amazing cameos when Alec Baldwin, in the Platinum Lounge at SNL’s Five-Timers Club, runs into Martin Short (working as a server) and Steve Martin, who attempts to murder his It’s Complicated co-star under the impression he is tying his hosting record. However, the biggest surprise comes when Paul McCartney walks in, whom Martin initially mistakes for fellow club member, Paul Simon. 

Melissa McCarthy (Season 42)

One of SNL’s all-time best hosts, Melissa McCarthy, showed up to play then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer during an episode hosted by Kristen Stewart. While then-President Donald Trump did not care for the sketch, Spicer did not seem bothered by the impersonation (save McCarthy’s amount of gum chewing), and the big became one of SNL’s most popular YouTube clips, later inspiring the Oscar nominee to reprise the role once more.

The Office Cast (Season 44)

When an audience member interrupts Steve Carell’s third SNL monologue to ask if an Office reboot is in the works, he initially says the beloved NBC sitcom might be best left alone. However, fellow Office cast members Ellie Kemper, Ed Helms, and Jenna Fischer pop in to convince him otherwise.

Barry Gibb (Season 39)

Arguably Jimmy Fallon’s single funniest SNL sketch is “The Barry Gibb Talk Show,” in which he and Justin Timberlake, as Bee Gees members Barry and Robin Gibb, discuss pressing topics with public figures. One of the later editions featured Madonna appearing as herself, but when the real Barry Gibb shows up at the very end is an all-time classic moment.

Larry David (Season 41)

While he never was an SNL cast member (but did perform sketch comedy on Fridays), Larry David had a brief stint at Studio 8H as a writer years before returning to the show in a legendary way. In a cold open recreating the 2016 Election’s Democratic presidential debate, the Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator drove the crowd crazy with his first of many appearances as Bernie Sanders, who, it turns out, is a distant cousin of the comedian, as they would later discover (per Time). 

Brad Pitt (Season 24)

Brad Pitt is, surprisingly, one of many celebrities who have never hosted SNL, but he has popped in on the show a couple of times. The first time was in a cold open for an episode hosted by David Spade, as the Tommy Boy actor’s therapist, for some reason.

Alex Trebek (Season 27)

One of SNL’s best “Celebrity Jeopardy!” sketches comes from Will Ferrell’s final episode as a cast member, particularly for the surprise guest at the very end. After Ferrell’s Alex Trebek announces the “Final Jeopardy!,” the real, late Alex Trebek appears to bid his impersonate adieu.

James Gandolfini (Season 30)

When reporting on then-New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey’s scandal on “Weekend Update,” Amy Poehler and Tina Fey introduce a native to New York’s neighboring state to comment on the topic. The guest turns out to be played by the late James Gandolfini of the Sopranos cast fame, whose commentary turns out to be filled with stereotypes at the expense of his own community and others.

Chris Rock (Season 42)

A highlight of Dave Chappelle’s Emmy-winning debut hosting gig was the appearance of his friend and collaborator, Chris Rock. The ‘90s SNL icon shows up in a sketch set on the night of the 2016 Presidential Election to bond with Chappelle’s character over their anticipation of the inevitable results.

Jake Gyllenhaal (Season 45)

One of the most dazzling cameos in one of John Mulaney’s best comedy specials, John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch, was Jake Gyllenhaal as Mr. Music. The Academy Award nominee later reunited with the beloved comedian in one of Mulaney’s best musical SNL sketches as a pajama-clad traveler at LaGuardia Airport.

Janet Reno (Season 26)

Before Jane Lynch played Janet Reno in a true crime series, she was portrayed by Will Ferrell on SNL for years in “Janet Reno’s  Dance Party.” The final edition of the hard-partying sketch, amid the end of Reno’s sting as U.S. Attorney General, went out with a bang when the real Reno crashed through the wall to greet her doppelganger.

Mick Jagger (Season 49)

Musician and actor Bad Bunny’s SNL hosting debut was pretty cameo-heavy, including appearances by Pedro Pascal, former cast member Fred Armisen, and Lady Gaga. However, it was Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger who brought the house down with his bewildering parts in two sketches — first as a telenovela actor and later as a man posing as a nun.

Mark Zuckerberg (Season 36)

Host Jesse Eisenberg’s monologue is interrupted by Andy Samberg’s impersonation of Mark Zuckerberg, whom Eisenberg portrayed to Academy Award-nominated acclaim in the Social Network cast in 2010. Little do they know that the real Facebook founder is backstage, but goes against Lorne Michaels’ suggestions and joins Eisenberg onstage for an “awkberg” first meeting.

Sometimes what makes SNL really fun is waiting to see which celebrities might show up for a surprise appearance this time.

The world has said goodbye to a music legend, as Jimmy Buffett passed away September 1 at the age of 76. Many musicians have paid tribute to the “Margaritaville” singer and beach bar owner, including Sir Elton John and Kenny Chesney, but when one of The Beatles speaks highly of the life you’ve lived, I’d say you left quite a legacy. Sir Paul McCartney spoke out about his longtime friend and shared a sweet story about the “great man” that Buffett was.

Most Parrotheads will remember Jimmy Buffett as the care-free, fun-loving singer of beach vacation anthems like “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” — and possibly for his awesome Jurassic World scene — but it’s no surprise that Paul McCartney’s memories include grander tales from their friendship. It’s even less surprising that those memories involve music. In a lengthy homage to Buffett on his Instagram page, The Beatles singer recalled: 

I’m sure it’s no small feat to have one of your guitars completely restrung to accommodate the left-handed musician, but hey, I’m with Jimmy Buffett: When Paul McCartney wants to play some music, you do what you have to do to make it happen. The fact that Buffett later gifted McCartney with a special left-handed guitar seems to show how special that trip was for both of them, and the Beatle still has that souvenir and special memory of his friend.

Sir Paul McCartney went on to celebrate Jimmy Buffett’s “lust for life” and “beautiful sense of humour,” saying the singer was always good for a yarn about his sailing or surfing excursions. McCartney continued:

Sir Elton John called Jimmy Buffett “a lovely man” in his own tribute, while LL Cool J was thankful for the time they spent together. Kenny Chesney spoke about the “songs I will carry in my heart forever,” and of course Paul McCartney also mentioned Buffett’s musical talents, specifically noting how he could seemingly turn any quip into a song lyric. He ended his tribute with love, concluding: 

You can see his full post below: 

The singer-songwriter may be gone, but his spirit will surely live on through his music, with his greatest hits being on the playlist for any vacation in paradise. Our thoughts continue to be with Jimmy Buffett’s family, friends and many fans during this time. 

It’s hard to think of an actor who has enjoyed better longevity than Robert De Niro. For the last six decades, he has graced silver screens worldwide with some of the most captivating performances in film history. De Niro has picked up more than a few famous friends during his climb to the top – and earlier this week, many of them, including Martin Scorsese and The Beatles’ Paul McCartney gathered to celebrate his 80th birthday at a suitably star-studded party. 

What do you get the man who has everything? If you’re Robert De Niro’s friends, you get him a really nice party and a really big cake. On August 17, his many celebrity friends celebrated his 80th birthday at Locanda Verde, the restaurant he owns inside the Greenwich Hotel in New York City. Among those who showed up to wish De Niro well was Martin Scorsese. The Oscar-winning director looked especially dapper at the event, but don’t take our word for it. Here’s a glimpse of Scorsese rocking a pinstripe suit as he showed up to his longtime pal's birthday festivities: 

From the looks of it, the 80-year-old filmmaker had the time of his life celebrating his his friend’s 80th birthday. As mentioned, the Irishman director wasn’t the only celebrity icon that showed up to wish the Taxi Driver icon a happy birthday, though. He was joined by the one and only Paul McCartney, who brought some big business casual energy to the event when he showed up in jeans and a blazer. Take a look at the legendary rock star’s party attire below: 

Those two aforementioned celebrities are massive enough, but they weren't even the tip of the iceberg when it came to the recent shindig. TMZ reports that Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, Uma Thurman, Christopher Walken and George Lucas were among the partygoers as well. Talk about an A-list event.

Robert De Niro himself stayed pretty low key during the event, which is honestly a great way to ring in such a milestone year, especially since 79 proved to be especially eventful for him. At the beginning of 2023, he starred in the comedy About My Father. This spring, he joined Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio and other Flowers of the Killer Moon co-stars for the film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. In addition, De Niro welcomed his seventh child into the world and tragically lost his grandson, Leandro, at the age of 19 in July. 

On the professional front, it’s hard to predict how his next year will go, as any future projects are on hold as he stands in solidarity with other SAG-AFTRA actors in their ongoing strike. He does have some already completed projects that could prove to be career highlights. Flowers of the Killer Moon will hit theaters this fall, and the book-to-screen adaptation is one of the most highly anticipated 2023 new movie releases. In early 2024, De Niro will appear in Wise Guys, a new gangster film based on the Nichola Pileggi novel that inspired Goodfellas. 

Given all the ups and downs of his last year, hopefully, the veteran actor will be able to experience a peaceful and fulfilling next trip around the sun. If his birthday bash is any indication, it looks like he has plenty of great people by his side to help him make the most of his 80th year. 

Now, I’ve heard before that our world is smaller than one would think, but I never cease to be amazed by the kinds of pairings the universe brings together. The latest being Steven Spielberg and Paul McCartney, who were spotted on Monday watching Oppenheimer and its non-linear timeline together in New York. That may sound odd on the surface though, as I’ve come to learn, the iconic filmmaker and songwriter actually go back decades! And I'm so here for this celebrity friendship! 

It blows my mind to know that 76-year-old Jurassic Park helmer and 81-year-old Beatles frontman just casually hang out. Both are living legends who have absolutely altered pop culture and, thus, the world as we know it owes both a great deal of thanks for their bodies of work. The pair were photographed together (via People) in the Hamptons this week, where they were checking out Christopher Nolan’s historical drama together. On that note, I later learned they have a pretty interesting history together. 

Steven Spielberg and Paul McCartney have apparently known each other for some time, as their chummy interactions date all the way back to the ‘80s. It was during that specific decade that the "Coming Up" singer approached the Jaws director to ask for advice about making a movie revolving around his band’s career. Can you imagine if Spielberg did (or does) helm a Beatles biopic? It does feel like the rock band deserves the Bohemian Rhapsody treatment. 

Another fun tidbit from the pair's relationship surfaced in December 2022, when the Oscar-winning filmmaker appear on BBC Sounds while promoting his latest movie, The Fablemans. He spoke about how a song from The Beatles factored into a memorable moment from his life, saying this: 

It's definitely intriguing when public figures -- especially ones that hail from different creative backgrounds -- meet up and ultimately become friends. While so many of us engage in parasocial relationships with the great artists of our time, Steven Spielberg was once able to tell Paul McCartney that “Michelle” starting playing while he was dating a college girlfriend. How sweet is his story about how a first kiss was initiated by one of the Beatles classic tunes? Now, I can't help but wonder what those two talk about on a regular basis.

And then there’s the fact that they were two of the many moviegoers who saw one of the biggest 2023 new movie releases of the year. I do wonder if they also went for the ever popular "Barbenheimer" double feature, which is in its second week. Both Oppenheimer and Barbie boasted some wild stats after first seven days in theaters. Regardless of whether they took in both feature films, my heart feels a little bit fuller knowing these famous gents connect over cinema. 

Watching the James Bond movies in order is an experience akin to taking a time machine through the last 60 years of pop culture. That’s reflected both in the cinematic quality and content of the 25 007 adventures, as well as the theme songs that announced the arrival of each film. 

It’s part of what makes the alternate history of Bond songs so interesting to behold, especially with stories of artists like Frank Sinatra almost landing two Bond songs. Though in this case, history has taught us all the lesson of how Paul McCartney’s song for Live and Let Die almost never happened. 

It’s not that the song itself was disapproved of; quite the contrary. In the Prime Video documentary The Sound of 007, we learn that producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman actually requested Sir Paul’s songwriting talents by name. But as was revealed through interviews with composer/producer Sir George Martin, as well as McCartney himself, the process took on some interesting twists. Here’s what the team had to say: 

"Sir George Martin, Composer/Producer: Broccoli and Saltzman had put ‘round that they wanted a good theme tune. One of the team asked Paul McCartney if he would write a song. 

Sir Paul McCartney, Artist: I said, ‘Ok, send me the book around.’ They didn’t have a script then, I don’t think. He sent me the Ian Fleming book, and I read it. I read it, I thought it was pretty good, and that afternoon I wrote the song. It was co-produced with George Martin. I worked with George, which I hadn’t done since the Beatles. George took an acetate of it out to, I think it was the Bahamas, where they were filming it. He took it to Harry Saltzman.

Martin: And I thought, ‘Well, he’s gonna look me over.’ And at the end of it, he said, ‘By the way, who do you think we should get to sing the song?’ I said, ‘Well, you do have Paul McCartney,’ [and he said] ‘Yeah. Yeah. What do you think of Thelma Houston?’ I said, ‘I think she’s great, but Paul…’ [Harry continued] ‘How about Aretha Franklin?’ I said, ‘Fantastic.’ But Paul and I had suddenly realized that I had to put it to him, as delicately as I could, that if he didn’t take Paul, he wouldn’t get the song."

To think that "Live and Let Die" could have fallen into the history of alternate Bond themes if it weren’t for the fact that 007 producer Harry Saltzman couldn't take a hint. "Live and Let Die" by Paul McCartney and Wings is still a fantastic version that’s gone down in the history book for a reason. However, having a Black artist singing a song that winds up in a Harlem nightclub is kind of a requirement. 

In a sense, Saltzman and the Bond franchise got to have its cake and eat it too. Paul McCartney and Wings got to perform the main title version of Live and Let Die’s signature track, but another version also wound up on the film’s soundtrack. Seeing as it might have been awkward to have a former Beatle performing the song in the Harlem-based nightclub Filet o’Soul, a different take was performed by recording artist B.J. Arnau in the film, which you can listen to below:

The first entry in the Roger Moore’s James Bond movies, Live and Let Die has one of the most memorable songs to kick off a 007 adventure. It’s certainly not an easy act to follow Diamonds Are Forever, a statement which applies on two separate levels. As Sir Roger stepped in after Sir Sean Connery’s surprise return, McCartney’s tune followed the second time Dame Shirley Bassey scored one of the Connery-era title themes.

Sir Paul McCartney’s rock and roll track undoubtedly came along at the right time though. Transitioning the James Bond saga from the swinging sixties into the hard rocking ‘70s, Live and Let Die’s title track was purely a product of its time. Not to mention, it also helped bridge the gap even further between the 007 tradition of scoring a chart-ranking hit that also ties into the most recent film's plot and promotion. 

As the section of The Sound of 007 dedicated to the song continues, some highlighted feedback came from both franchise producer Barbara Broccoli and The Man with the Golden Gun singer Lulu. Their reflections on the track were as enthusiastic as they were wonderful to behold: 

"Lulu: It was rock and roll. You hadn’t had a Bond song that sounded like that. That almost blew me off my seat.

Barbara Broccoli: I remember Dad playing that Paul McCartney song, he had big speakers in the living room. My sister and I, just going crazy. Going absolutely crazy."

Pop culture history could have changed quite a bit if Paul McCartney’s Live and Let Die title tune wound up becoming an alternate take relegated to the same sort of fate Alice Cooper’s song for The Man with the Golden Gun landed. That’s a story for another time, as fate led to a smash hit for the ages, as well as the first Oscar nomination for a James Bond song. 

With those accomplishments under its belt, the 007 series would establish a new era of tradition for the then fledgling films. You can learn more about the 60-year musical history of the franchise in The Sound of 007. The documentary, and its companion concert highlight special, are both currently available for steaming, provided you have a Prime Video subscription. 

Amid a myriad of legal issues stemming from his conflict with ex-wife Amber Heard, Johnny Depp has become a polarizing public figure. Some still take issue with him due to the allegations leveled at him by his former spouse, while others continue to support or pay homage to him. This weekend, during his set at Glastonbury, music icon Paul McCartney didn’t explicitly express support for Depp, though he did show old footage of the star from one of his music videos. While the clip didn’t draw an enthusiastic response from fans, they were apparently delighted by a touching moment involving the late John Lennon. 

Paul McCartney headlined the Glastonbury Festival this past Saturday, where he performed some of his greatest hits, per Deadline. Among the songs he performed was “My Valentine,” from his 2012 album Kisses on the Bottom. While the Grammy winner performed the song on the piano, footage from the music video played, showing Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman. This isn’t the first time that the singer has used the footage as of late, as it’s been employed during his U.S. tour, which occurred in the midst of the actor’s case against Amber Heard. 

Some fans across social media weren’t all that pleased with the music video footage being shown. For instance, one person took to Twitter to express their lifelong love of the former Beatle while also lamenting the idea of him being “a Depp supporter.” However, just about everyone seemed to agree on the John Lennon tribute that he included. Thanks to some digital magic, the 80-year-old and Lennon (via a screen) sang “I've Got a Feeling.” Per Deadline, this performance drew some of the loudest cheers, and those taking it in from the Internet loved it, too. One user seemed impressed by the fact that the musician was able to find a way to top having Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen perform with him on stage. 

Paul McCartney has paid tribute to his former bandmate on a number of occasions over the years. In some instances, he’s shared sweet throwbacks of them hanging out together. He’s also honored him at concerts through digital performances like the one featured at Glastonbury. All in all, you have to love the way in which John Lennon’s friends and loved ones have kept his memory alive.

Johnny Depp’s legacy, on the other hand, may be one that’s debated a bit moving forward. Just a few weeks ago, the Oscar nominee emerged victorious after a jury’s verdict stipulated that he receive a collective $15 million from both compensatory and punitive damages. When responding to the decision, Depp said that he “felt at peace,” though he’s not finished in the courtroom just yet. The actor is about to contend with another case stemming from assault charges filed by a crew member on his 2018 film City of Lies. 

All the while, the entertainer is still landing jobs, and one of the new projects he has lined up is a music-based. The actor is teaming up with his friend, guitarist Jeff Beck, to produce a new album. The Pirates of the Caribbean star has recently been performing in shows with Beck and drawing some eyes while doing so. Even the actor’s ex, Kate Moss, travelled to his London show after defending him in court.

So it seems that Johnny Depp’s presence in the music scene is going to grow from here. With that, you have to wonder whether this could mean another collaboration with Paul McCartney could be in the cards. That remains to be seen but, until that happens, I’d say there’s a chance McCartney will continue to show footage from their past music video while paying further homage to John Lennon at shows.

Former Beatle Paul McCartney is currently criss-crossing his way across the country on his latest tour, but rather than normal post-concert topics like set lists and stage designs, some of the conversation after his latest stop has been about his perceived support for Johnny Depp. The rock legend performed “My Valentine” at a stop earlier this week in Orlando, Florida, and during the song, he projected shots from the music video onto a big screen, shots which included Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp.

According to TMZ, the crowd cheered when Depp was first shown on the large monitor, but his appearance was never actually addressed by Paul McCartney during the concert. Given the music legend reportedly didn’t use the visual during his last tour and the Johnny Depp/ Amber Heard trial is everywhere right now, many are speculating the support was a subtle but still intentional choice. That certainly seems possible given Depp and McCartney have spent some time together. A classic photo of the two together from the mid-90s has even started running around on social media.

The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial recently wrapped up and is currently with the jury as all sides await their verdict. The televised proceedings have captivated millions, as both former spouses have taken the stand to accuse the other of abuse and drug use, among many other allegations. There have also been a long series of lighter moments including arguments over who pooped in the bed, weird witnesses, sick burns and an all-time courtroom fart. 

The former couple met on the set of The Rum Diary and were married from 2015 to 2017. In the time since, the actors have been in and out of various courtrooms. The general public has followed much of these proceedings, but interest has greatly intensified during the current trial as cameras were allowed into the courtroom. Chatter on social media has been near constant during the entire duration of the defamation trial, and a steady stream of celebrities have either been looped into the proceedings as witnesses or their social media accounts and various comments have been poured over by fans trying to figure out who they are siding with. 

Unless Paul McCartney makes a further statement on the matter, we may never know how much of his perceived support was intentional, but at least one other rock legend has made his viewpoint a little more clear. Over the weekend, Jeff Beck performed a gig in Sheffield as part of his UK tour and invited Johnny Depp to join him on stage. The two played “Isolation”, a John Lennon cover they released together back in 2020, and they also performed classics like “Little Wing” and “What’s Going On?”

A decision from the jury in the Depp and Heard case could come as early as tomorrow. Expect whatever happens to be very widely covered. 

Moulin Rouge! just turned 20 years old, but even after two decades, the film's cultural impact is still being felt. Case in point, Moulin Rouge! The Musical swept the Tony Awards in September, taking home 10 trophies, including Best Musical. Well, as it turns out, the iconic tracks heard throughout the film were almost very different until a slew of rock music legends, including Elton John, swept in and helped writer/director Baz Luhrmann maintain his original vision for the jukebox musical.

I recently sat down with Baz Luhrmann to congratulate him on the film’s 20th anniversary and the musical’s Tony wins when he launched into an impassioned display of gratitude toward those who helped the film get made. This includes Paul McCartney, David Bowie and the man who “led the charge,” Elton John. He explained that the music publishers wanted nothing to do with mash-ups or musical adaptations, so he had no choice but to go to the artists themselves. Luhrmann recalled:

Elton John’s “Your Song” is featured prominently in Moulin Rouge! as Ewan McGregor’s Christian serenades his star-crossed lover, Nicole Kidman’s Satine. It’s become such an iconic moment that the idea of any other track being used in its place is nearly unthinkable. If you haven’t seen the film in a while, here is a quick refresher:

But Elton John isn’t the only knighted, rock music superstar to have taken a role in pushing the project forward. The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” is also prominently featured in the film, and Paul McCartney “swung in” to push publishers in the right direction. David Bowie took it up a notch by not only supporting the film’s use of his song “Heroes,” but also working with Baz Luhrmann directly to provide vocals for the film’s cover of “Nature Boy.” As Luhrmann explained:

Perhaps the most charming part of this story is that after working with his heroes, Baz Luhrmann managed to develop meaningful relationships with them. The rock icons were right to put their faith in Luhrmann, as the film became a cultural phenomenon (despite its mixed critical reception) and ended up winning two Oscars. 

As for Baz Luhrmann’s future, he has plenty of projects in the works. Moulin Rouge! The Musical just opened in Melbourne, will open in London in a few weeks, and then will be touring on American soil before making its way to Tokyo. He’s also writing and directing 2022’s Elvis Presley biopic. It stars Austin Butler as the icon himself and features performances from Tom Hanks and Dacre Montgomery. If you’re wondering what to watch while you anxiously await Luhrmann’s next feature, we’ve got you covered. 

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We didn’t get to see too many of our favorite actors, musicians, and even wrestlers in 2020 due to everything going on in the world, but the likes of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Stanley Tucci, John Cena (and more) weren’t just sitting around twiddling their thumbs. In fact, all three of those celebrities and others like them filled up their vacant calendars by writing books. Everything from memoirs to works of fiction and even in-depth examinations of the lyrics of a former Beatle were crafted in recent months.

To save everyone time and energy, we’ve put together a breakdown of just 15 books written by celebrities that are due to be published throughout 2021 (and some that have already been released to bookstores around the globe). There’s a lot to get into here, so let’s get started, shall we…

Ethan Hawke - A Bright Ray Of Darkness

When people hear the name Ethan Hawke they probably think back to his roles in films like Training Day, Dead Poets Society, or the Before trilogy, but the Academy Award nominee is also somewhat of an accomplished writer. Hawke’s third novel, A Bright Ray of Darkness, which sounds like it takes inspiration from the actor’s own life, centers on a young man preparing for his big professional breakthrough with his Broadway debut just as his failing marriage implodes. Exploring themes like love, art, and fame, Hawke’s third novel was published February 2, 2021.

A Bright Ray of Darkness is available now. Order it on Amazon.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas - Unfinished: A Memoir

We will soon be seeing a lot of Priyanka Chopra Jonas when she appears in The White Tiger and The Matrix 4 later in 2021, but the Indian actress and wife of the youngest Jonas brother has already gotten off to a tremendous start to the year with the release of her first book, Unfinished: A Memoir. Published February 9, 2021, the revealing memoir serves as a platform for one of the most recognizable faces in show business to share her life story and the complexities of her life. With sections dedicated to her upbringing, decades-spanning acting career, and humanitarian efforts, Unfinished offers a never-before-seen look at the actress’ incredible story.

Unfinished is available now. Order it on Amazon.

Chip Gaines - No, Pain, No Gaines: The Good Stuff Doesn’t Come Easy

It is hard to stroll through any given store (both physical and digital), watch TV, or browse the internet without seeing Chip and Joanna Gaines in one shape or another, and it will soon get even harder. In addition to working on the launch of the Magnolia Network, Chip Gaines is also preparing to launch his latest book, No Pain, No Gaines: The Good Stuff Doesn’t Come Easy. The upcoming memoir/self-help book will guide readers through Gaines’ journey to launching a successful brand with his wife while also talking about what matters most in life: family and goals.

No, Pain, No Gaines is due out March 16, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

Sharon Stone - The Beauty Of Living Twice

Golden Globe-winning actress Sharon Stone (Casino) has been a part of the Hollywood story for more than 40 years, giving scene-stealing performances in everything from Basic Instinct to The Disaster Artist. Now, Stone will tell her own story in her upcoming memoir The Beauty of Living Twice, in which she details her journey of healing, love, and purpose on and off sound-stages around the world. This honest and at times humorous recounting of Stone’s life can’t be missed.

The Beauty of Living Twice is due out March 30, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

John Cena - Be A Work In Progress: And Other Things I’d Like To Tell My Younger Self

In 2021 we’ll see John Cena (or will we?) make his Fast & Furious debut in F9, show up in The Suicide Squad (and an HBO Max series of his own), and all other sorts of madness. And while we are waiting for all of the wrestler-turned-actor’s upcoming movies and shows, we can read his non-fiction book Be A Work In Progress: And Other Things I’d Like to Tell My Younger Self. This heartfelt and hopeful collection of thoughts, wisdom, and stories (not to mention illustrations by Valeria Petrone) sounds like it will be a lot like Cena’s Twitter feed, which is actually being turned into a book of its own: Do Your Best Every Day To Do You Best Every Day.

Be A Work In Progress and Do Your Best Every Day To Do You Best Every Day is due out April 6, 2021. Pre-order both on Amazon here and here.

Brandi Carlile - Broken Horses: A Memoir

Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile has continued to be one of the most prolific and successful musicians of her time with a decorated solo career as well as a few major collaborations with music’s brightest stars. The story of how Carlile got to this point in her career with her five Grammys and shelves of other awards is told in great detail in her upcoming book Broken Horses: A Memoir. From growing up as an openly gay teenager in Seattle to sharing the stage with the late John Prine, it’s all on display here.

Broken Horses is due out April 6, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

Julianna Margulies - Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life

For years, Julianna Margulies has been a fixture of television with celebrated performances first on the medical drama ER and then the legal drama The Good Wife, but now we’ll get to a different side of the three-time Primetime Emmy winner’s book Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life. This upcoming memoir will explore not only Margulies’ time on the two award-winning shows but also her personal coming-of-age story before she found success on our television screens week after week for decades.

Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life is due out May 4, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

Andrew McCarthy - Brat: An ‘80s Story

Andrew McCarthy, who initially found success as a member of the “Brat Pack” with appearances in quintessential ‘80s movies like St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink, and Less than Zero, has gone on to have success both in front and behind the camera over the years. And although the latter part of McCarthy’s career (especially all the shows he’s directed) would be perfect for a book, Brat instead focuses on his first taste of success and the hardships that came from it during the the 1980s.

Brat: An ‘80s Story is due out May 11, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

Seth Rogen - Yearbook

Since breaking out with his performance on Freaks and Geeks, Seth Rogen has become one of the most consistently funny, witty, and charming threats in Hollywood with everything from Superbad to An American Pickle under his belt. In May 2021, Rogen’s fans will get to step into the mind of the man behind the madness with Yearbook, a collection of stories about his upbringing, early attempts at stand-up, and how he became one of the funniest names in show business.

Yearbook is due out May 11, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

Kevin Hart - Marcus Makes A Movie

Kevin Hart has spent the better part of the past decade dominating at the box office (and on Netflix with his stand-up specials) and so it was only a matter of time before the comedian-turned-actor wrote his own children’s book. Marcus Makes a Movie follows a young boy who dreams of making a superhero spectacle after getting stuck in an after-school film class. What Marcus has in ideas (and a hero) he lacks in skill or basic knowledge of filmmaking, causing chaos to ensue.

Marcus Makes a Movie is due out June 1, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

Richard Marx - Stories To Tell: A Memoir

Richard Marx is responsible for more than a dozen of the biggest songs of all time with classics like “Endless Summer Nights,” “Right Here Waiting,” and “Now & Forever,” and now the prolific singer-songwriter will share the stories behind those songs and his success in Stories to Tell: a Memoir. This decades-spanning recounting of some of the Grammy winner’s biggest moments (both highs and lows) and continued success years after the fact will shed light on what has inspired the acclaimed musician all these years.

Stories To Tell: A Memoir is due out July 6, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

Evanna Lynch - Untitled Memoir

Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the final four Harry Potter movies and later became an outspoken activist will soon be sharing her story in a yet-to-be-titled memoir set for release this September. This coming-of-age story will follow the Lynch from her days as a young aspiring actress to superstardom in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, documenting the struggles she faced along the way. Touching on her recovery from anorexia and how she would go on to portray her favorite character from J.K. Rowling’s series of books, Lynch provides a touching and inspiring story about growing up.

Evanna Lynch’s untitled memoir is due out September 14, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

Trisha Yearwood - Trisha’s Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food For Friends And Family

Country music icon (hello Con Air) and daytime cooking show host Trisha Yearwood is no stranger when it comes to cooking up hits in the kitchen, and she’ll soon share with the world even more of her delicious creations in Trisha’s Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends and Family. Packed with 125 unique recipes (plus photos and fun anecdotes), this cookbook will do to your taste buds what her music has been doing to your ears for decades.

Trisha’s Kitchen is due out September 28, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

Stanley Tucci - Taste: My Life Through Food

Stanley Tucci has appeared in several food-based movies over the years and even has his own culinary travel show on CNN with Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, and so it should come as no surprise that he has several cookbooks under his belt. In October, the accomplished actor will add yet another book to the list with Taste: My Life Through Food. This decades-spanning memoir will explore Tucci’s love of all things food and how that passion impacted roles in The Big Night and Julie & Julia.

Taste: My Life Through Food is due out October 12, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

Paul McCartney - The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present

There are accomplished musicians and then there are the likes of Paul McCartney, the former Beatle who has continued to find success in just about everything he sets his eyes on for well over a half-century now. This November, the music icon will release a massive collection of his lyrics titled The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, which includes notes, stories, and other details about dozens of history’s best songs.

The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present is due out November 2, 2021. Pre-order it on Amazon.

And not to be outdone, several celebrities released books in the final weeks of 2020 that are more than deserving of a quick shoutout before end things here. For starters there is Steve Martin’s A Wealth of Pigeons: A Cartoon Collection and then Kathie Lee Gifford’s inspiring memoir It’s Never Too Late: Make the Next Act of Your Life the Best Act of Your Life, which can be found here and here.

40 years ago today, the tragic murder of John Lennon robbed the world of a vital musical talent and one of the world’s most peaceful visionaries. Lennon’s death has always stood as one of those moments where anyone who experienced it can remember where they were when it happened. And as a fitting tribute to the man’s memory, Sir Paul McCartney has shared a throwback photo of the two of them hanging out, during their time as bandmates.

Through his social media presence on Twitter, Sir Paul shared this lovely flashback to a time when the former Beatles collaborators were akin to sharing the same room. After the famed group's breakup, McCartney and Lennon only hung out a handful of times before the latter’s untimely death in 1980. And before those hangouts, a bitter history followed the formerly inseparable pair:

All of those bad feelings were dashed away, naturally, and in the years following John Lennon’s death, Paul McCartney has gone on record regretting that he never got closer with his departed friend. While the intense conflict between the two partners had died out, their friendship was never the same. While John Lennon’s passing may have taken the man himself from us, his legacy and the shockwaves from his assassination have endured throughout the world of entertainment and social activism.

Lennon’s wife and musical collaborator Yoko Ono once used a photo of his bloodied glasses to take a stand against gun violence. Not to mention, there have been films about the legacy of John Lennon and his passing.

One such notable work is the Jared Leto-starring biopic, Chapter 27, which depicted the moments of assassin Mark David Chapman’s life before he executed his plot. And on the lighter side, we saw Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis’ hit alternate history comedy, Yesterday, take its own unique look into the imprint that John Lennon left on the world, specifically what it would be like without the music he and The Beatles created in their heyday.

John Lennon, as well as Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr will always be figures of intense fascination to the world dedicated to music and pop culture. Their contributions as The Beatles, and as solo artists, are so mythic that it’s hard not to want to dig deeper or just remember the good times that were had as a result.

Though it is a tragic day in said history, it’s good to know that Sir Paul still has fond memories of his dear friend and is nice enough to share the photos to prove it. Check back with CinemaBlend for more pop culture-related news, and keep track of movies on the way with our 2021 release schedule.

In April, the James Bond series will make history as No Time To Die has drafted Billie Ellish to co-write and sing the latest entry in the franchise’s catalog of theme songs. As the youngest person to ever hold this honor, it’s a pretty huge happening, in a history that’s brought us some of the slickest, most entertaining singles to come from the world of the movies.

Out of the 24 existing songs, spanning all the way back to Monty Norman’s original James Bond theme, there are 10 that represent what we believe to be the best James Bond theme songs of all time. Excluding the omnipresent theme itself, this lineup encapsulates the highlights of this ever expanding library of killer tracks.

Here now are the 10 James Bond theme songs that have shaken and stirred audiences over the ages. And don’t worry if you think we’re missing a song on this lineup, as you’ll have your chance to join the conversation after we’ve come to the end.

10. Sheryl Crow - Tomorrow Never Dies

One of the last people you’d have expected to sing a James Bond theme song is, undeniably, ‘90s pop-rock star Sheryl Crow. And yet, her work on the title song to Tomorrow Never Dies is a surprising departure from the music that most would identify her for. It’s an absolutely gorgeous downer, told from the point of view of an ex-lover from Bond’s past.

Much like her work on “The Globe Sessions” album, Crow’s song is a morbidly romantic tune that laments how danger and love collide in the world of James Bond’s line of work. If there was ever one statement that could pin down why Bond hasn’t been the best mate in his checkered past, it’d have to be the lyrics detailing how, “martinis, girls, and guns [are] murder on our love affair.” It’s a wonder he’s ever been married, and may very well be again in No Time To Die.

9. Paul McCartney & Wings - Live And Let Die

The Roger Moore era of James Bond saw some interesting transitions when it came to music. Once that traditional Bond sound had been established with theme tunes bombastic and lavish, the more rock and roll themes always felt like something that snuck in.

However, in the best cases, such as Paul McCartney & Wings’ classic James Bond theme song to the film Live and Let Die, that surprise is a breath of fresh air when things are starting to get too comfortable. A fast, hard driving opener that starts out under a false sense of security, McCartney and his post-Beatles band helped bring Bond into the ‘70s in style.

8. a-ha - The Living Daylights

If the stories are to be believed, a-ha’s titular theme to The Living Daylights was the song that apparently led series composer John Barry to finally retire from the James Bond franchise. Which is a damned shame too, as this is one of the most memorable entries from the ‘80s James Bond canon.

This particular song isn’t the aggressive, synth laden sort of product we saw just one film prior with A View To A Kill, but rather a crossroads between Barry’s orchestral stylings and a-ha’s modern sound. Bordering on melancholy, but not lacking the steam needed to excite the audience, “The Living Daylights” is a song that sets up Timothy Dalton’s more grounded Bond in a brief, concentrated context.

7. Garbage - The World Is Not Enough

Chances are, if you’re a singer named Shirley, you’ve got good odds of singing a killer bond theme. Garbage’s lead singer Shirley Manson proved this fact once again when The World Is Not Enough delivered its mournful ballad of conquest at the end of the 20th century.

Part retro throwback to the flowery orchestral stylings of the classic James Bond theme songs, the song was most definitely something that Garbage would have released even if they weren’t asked to officially create a Bond theme. It’s a song that teases villainous intent, with a sexy edge, a reflection of the film’s own twisted plot.

6. Duran Duran - A View To A Kill

Earlier, we mentioned how aggressive Duran Duran’s theme to A View To A Kill was when compared to the energy of the song that directly succeeded it, a-ha’s The Living Daylights. Yet its aggressive nature is exactly what makes this James Bond theme song something to truly behold, as it’s another example of a song that sounds like it’s dedicated to the villain.

Perpetuating a flare for the dramatic, the band’s lyrics about “first crystal tears” and a presence that will “dance into the fire,” it’s a pulpy treat that blazes through synth runs that both please and pierce the ears. For a movie with Christopher Walken as the villain, this feels perfectly at home.

5. The John Barry Orchestra - On Her Majesty's Secret Service

One of the only James Bond theme songs that lacks lyrics (at least, lyrics known to the general public,) On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is one of John Barry’s finest contributions to the world of 007’s musical landscape. It’s also one of the most memorable themes, in an impressive lineup of songs that sing some pretty terrific metaphors.

All Barry needs is a vague clocklike ticking to set his tune against, and this James Bond theme song encapsulates the feeling of a new era arriving in the world of this British super spy. As George Lazenby strutted into his first, and only, film in the role, James Bond blazed a musical trail that’s still a breathtaking work to behold.

4. Tom Jones – Thunderball

The history of James Bond theme songs all boil down to one, simple construct of music: talented singers belting out tunes that are either supporting the heroes or lamenting the villains. Tom Jones’ masterful performance of Thunderball is one from the latter category, as we’re introduced to baddie Emilio Largo in truly dramatic fashion.

With a climax that was rumored to cause Jones to collapse after recording it, the swagger on “Thunderball” is off the charts. It’s too bad he never returned to sing another theme, as he could have been the male counterpart to the truly royal talent that left her stamp across eons of the James Bond firmament.

3. Shirley Bassey – Goldfinger

All hail Shirley Bassey. The woman who lent her forceful vocals to the title tracks for Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, and Moonraker, her presence is one that still reverberates throughout every performance that mimics her classic style. Though if we had to single one particular song out, it’d have to be her very first entry in the 007 series.

Goldfinger is still, apologies for the unintended pun, a gold standard when it comes to James Bond theme songs. Bassey knows Auric Goldfinger, and through a booming title track warns you up front what this man is capable of. From that point on, any danger incurred was at the fault of those foolish to not heed those warnings.

2. Chris Cornell - You Know My Name

Like a brick through a plate glass window, Daniel Craig’s casting as James Bond sent shockwaves through the system that had gotten used to another lull of familiarity in the landmark franchise. And with a new, daring Bond, a bold new direction was needed for Casino Royale’s theme song; which is where the late great Chris Cornell came in.

“You Know My Name” is one of the few James Bond theme songs that isn’t titled after the film its accompanying, but much like the title of Ian Fleming’s first 007 novel, fans wouldn’t forget the name of this innovative rock tune that gave a new age of espionage the forceful pulse it needed.

1. Adele – Skyfall

Sometimes, tradition isn’t such a bad thing, especially if it’s dressed with the right modern trappings. As Sam Mendes took to the 007 series for the first of two directing gigs, Skyfall symbolized its blend of classic Bond style with modern storytelling in several ways.

The newfound vulnerability of James’s psyche is reflected in a beautifully haunting tune that, upon further examination, is a love song of sorts. Not a romantic one, mind you, but one that symbolizes the pseudo mother-son relationship Craig’s Bond had with Dame Judi Dench’s M. Dramatic strings, and an ominous horn section seal the deal as Adele’s soaring vocals led this song to be not only the best James Bond theme song ever, but also the first to ever win an Oscar for Best Original Song.

There are so many terrific tracks that we haven’t mentioned throughout the rest of the extensive back catalog of themes. But if we’re sticking to the 10 best James Bond theme songs, these are the gems that will last as long as diamonds tend to do.

Naturally, we’d like to know what you think the best James. Bond theme song is, be it something from this list or a title we didn’t include in our ranking. So vote on the poll below, and leave some feedback in the comments section below.

And don’t forget, No Time To Die hits theaters on April 2nd in the UK and April 10th in the US.

This poll is no longer available.

Roughly one month ago, music lovers around the world received an unusual bit of trivia about The Beatles from Sir Paul McCartney. During a profile piece with the legendary singer-songwriter to promote his solo album Egypt Station, McCartney revealed that during their early days together, he and John Lennon, along with a couple of Lennon's mates, got together, turned off the lights and masturbated together while seated in a circle.

While Paul McCartney was quick to note that these intimate masturbation sessions were very early on in life, possibly even before John Lennon and McCartney formed The Beatles together, more than a few Beatles fans were perhaps wondering: did Ringo Starr get involved? The only living member of the iconic band besides Sir McCartney, the folks over at TMZ were ultimately willing to confront Ringo Starr about the lingering question. With an unsurprising bit of unease, Starr cleared the air on the matter, claiming it was before his time with The Beatles. As the tabloid publication cheekily notes, the musician "came later."

When Ringo Starr was asked if he "missed out," all he could do was provide a hearty laugh. After all, it's an awkward conversation to bring up, and even the typical brash cameraman over at TMZ looks uncomfortable discussing this delicate and personal topic in front of the world-famous musician. Nevertheless, Ringo was able to provide an answer to that lingering question (if it was lingering at all...), and put the topic to rest.

Paul McCartney's original story was illuminating piece of information, and one that received no shortage of ridicule from cheeky social media users. You don't want to know how many people made puns based on songs like "Come Together" and "With A Little Help From My Friends."

Ringo Starr was in the news earlier this year for a matter that was more of distinguished note. As it was alluded to earlier in the article, Ringo Starr was officially knighted by the royal family -- an honor that was bestowed upon the iconic musical group as a whole back in 1965 and a distinction that was also given to Paul McCartney by himself in 1997, making Ringo the second living Beatle to enter knighthood.

While Ringo Starr has shared many memories with Paul McCartney and the late John Lennon, this particular reflection is one that is only held by McCartney, not Ringo. And it sounds like Ringo isn't disappointed in the slightest about being left out to the equation with this particular matter.

For the latest celebrity news and updates, as well as the freshest movie and TV news, you can check back in with CinemaBlend for more. Especially regarding the mutual masturbation of living musical legends.

You might think you've heard all the stories about The Beatles before, but we can almost guarantee you that you haven't heard this one. During a recent long-spanning interview, where the conversation discussed a variety of different talking points, Paul McCartney disclosed an incident that was once deeply private: the time John Lennon, McCartney and a few of their friends masturbated together in Lennon's house. Insert your getting by "with a little help from my friends" joke here. Believe it or not, this moment became one of the ways in which these endearing music legends bonded during their earlier years. Here's how McCartney explained it. Let's just say that "Come Together" is never going to be heard the same way ever again.

The adult admission came during Paul McCartney's extended conversation with GQ. The musician regaled the story upon reflecting back on his earlier years before the musicians became their self-appointed "Beatles." It was an earlier time. Perhaps even a simpler one. As he recounts it in this revealing interview, there wasn't a specific reason why the group of men decided to engage in this extracurricular activity together. It just sorta happened all at once-- as it was recounted by McCartney at least. To provide inspiration in the dark room, the men apparently shouted out different names of people they fancied, and that's what kept them going through their individual acts. Looking back on the moment now, Sir Paul admits it was "raunchy."

When asked if Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and the other men involved engaged in this group session (or "ritual") more than once, McCartney claimed it was a "one-off." In any case, it wasn't a regular occurrence, though it did have a lasting impact, as it is a memory that has stuck with the long-standing musician all these decades earlier. Paul McCartney claims that it was "good harmless fun," and that nobody got hurt in the process. It seems like, looking back upon it now, the singer is more amused by what happened more than anything else.

Meanwhile, this interview isn't the first time Paul McCartney has looked back on life-changing memories and revealed new secrets to the wide-eyed public. In another recent interview published last week, McCartney talked about the time he believes he saw God while he was hallucinating on drugs.

Visitors of 30 Rock are bound to see a few surprising things while touring the iconic building, such as the set of Saturday Night Live or the other late-night shows. If they're really lucky, they just might catch a celebrity or two around the building, which is exactly what happened to a few fortunate guests. Jimmy Fallon had Paul McCartney on The Tonight Show to promote his latest album Egypt Station, and when the two weren't on set handling that, they were hiding out near the building elevator and surprising unsuspecting tourists:

It really speaks to the impact The Beatles still have on the world when people react shocked to see Jimmy Fallon, and then are absolutely floored by seeing Paul McCartney. Despite the fact that Fallon is a household name these days and someone the general public hears about far more frequently than McCartney, the screams and surprise were always notably louder when the tourists realized McCartney was just a few feet away from them. Of course, it may have been because Fallon is someone a tourist would expect to see at 30 Rock, when not many would expect McCartney.

Whatever the case, there's no denying the singer-songwriter still has plenty of charm left in the tank as more than a couple women on the elevators talked about how awesome it was to see him. One woman in The Tonight Show bit even seemed hypnotized by Paul McCartney, as she promptly forgot she was on a tour and attempted to get off the elevator and walk towards the singer before being stopped by the elevator man. It's not like anyone can blame her for trying, as who wouldn't get off a floor or two early and take the stairs if it meant hanging out with Jimmy Fallon and prophetic rock royalty?

The Tonight Show really got some mileage out of the segment and had a lot of props on deck to up the ante with every group that came through on the elevator. It was certainly worth the effort, although we're curious just how long Paul McCartney and Jimmy Fallon hung out in that small room before calling it a day. Even if it was a long time, McCartney did Carpool Karaoke, so no doubt he had some practice in having some endurance all for the sake of a late-night sketch. On that note, Fallon probably shouldn't try something like this with Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters, just to be safe.

The Tonight Show airs on NBC weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET. For a look at what else is happening on television over the next couple of months, visit and bookmark our fall premiere guide.

Paul McCartney is in his twilight years. The 76-year-old singer-songwriter behind "When I'm 64," along with several more classic tunes, is among the most famous and beloved musicians in the world. But, the former Beatle knows he won't be around forever, and that death is inevitable even for Paul McCartney. Which begs the question: is there an afterlife? Everyone has an answer, including Paul McCartney. In a recent interview, McCartney talked about his personal religious beliefs, and why he believes he saw God when he took drugs during his younger years. As the veteran musicmaker admitted, it took him time to process what he saw in that moment, but it clearly had an affect on him, and it has greatly impacted the way he views the world and, more specifically, the afterlife. Here's what Paul McCartney said.

Talk about a life-changing experience. The quote came during Paul McCartney's recent interview with The Times, where the former member of The Beatles talked about a variety of different talking points. Even though he's closer to 80 than 64 these days, McCartney is keeping himself as busy as ever, but that doesn't mean the fun is going last forever. One of these days, McCartney will no longer be with us. And, McCartney believes that's when he's going to meet his maker. As for the religious experience, Sir McCartney talked about what it was like, in his vision, to see God before him while he was sitting on that couch.

It certainly had a lasting impact on Paul McCartney, it's safe to say. And while McCartney has had no shortage of experience with hallucinogenic drugs, this one was profound enough to stay in his long-term memory, even after all these years. Celebrities don't often talk about their religious beliefs, and this interview is a rare glimpse into Sir Paul McCartney's personal beliefs on God and what comes next in this life we share. There's no denying that Paul McCartney has lived one hell of a great life in his many decades on this planet. These days, he finds himself thinking about what's set to come hereafter.

Meanwhile, we'll be sure to keep you posted on all the celebrity updates related to Paul McCartney, and more, right here at CinemaBlend.

James Corden got Paul McCartney to step in for some Carpool Karaoke, and the result was a pretty comprehensive journey through the music legend's old haunts, including those mentioned in The Beatles' most beloved songs. Filmed in McCartney's hometown of Liverpool, England, he and Corden take turns behind the wheel as The Beatles and Wings trailblazer sings along to some of his greatest hits. See for yourself below:

The supersized clip uploaded to The Late Late Show with James Corden's YouTube lasts for well over twenty minutes, nearly hitting the twenty-five mark. The look on people's faces as they encounter Paul McCartney and James Corden is so sweet. And overall there is a really interactive element to this Carpool Karaoke. At one point, McCartney mentions that the last time he was there, no one had noticed him "at all." The cameras undoubtedly blew his cover this time around.

Thanks to the tour, fans get to see the places mentioned in The Beatles' songs. For many watching, it may be the first time they have gotten to lay eyes on the sites made famous landmarks thanks to the songs. Yes, you could have seen images of these places on Google Maps, at least from the outside. But there is something truly enchanting about seeing them with Paul McCartney as the tour guide. He gives charming and moving insights as only he could.

This Carpool Karaoke provides yet another insight into why Paul McCartney has had the successful career he has. In this footage alone, you get a strong sense of him as a sincere, passionate, and humble person. It is also neat to see James Corden's excitement over the surreal experience of going on such an immensely personal tour with the icon. While they sing in the car quite a bit, McCartney and Corden get a lot of opportunities to stretch their legs. And one standout moment involves a surprise performance in a pub.

Carpool Karaoke is known for its humor, but with Paul McCartney in both the passenger and driver's seat, it gets a chance to be reflective, poignant, and at times incredibly moving thanks to the sentimentality that charges so much of it. You have to tip your hat in amazement to those that planned the trip out. That was no easy feat, and the editor(s?) also did a great job of putting the footage together. When you have Paul McCartney on board, high hopes are going to be inextricably linked. Somehow, The Late Late Show managed to pull it off.

The Late Late Show with James Corden airs weeknights at 12:35 a.m. ET on CBS. For new upcoming and returning television shows you can watch instead of hanging by the pool, check out CinemaBlend's guide to TV's summer premieres.

It's official: Ringo Starr is a knight. The Beatles' drummer was bestowed the honor of knighthood today for his services to music. He becomes the second member of the biggest band in the world to receive this high achievement, a full 21 years after Paul McCartney was knighted back in 1997.

The BBC covered the recent knighthood. Ringo Starr was given the honor by Prince William, a.k.a. the Duke of Cambridge, during a ceremony at the Buckingham Palace. The musician didn't take the achievement lightly either. As Ringo admitted to the presses later today, he was quite moved by it.

It is not the first time Ringo Starr has been honored by the royal family, however. Alongside his fellow Beatles bandmates, including Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison, Ringo was awarded a medal as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) back in 1965. This time, however, Ringo was obviously awarded solo, and the drummer admitted that he found himself lonely during his Buckingham Palace return.

Does this mean that we should refer to the musician as Sir Ringo Starr from now on? The living legend himself hasn't decided yet. When pressed about the matter, the drummer admitted that this whole process was still very new to him, and he didn't know how it worked exactly. It should be noted that his real name is obviously not Ringo Starr, but Richard Starkey. The stage name was given during his early days for the rings he wore and for his solos.

As the oldest member of The Beatles and the last living member of The Beatles to receive the knighthood, this is a tremendous honor for Ringo Starr. The only reason George Harrison and John Lennon haven't been given the same treatment was because they sadly passed on before they could. Lennon was assassinated in 1980 at 40, while Harrison died of lung cancer in 2001 at 58. Today, Ringo Starr receives this grand ceremony at the age of 77.

Meanwhile, The Beatles might soon be seen on the small screen. As it was reported a week ago, Bravo acquired the rights to Vivek J. Tiwary's bestselling graphic novel The Fifth Beatle, which tells the life story of Brian Epstein, the band's manager and the one who brought the group together. The forthcoming limited series is currently in development, with no clear sign of when it's set to air on TV. But we'll keep you updated on the details.

Congratulations to Ringo Starr on his high accomplishment! Or should we call you Sir Ringo? Let us know when you decide.

Over the years, Destiny has become known for a growing collection of Easter eggs, frequently demonstrating Bungie's willingness to poke a little fun at their own misfires. It turns out that tradition is alive and well in Destiny 2, with the new game's first hidden surprise actually popping up in the ongoing beta, where a version of Paul McCartney's widely disliked "Hope for the future" can be heard.

Back when the original Destiny launched, one of the first big promotional pushes for the game included a song called "Hope for the future," by Paul McCartney. It was even labeled in some circles as the Destiny theme but, as Polygon is quick to report, fans basically hated it.

In the original game, you could head into the lounge nestled in the Tower and trigger a device that actually played the song. After fan outcry rang out, though, that little "feature" was removed from the game.

The Destiny 2 beta features a mission called "Homecoming," reportedly the first mission you'll play in the upcoming game. The beta has only been live a day, but already folks are utterly picking it apart in order to find any potential secrets. One such secret was discovered within "Homecoming," which takes place in a Tower under siege by a new Cabal threat.

If you head toward where the lounge resides during the mission and just sort of hang out, you'll apparently hear a garbled version of "Hope for the future," echoing forth from the destroyed social space. If you want to hear what the song actually sounds like, well, we've got that for you here.

Okay, confession time: I actually kind of like the song. If you don't watch the video and just listen to the music, everything matches up pretty nicely with the theme of Destiny. There are some solid lyrics in there, too, all about needing to join together and work as one in order to reach a better tomorrow. Again, that all matches up pretty well with Destiny, where the last remnants of humanity are holding on for dear life against a force known only as The Darkness.

Maybe it was because Destiny was already under fire for not delivering on its grand designs in those early days or maybe it's because 12-year-olds don't know who the heck Paul McCartney even is...Or maybe I'm wrong and it's just a bad song. Either way, for whatever reason, "Hope for the future" became one of those Destiny moments you'd think Bungie would rather just forget.

But, just like the legendary loot cave, events that highlighted how terribly cruel the Cryptarch could be or the reinsertion of a line about a certain wizard's place of origin, Bungie has proven they're willing to have a good laugh at their own expense.

It's not like the beta is overstuffed with content but, hey, if you find any other little surprises tucked away somewhere, be sure to let us know about them in the comments below.

Warning: Very mild Paul McCartney related spoilers follow for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

You wouldn't think a movie about pirates would attract two of the greatest rock stars in the world, but who doesn't want to be a swashbuckling adventurer every now and again? Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and On Stranger Tides as Captain Jack Sparrow's father. However, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales will find Sir Paul McCartney donning the hat and eye make-up for a cameo of his own. Here's why the legendary Beatle ended up in Disney's latest blockbuster.

Directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg told the tale of Paul McCartney's cameo to Entertainment Weekly, where the duo reveal that originally Keith Richards was supposed to reprise his role as Jack Sparrow's father. However, Richards' schedule wouldn't allow him to make the trip to Australia for filming. Still wanting to show a member of Jack's family, the directors brainstormed with Johnny Depp for candidates, with McCartney at the top of the list.

How do you get Paul McCartney into your movie? Just have Johnny Depp text him. Depp had the musician's number and the two exchanged a series of text messages that, according to the directors, got "more pirate-y" as it went on. McCartney agreed to be in the film, and those who see it this weekend shouldn't have a hard time spotting him. At one point in the film, Jack Sparrow is in a jail cell, where he comes face to face with another pirate prisoner (McCartney). He's playing a card game and singing a shanty to himself, and we quickly learn that this is Jack's uncle -- also named Jack.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales continues the story of Jack Sparrow and adventures at sea. This time he has an undead ghost pirate crew chasing after him, led by Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), as he searches for the mystical Trident of Poseidon. The film stars Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, and Kaya Scodelario.

You can catch Paul McCartney in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, which is out in theaters now.

There was a time, not so long ago, when there was nothing in the world so popular at the movies as Johnny Depp wearing a funny hat. His success at doing this in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl led to three additional films in the franchise. Two that co-starred Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly, and another that replaced them with Ian McShane and Penelope Cruz. While the less than warm reception received by Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides left us all wondering if we'd ever see more from these pirates. As it turns out, the answer is yes. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is on its way, and slightly sooner than expected. Here's everything we know about the next adventure of Jack Sparrow and company. Let's get started by looking at what we've seen from the new movie.

See? Aren't you intrigued now? Well, let's get into what we know so far about Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

What Is The Pirates 5 Release Date?

While originally planned to be released as early as the summer of 2015, production delays pushed the film back to the summer of 2017. Originally, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales was set for a July 7, 2017 release, which would have put it in line with the first two entries in the series. However, after the decision to delay Star Wars: Episode VIII into December, Pirates 5 was moved up to take over the May 26, 2017 date being left vacant.

This will give Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 nearly a month to shine before Disney releases another major film. However, following the Memorial Day Weekend competition will get stiffer. Warner Bros. Wonder Woman will be released the following Friday.

What Is The Pirates 5 Rating?

While no rating has been given to Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, the entire franchise so far has received a PG-13 rating, so we can be pretty confident that the new film will be as well. If it was going to slide in one direction or the other it would be much more likely to go PG. This is a popular Disney franchise after all. This will put the movie in competition with the rest of the summer PG-13 films, which will be plentiful.

What Is Pirates 5 About?

Between the news that's been released officially and the bit we've seen from the first teaser trailer, there appear to be a few different plot threads that will weave together to build the story of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. Captain Salazar is a pirate who has just escaped from the Devil's Triangle and is on the hunt for one Captain Jack Sparrow. As we saw in the trailer, Salazar tells a young man to find Jack Sparrow and inform him that death is coming for him.

The young man in question, is actually Henry Turner, the grown son of Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner, the character's played by Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom in the first three films. Henry is looking for his father, who one assumes has been living all this time as Davy Jones.

Jack Sparrow, for his part, is in search of the Trident of Poseidon as a weapon to fend off Salazar, which causes him to cross paths with a woman named Carina Smyth who is also on a quest for the trident. Together they go in search of the artifact that will give its owner complete control of the seas.

What's The Importance of the Stars?

Stellar navigation was a normal thing for ships at sea during the era of piracy. However, the stars appear to be of a singular importance in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. In the film's trailer, we get a shot of a specific constellation, followed by the same constellation appearing on the skull and cross bones logo for the movie. The constellation would appear to reference the Trident of Poseidon that will apparently be the movie's big MacGuffin, though exactly how the stars themselves will play into the story is not known.

Captain Jack Sparrow

It just wouldn't be a Pirates of the Caribbean movie without Captain Jack Sparrow. His off the wall, Keith Richards-inspired portrayal of the buccaneer was the thing that drove the franchise even though the original trilogy of films wasn't really about him. Pirates 4 shifted him to a starring role, but, if anything, it would seem we like our Jack Sparrow in smaller doses. Based on the fact that Jack Sparrow is referenced, but never seen in the first teaser trailer, it would seem that Sparrow is back in a supporting or co-lead sort of role. This is probably for the best, right?

Henry Turner

Brenton Thwaites, recently of Gods of Egypt, plays the role that is officially only known as Henry, but Thwaites has seemingly confirmed that the role is that of Henry Turner, the son conceived at the end of, and briefly seen as a boy in the post-credits sequence for, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. Henry is on a quest to find his father, Will Turner, and break the curse that he set upon himself that turned him into Davy Jones, the captain of the boat that ferries the dead to the afterlife. The trailer for the new film shows Henry on board a ship that is full of Caribbean colonial soldiers, before Captain Salazar's ghostly crew takes them all down. We see Henry apparently imprisoned on board the ship. At this point, we have no idea what led him to such a predicament, although Henry is apparently part of the Royal Navy, so it looks like they had to throw him in the brig for some reason.

Captain Salazar

Javier Bardem joins the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as the villainous Captain Salazar. We know that the Captain and his crew begin to wreak havoc after the escape from the Devil's Triangle. Since we also know that Salazar has it out for Captain Jack Sparrow and, apparently, all other pirates as well, we can only assume that Jack played a role in getting them all trapped there in the first place. Though exactly how remains to be seen.

Carina Smyth

Kaya Scodelario will play the female lead in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. We know that she's an astronomer who is fighting to be admitted to university, which, of course, she can't get into because this is seventeen hundreds and she's a woman. Somehow, this leads her into a quest for the Trident of Poseidon, we would guess in an attempt to prove its existence and earn her spot at school. She also has some sort of diary full of clues that will lead her and Jack Sparrow to the trident. This makes the story sound a little Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but it's not like that's a bad thing.

Will Turner/Davy Jones

While Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa were the only characters to survive into the fourth installment of the franchise, Orlando Bloom is on board to reprise his role as Will Turner/Davy Jones. When last we left poor William he nearly died, but was "saved" thanks to the curse that turned him into Davy Jones. Orlando Bloom is confirmed to return in the new film, and, until recently, the size of his role was anybody's guess. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Bloom admitted that his work in the new film basically serves to "bookend it." Obviously, this sounds a lot like we can expect to see some Will Turner only at the beginning and end of the film. We don't have a problem seeing more from him than this, but the film seems to have a lot going on already, and saving him for these small appearances might not be a bad idea.

The Ghost Pirates

Captain Salazar is leading an entire army of ghost pirates. In the trailer, they're able to walk right through solid objects, something that even the undead crew of Captain Barbossa couldn't do. We don't know whether they were all ghosts going into the Devil's Triangle, or if they became such while there. However, it would seem they are near impossible to fight if you can't cross swords with them. The new movie is clearly trying to build on some elements that made the original film a success. Skeletons are simply being replaced with ghosts.

The Black Pearl

When last we left Captain Jack Sparrow's ship, it had been magically shrunk and placed inside a bottle. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides ended with Jack off to look for a way to return his ship to its normal size. Will he have already found a way to do this by the time the new film opens? We have absolutely no idea. According to the film's synopsis, Jack Sparrow is at the helm of a ship called the Dying Gull, which isn't much of a ship, so whatever is going on, it appears that Jack either never found a way to get the Pearl back, or, possibly, lost it again.

Other Returning Characters

While we don't know exactly how some other recurring characters will be fitting intro the story, we know that one way or another they will be. Geoffrey Rush will be back as Captain Barbossa. He's gone back and fourth as Captain Jack Sparrow's ally and enemy over the course of the franchise, so it's anybody's guess how he'll fit into things in the new film. When last we left him he had reverted to piracy, following his brief stint working for the English crown, so odds are that's how we'll see him again.

Joshamee Gibbs was last seen alongside his old friend Captain Jack Sparrow and we know that the actor who portrays him, Kevin McNally, will be back in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. We expect we'll find him wherever we find Jack.

The most interesting returning character may be the pirate named Scrum who was played by Stephen Graham. What's interesting is that, if true, Scrum could end up being the only character introduced in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides to appear in the new film. As far we know, nothing else about that film is being dealt with or referenced in any way.

Paul McCartney

It's a well-known story at this point that Keith Richards was a major source of inspiration for Johnny Depp's portrayal as Captain Jack Sparrow. While we don't know if Keith Richards will be returning (though we're guessing no), we do know that another star from the golden era of rock n' roll will be appearing. Paul McCartney will probably just have a cameo in the film and almost certainly won't be a main character, but that doesn't mean his role won't be important to the film's overall plot. McCartney recently posted his character's official poster, which shows the music legend looking completely unrecognizable, to his Twitter feed. The fact fact that the film decided that his mystery character was important enough for his own poster might be a good sign that McCartney's role is important, or, of course, it could just be a sign that they thought it would be a good way to promote the film. Either way, we'll know for sure before long.

The Directors

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is the Hollywood feature film debut of a couple of Norweigan directors named Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg. The pair have previously directed a couple episodes of the Netflix series Marco Polo as well as several films in their native Norway. They made their feature film debut with the movie Banditas starring Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek but it was their 2012 film Kon-Tiki which is most notable. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and as the film itself was a high seas adventure. It's credited as the reason the pair got the directing job for the new Pirates movie rather than the several others who were in the running.

The Writer

The screenplay credit for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is being given to Jeff Nathanson. Nathanson has written and co-written several films, including Stephen Spielberg's Catch Me if You Can and The Terminal, as well as several films for Brett Ratner including Rush Hour 2 and 3. Nathanson hasn't been involved in the writing of any other films in the franchise. In fact, this will be the first one in the series not co-written by Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio. Perhaps the new blood is the thing that the series needs.

While Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean movies have obviously taken the majority of their inspiration from the Disney Parks rides of the same name, as well as the actual history of pirates in America, they’ve also taken an oddly significant amount from the world of rock and roll. One member of the Rolling Stones was a major influence on the franchise, and now, the newest film in the series is looking to The Beatles for another new character. Sir Paul McCartney has apparently joined the cast of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

According to Deadline, a new major action set piece for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is currently being shot, and former Beatles bassist Sir Paul McCartney is at the center of it. There’s no information about exactly what the scene entails or what character McCartney will be playing. What is clear is that this is a new scene that’s just now being added to the film, not a reshoot of an existing sequence. The movie has already done the majority of its filming, and isn’t scheduled for release until of May of 2017, so they have plenty of time to fine tune the film.

Sir Paul McCartney is not the first big name in the history of rock and roll to play a part in a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. It’s a rather well known story by now that when Johnny Depp was creating his character of Captain Jack Sparrow, he took a great deal of inspiration from the mannerisms and speech patterns of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. When it came time to cast the father of Captain Jack in the films, it only made sense to cast Richards in the role.

While Keith Richards played roles in two of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, his scenes mostly involved him sitting in one place and making slurred comments to his son. Setting up an action sequence around Paul McCartney sounds like a very different thing. We don’t expect the aging rocker to be swinging on ropes across pirate ships, but then again, Harrison Ford is the same age and he’s going to make another Indiana Jones movie so we shouldn’t discount the man’s ability based strictly on age. If McCartney is going to play a bloodthirsty pirate in a massive fight scene we’re all for it.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales will star Johnny Depp and will also mark the return of Orlando Bloom to the series as Will Turner. The story will reportedly focus on Captain Jack Sparrow’s search for Poseidon's trident, Javier Bardem will also be on the hunt for it as the new villain Captain Salazar.

Friends had a lot of high profile guest actors back in the day, but there was one person the show wanted who would have been a coup if Friends could have gotten him. Apparently, back in the day, the crew reached out to none other than former The Beatles and Wings musician Paul McCartney to play a role on the show.

Since Friends is set in New York City and doesn’t feature a ton of people from across the pond, you may have to rack your brain for a minute to figure out which character the show wanted him to play. If you’ll remember, Ross was actually set to marry an Englishwoman named Emily during Season 4. In the two-part episode, all of the Friends characters even traveled to London for the wedding, meeting Emily’s family in the process. Casting director Leslie Litt really, really wanted to entice McCartney to play Emily’s dad and Ross' soon-to-be father-in-law on the series, according to HuffPost. Unfortunately, although McCartney responded to Litt’s request, it didn’t go quite as the casting director hoped.

While it may seem weird that Friends might have wanted McCartney on the show, it’s not totally unprecedented. The Beatles made several movies during their heyday, and McCartney memorably popped up in a 30 Rock cameo just a few years ago during that comedy’s live episode. It was a shot in the dark for sure, but one we would have loved to have seen pan out.

The role eventually went to Scottish actor Tom Conti for the two-parter, which is one of the most memorable storylines in Friends of all time. During the two episodes, Ross and Emily are having a lot of trouble. First, the hall they are supposed to be married in is halfway demolished, then the gang is trying to keep Ross from finding out that Rachel wants to declare her love him. Finally, Ross spends a lot of time trying to keep his parents calm when they discover how expensive the wedding is going to be. It’s all a bit of a disaster, and during the ceremony itself, Ross accidentally says Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s, ending the episode on an awkward note.

The Ross and Rachel saga was full of twists and turns over the years, with one of those turns being Ross’ relationship with Emily. Eventually all was wrapped up in the two characters’ storylines, but now I’m feeling as if we were duped out of one of the greatest cameos on a sitcom ever.

While there’s no McCartney involved, you can catch all of the episodes of Friends on Netflix right now.

Nothing inspires Kanye West more than Kanye West. But the man behind Yeezus and The College Dropout is reportedly drawing inspiration from his late mother for an upcoming project. He's producing a video game based on his recent single, "Only One."

Last Friday, West gave an interview with Power 105.1's The Breakfast Club. Most of the discussion was dedicated to Kanye's Adidas fashion line and Kim Kardashian, but he revealed something interesting before signing off. He's currently making a video game that was inspired by a single he produced with Paul McCartney .

This is the song in question. I hope you like auto tuneage:

The story behind "Only One" is either thought-provoking or insane, depending on your opinion of Kanye and your stance on metaphysics. According to a statement from West's management, Kanye doesn't actually remember writing "Only One." He believes that his late mother, Dr. Donda West, was speaking through him during the writing process.

Here's Kim Kardashian's perspective:

Call me crazy, but that doesn't sound terrible. I'm getting a Journey vibe.

Hip-hop artists have been making the transition from music to video games for decades, and it's almost never a good idea. Back in 2005, 50 Cent released a PSP title called 50 Cent: Bulletproof, which spawned 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand. Neither game was well received and the rapper mercifully retired from video game development.

Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Naughty by Nature, and a handful of other artists released Rap Jam: Volume One in 1995. The game was billed as an aggressive version of NBA Jam, starring hip-hop artists instead of basketball players. There was no Rap Jam: Volume Two.

I could also mention Shaq-Fu, but I'm not sure if that counts. Is Shaquille O'Neal a basketball player or a rapper? Maybe he's an actor?

Hopefully Kanye West's game is popular enough to be nominated for a Game Award. It would be funny to see how he behaves if someone else wins.

You can check out West's interview below. The video game comments start around 58:58.

Paul McCartney released the music video for his original Destiny song "Hope for the Future." If you want to retain respect for McCartney or Destiny, you probably shouldn't watch it.

The music video is composed of footage of Destiny. A hologram of Paul McCartney performs his song for a few soldiers.

Jason Schreier over at Kotaku summed the video up pretty well: "Paul McCartney's hologram flailing his arms while a group of guardians sits in a semi-circle, peacefully contemplating what it means to be human."

WIRED, who exclusively debuted the music video, was obligated to act impressed.

"Just as in the game, the song’s grandeur perfectly matches the often jaw-dropping landscapes," the site says of the music video.

I'm not really hearing the "grandeur" here. This song's a forgettable, sugary ballad that denizens of Destiny would probably force their children to sing at elementary school graduation. Here's a sample of the lyrics:

If the Olympics still exist in Destiny's future, this is the sort of song they'd play during the closing parade.

On top of that, this isn't even a good music video. It's basically the most boring trailer for Destiny you've ever watched. The creators apparently decided that showing Guardians fighting aliens wouldn't match the maudlin tone of the song. As a result, we only see Guardians running, riding their Sparrows, or watching McCartney sing.

"Well, at least Paul McCartney got paid a crap-ton of money to do this, right? I'd make some shitty elevator music for a video game too if they drove a dump truck full of money to my door."

That's the thing: McCartney didn't get paid a thing to make this song or music video.

"There was no check involved, big or otherwise. He’s in it for the creativity," community manager Eric Osborne told Vulture. "He got a wonderful opportunity to reach an audience that wouldn’t typically be immersed in Paul McCartney. They might hear the name — of course he’s everywhere, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics, obviously he’s touring and recording nonstop — but he sees it as a way to reach a new audience that might not otherwise hear his music."

Well, a music video set in Destiny is certainly a way to reach millenials. I don't think it's going to convert any of them into McCartney fans, though.

Paul McCartney is never one to say no to a great promotional opportunity and next week he plans to head to The Colbert Report for an epic hour-long event. The show is known for occasionally putting together musical segments, but when McCartney hits the stage on June 12, he’ll be the man of the hour and will contribute both music and an interview for the tenure of the show. McCartney’s appearance will mark the second time The Colbert Report has featured a one-hour musical extravaganza. The first time the concept was attempted was in September of 2011, when Radiohead appeared on the show.

The former Beatles and Wings performer will play a lot of fan favorites during the hour-long episode. On Wednesday, Comedy Central reported that McCartney is set to play music from his Out There Tour, as well as the Wings of America 2013 reissue of the album of the same name that was initially released in 1976. Colbert, in usual humorous fashion, had something to say about the appearance.

The Wednesday, June 12 appearance will actually mark the first time McCartney has appeared in a musical capacity on the show, but it won’t be the first time he and Colbert have chatted. In 2009, McCartney popped on set for an interview with the funnyman. Not only will the music add a bit of excitement this time around, but the show will also make an exclusive track available via Colbert’s site.

Honestly, McCartney always seems to be game for random performances and events. In the TV realm, he’s also been a guest on SNL on several occasions, and the cast and audience always seem to love it when he pops in. If you’re a fan of music, Colbert, or McCartney, the June 12 episode should be a good one to tune in for.

The Colbert Report airs Mondays through Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. ET.

In an effort to raise money for the Robin Hood foundation to help the people still suffering in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, various musicians and bands got together last night for 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief. Those who tuned in know it ran for more than five hours and featured a number of fantastic musical performances. Among them, Eddie Vedder and Roger Waters sang Comfortably Numb, and Paul McCartney jammed with Nirvana to "Cut Me Some Slack."

Those fans of Pink Floyd were treated early as Roger Waters took the stage and performed a few hits, including "Comfortably Numb" with Eddie Vedder.

The night was full of excellent, memorable music moments, among which was Paul McCartney taking the stage and performing "Cut Me Some Slack" with a reunited Nirvana.

Watching McCartney sing while Dave Grohl pounded on the drums behind him was quite a sight (and sound!) And for a bit of Jersey pride, you can catch part of Jon Bon Jovi's performance with Bruce Springsteen in this video…

Adam Sandler (accompanied by Paul Shaffer) told Sandy off in his own version of "Hallelujah."

Sure, he sort of wrecked the original song, but it was a humorous moment at the event and it got some laughs.

Among some of the other great musical moments from the night were classic rockers The Who and The Rolling Stones. Also performing were Alicia Keys at the piano and Kanye West in a skirt. And there was a performance by Coldplay's Chris Martin and REM's Michael Stipe of "Losing My Religion." Catch part of that one below...

We were also treated to a pretty fantastic set by beloved New Yorker Billy Joel. The concert provided hours of musical entertainment for viewers and hopefully raised a lot of money for the Robin Hood foundation to help those Sandy victims struggling as the weather gets colder and the holidays are upon us. The album is available for pre-order at iTunes, with an expected release date of December 18, 2012. All proceeds of the album from iTunes are said to be donated to the Robin Hood Foundation. And those who want to make a donation can go to 121212Concert.org.

Numbers fans have likely already noticed that today is 12/12/12, which is an interesting date by its numbers alone. 12-12-12 also happens to be part of the title for the concert for Sandy relief, which is airing on numerous channels tonight. And will feature performances by the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Roger Waters, Eddie Vedder, Kanye West, The Who and Paul McCartney.

It's the former Beatles singer/songwriter who's featured in the video below. McCartney speaks about the devastation Sandy has caused and his interest in helping those who are suffering.

Presented by CHASE, 12-12-12: The Concert For Sandy Relief benefits the Robin Hood Relief Fund, which has launched a large-scale relief effort to help people in the tri-state area who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Given that the weather is getting colder and the holidays are upon us, those who have lost their homes due to the hurricane likely need more help than ever. According to 121212Concert.org, all of the money from ticket purchases and donations will go to " the best community organizations serving the victims of Hurricane Sandy through the Robin Hood Relief Fund."

HBO recently posted this teaser for the concert, which is airing on the premium cable channel tonight.

HBO isn't the only channel carrying the concert. Far from it, in fact. 12-12-12: The Concert For Sandy Relief will be broadcast on AMC, IFC, Showtime 2, Encore, ION, MSG, Hallmark and FEARnet, among numerous other channels. It'll also be available streaming online at Hulu, Crackle, EW.com, People.com and AOL, and a number of other websites. Additional channels (U.S. and international), websites and movie theaters can be viewed here.

12-12-12: The Concert For Sandy Relief airs live tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. Information on the charity, the concert and how to donate can be found at 121212concert.org.

WATCH IT LIVE STREAMING ONLINE HERE

For more than four decades, a healthy percentage of Beatles fans have been blaming Yoko Ono for breaking the Fab Four up. To Paul McCartney, that animosity has always seemed a bit misdirected. He was never a fan of Lennon’s future wife sitting in on recording sessions, but apparently, the person who did more damage to the chemistry between the Beatles was actually business executive Allen Klein.

In an hour long interview with David Frost for Al Jazeera English set to air later this year, McCartney claims Klein, who became a sort of manager after Brian Epstein died, was the one who set him against the other three guys. The real tension and anxiety arose through him, whereas Yoko just realigned John’s priorities a bit and pushed him into a more avant garde direction.

Here’s a portion of his actual quote about Yoko, as per The Guardian…

It’s highly unlikely most Beatles fans will change their opinions of Yoko overnight thanks to McCartney’s interview, but hopefully, it will remind people that the situation was far more complicated than it’s often given credit for. The guys churned out so much music in such a short amount of time. They were bound to get on each other’s nerves. The great crime is actually that Lennon was murdered before they could properly mend the fences and go back out on tour one more time.

America collectively underappreciates Paul McCartney. According to collective conscious, McCartney was second to John Lennon in The Beatles. Then, his band Wings was huge but later largely forgotten, due, unfortunately, to the lasting success of The Beatles. Over the past forty-some years, McCartney has often been thought of as “the positive” Beatle, in a negative fashion. All of this coupled together seems to explain why McCartney is the last Beatle to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Although, perhaps that epic divorce scandal in the 2000s had a teensy bit of an influence on why McCarney is getting his star after Ringo Starr.

The Hollywood Star was awarded to McCartney today, outside of the Capitol Records building in Hollywood, California. Unfortunately, Starr was not feeling well, and missed the ceremony, so there were no members of The Beatles to cheer McCartney on. Instead, Neil Young was on hand to introduce the “Hey Jude” writer, although CBS News has noted McCartney’s wife Nancy Shevell and his son, James, did show up to support their loved one at the event.

McCartney was certain to mention his old group mates during the festivities.

If you are a fan who does think McCartney is the best Beatle but missed the event, you will have the chance to see the 69 year-old songwriter very soon. McCartney will next perform at this Sunday’s Grammy Awards ceremony, likely as a promotion for his newest album, Kisses on the Bottom.

The 10th Anniversary of 9/11 is coming up, and many networks are putting their own spin on the event by giving audiences different stories and versions of what went down on that fateful day. Cinema Blend’s Kelly West has a good list to check out if you are interested in 9/11 programming. However, if you are looking for something a little different than the documentaries running rampant on networks and cable, Showtime might have something a little more geared toward you.

On September 10, Showtime will air The Love We Make: The Concert For New York City a 9/11 documentary featuring Paul McCartney. The framework of the film will be the benefit concert Paul McCartney put on for New Yorkers as a way to respond to the attacks, featuring appearances from David Bowie, Elton John, and others. However, the film will also highlight rehearsals for the concert, storytelling segments and interviews with popular personalities, and interactions with people on the streets of New York. Some of the names involved with the storytelling aspect of the program are President Bill Clinton, Howard Stern, Harrison Ford, Steve Buscemi, Dan Rather, and Leondardo DiCaprio. The documentary was shelved for nearly ten years before McCartney was “reawakened by the 10th anniversary” and got the footage together.

McCartney says he wanted to do a concert to help release some of the emotions harbored after 9/11. He has to say of the effect of the performance:

According to ABC News The Love We Make was filmed in October of 2001 by acclaimed director Albert Maysles and his partner Bradley Kaplan. Not only does it feature an impressive cast, but it was shot in the cinéma vérité style that Maysles pioneered back in the day when he shot What’s Happening: The Beatles in The U.S.A. So, the documentary should look pretty cool. I wouldn’t expect less from Showtime, which is really getting its act together as far as programming goes. Nor would I expect less from a documentary meant to tug at our emotional heartstrings as it memorializes a painful event.

Showtime will air The Love We Make: The Concert For New York City at 10 p.m. on September 10.

Details have been few and far between about the upcoming Beatles music game under development by Rock Band studio Harmonix. However, one of the Beatles, Paul McCartney has just dropped a few hints about what to expect from the game

"It will feature different periods of the band -- you get early days, Liverpool, then psychedelic, and on from there," said McCartney to Entertainment Weekly. "It's very cool. And I like the idea that the game introduces kids to music, you know?"

The audience for the game will probably skew a bit older than the other Guitar Hero games, we'd think, but hey, maybe it will manage to draw a few kiddies away from the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus. We can dream. No release date or platforms are known for the game yet - "holidays" and "every goddamn console and handheld you can think of" are pretty good guesses.

According to British publication The Mirror, Sir Paul McCartney was spotted at Led Zeppelin’s reunion show on Monday night enjoying a big fat marijuana cigarette. At which point the police were called, the show shut down, Macca escorted away in handcuffs and…uh, no. Nothing was done to halt the illegal activity, as the discreet staff at the O2 Arena allegedly told Paul, “It’s okay, you’re a legend.”

A legendary pothead, that is. The former Beatle has never made any secret of his love for the drug, which was famously introduced to the band by Bob Dylan in 1966. Macca was an active supporter Legalise Marijuana Campaign and helped pay for a 1967 editorial in the London Times calling for the release of all convicts of pot related charges. McCartney also has the distinction of being busted for possession more times than any other major rock star. He was fined for smuggling hashish into Sweden in 1972, ran afoul of authorities in Scotland for marijuana possession that same year, and was caught in Scotland again for growing the plant on the highlands farm he shared with first wife Linda in 1973. McCartney’s most renowned brush with the law is his 1980 arrest and subsequent deportation in Japan for bringing half a pound of weed into the country. Half a pound! Did he want to smoke out the entire population?

Despite soon to be ex-second wife Heather Mills’ prenuptial request that Paul quit his daily blazing, old habits are hard to kick (unlike bitchy ex-wives). While I could be jealous that Paul is free to puff a doob in full view while I can’t even smoke a cig within 20 feet of my local Starbucks, I can take solace in the fact that not only has Paul taken one for the team on numerous occasions, but that he knows what us Zep fans have always known: “Dazed and Confused” sounds even awesomer when you’re baked.