Chad Smith drums for Paul McCartney on SNL with Will Ferrell hosting

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Chad Smith’s Impersonation Kicked Off SNL’s Final Episode
• Paul McCartney’s Surprise Appearance Extended The Monologue Bit
• Chad Smith Provided Drums For McCartney’s New Single Performance
• Who Is Chad Smith, The Man Behind The RHCP Drums?
• What’s Next For Paul McCartney Following His SNL Performance?
  • Sources

Chad Smith shocked SNL viewers earlier today when he impersonated Will Ferrell during the opening monologue of Saturday Night Live’s season finale. The Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer took the stage disguised as the host for the sixth time, delivering a flawless imitation. Later, Smith played drums for Paul McCartney on the ex-Beatle’s latest single, creating a memorable moment live networking.

Chad Smith’s Impersonation Kicked Off SNL’s Final Episode

Chad Smith walked onto the SNL stage in full impersonation mode, perfectly mimicking Will Ferrell’s cadence and mannerisms. Smith declared, “I’m thrilled to be back hosting Saturday Night Live,” playing the confident host role flawlessly.

The bit lasted only one minute before the real Will Ferrell stormed out, aggressively confronting Smith on stage. Ferrell shouted, “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You’re not the host. I am!” The physical comedy escalated when Ferrell claimed Smith pushed him backstage, even joking that “Lorne had to give me mouth-to-mouth.”

The resemblance joke between Smith and Ferrell has been a running gag for decades in pop culture. Both men share striking physical similarities, with their tall frames and facial features frequently fueling comedy routines.

Paul McCartney’s Surprise Appearance Extended The Monologue Bit

Paul McCartney appeared mid-monologue as the musical guest, calling Ferrell “the cute one.” McCartney played along brilliantly, asking Ferrell directly, “What do you think you’re doing, Chad?” The legendary Beatle reinforced the illusion perfectly.

When Ferrell tried to explain his actual identity, McCartney responded with sharp wit: “Nice try, Chad. Get back. Get back behind the drums where you belong.” The comment cleverly referenced both the Beatles’ “Get Back” and Smith’s actual role as a drummer in the performance.

Ferrell then listed 17 iconic Paul McCartney songs, stretching the bit with Beatles, Wings, and solo hits. He concluded by jokingly suggesting McCartney didn’t write classics like the alphabet song and “Timber” featuring Pitbull. McCartney’s only response was to repeat his demand: “Get your ass behind the drums, Chad.”

Chad Smith Provided Drums For McCartney’s New Single Performance

Detail	Information
Song	Days We Left Behind
Drummer	Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Album	The Boys of Dungeon Lane
Release Date	May 29, 2026

Smith finally took his position at the drums when Paul McCartney performed “Days We Left Behind,” the lead single from his upcoming album. The performance featured Smith’s powerful drumming style supporting McCartney’s emotionally resonant vocals on the new track.

“Days We Left Behind” marks McCartney’s return to recording after nearly six years without a new album. The single was released on May 5, 2026, ahead of the full album’s May 29 debut. The choice to have Smith play drums demonstrated the respect between these two legendary musicians across different generations.

“Get back. Get back behind the drums where you belong.”

— Paul McCartney, SNL Season 51 Finale, to Chad Smith

Who Is Chad Smith, The Man Behind The RHCP Drums?

Chad Gaylord Smith was born October 25, 1961 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, making him 64 years old at the time of this SNL performance. He joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988 and has remained the band’s drummer for nearly 38 consecutive years.

Smith’s reputation extends far beyond RHCP. He stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall, frequently appearing alongside Anthony Kiedis, Flea, and Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer on touring rosters. His drumming style has influenced generations of rock percussionists, combining technical precision with raw power during live performances.

The longtime lookalike comparison with Will Ferrell has become part of Smith’s cultural legacy. Past bits included a drum battle with Ferrell on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where both celebrities leaned into their uncanny resemblance for comedy gold.

What’s Next For Paul McCartney Following His SNL Performance?

Paul McCartney’s appearance marked another major milestone in his legendary career. The Beatles icon performed on SNL for his fifth time as a musical guest, continuing a relationship with the show spanning decades. With Will Ferrell hosting for his sixth appearance, the SNL season finale became a celebration of returning legends.

The Boys of Dungeon Lane album arrives May 29, 2026, featuring 14 tracks that showcase McCartney’s evolved songwriting at 84 years old. Fans eagerly await additional singles before the full release. The SNL performance of “Days We Left Behind” serves as major promotional momentum entering the final two weeks before the album drops.

Will Chad Smith appear on the album itself, or was SNL the only collaboration? McCartney’s touring band typically features Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums, suggesting this SNL moment was a special one-off opportunity for Smith and the legendary musician to connect.

Sources

• Variety – Chad Smith’s SNL monologue moment and Paul McCartney’s response
• Deadline – Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer’s appearance on May 16 SNL finale
• Billboard – Paul McCartney’s new album and “Days We Left Behind” single information