2026.16 Paul on SNL, Rock 'n' Roll Side 2
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John Lennon's long-lost rock and roll album, finally released as part of the Power to the People box set, is not just a nostalgic trip through 1950s classics—it's a deeply personal farewell to his music career and a quiet reconciliation with Yoko Ono. The album, recorded in 1973–74, reveals a John Lennon grappling with addiction, contractual obligations, and the end of his relationship with Mei Pang, all while reinterpreting songs like Little Richard’s 'Slippin’ and Slidin’' and Arthur Crudup’s 'Since My Baby Left Me' with raw, introspective vocals. The most striking revelation? Lennon’s final track, a tender re-recording of 'Angel Baby,' was meant as a love letter to his wife, Yoko, whom he had just reunited with—making the entire album a secret elegy and a love song in one. Meanwhile, Paul McCartney’s upcoming SNL appearance in May 2026 is poised to be a cultural event: his fifth musical guest slot, possibly his first live premiere of a new single from the 'Boys of Dungeon Lane' album, and a chance to finally break the 'Five Timers Club' barrier for musical guests. The episode also teases a long-rumored Ringo Starr cameo on Paul’s new record, adding to the year’s Beatles-centric buzz.
John Lennon’s 1973–74 rock and roll album was a personal farewell to his music career, recorded during a period of addiction and emotional turmoil.
The final track, 'Angel Baby,' was a secret love letter to Yoko Ono, released just days after their reunion.
Paul McCartney is set to perform on SNL’s Season 51 finale on May 16, 2026, marking his fifth musical guest appearance and possibly his first live premiere of a new single.
Paul’s 'Boys of Dungeon Lane' release includes a rare white-label version with handwritten cover art and multiple color editions, each with unique postcards.
The album’s release timing suggests Paul may premiere a new single on SNL, potentially leveraging the iTunes chart’s immediate update cycle.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
John Lennon’s Rock and Roll Album: A Personal Farewell
“The whole album tour uh that's my past and there it goes when did they get together take place recently about a week ago something like that and uh it's not really been out i think a little news came out in england i don't i can't remember how he got there but uh i'll say it again our separation was a failure and uh john and yelco have got back together in their bag, as it were, together and rock on.”
Paul McCartney’s SNL Return: A Cultural Moment
“It's quite possible because they like to end the show with big loud numbers. They might do Junior's Farm to finish up with a rocker. Possibly.”
The Lost Base Documentary and SNL UK
The hosts discuss the theatrical release of 'The Lost Base' documentary on the BBC, premiering April 11, 2026. They also highlight the debut of SNL UK, hosted by Tina Fey, featuring a satirical skit where David Attenborough resurrects historical British figures—Cilla Black among them—only to have them debate appetizers.
John Lennon’s SNL Near-Miss and the 1980 Parody
The hosts reflect on how John Lennon never appeared on SNL, despite being offered $3,000 to do so in 1975—just weeks before the show’s premiere. They discuss the 1980 SNL parody of Double Fantasy, which John loved, and speculate that had he continued releasing music, he would have been a regular guest.
The Rock and Roll Sessions: Outtakes and Emotional Weight
“I need some excuse for doing this. I need some relief from my obligations. Obligations from a singing song that Phil is making you sing, John? Yes. We were talking in our last Power to the People disc review about John's vocally describing that he needed some grass. Here he says, a little cocaine will set me on my feet.”
“The whole album tour uh that's my past and there it goes when did they get together take place recently about a week ago something like that and uh it's not really been out i think a little news came out in england i don't i can't remember how he got there but uh i'll say it again our separation was a failure and uh john and yelco have got back together in their bag, as it were, together and rock on.”
“I need some excuse for doing this. I need some relief from my obligations. Obligations from a singing song that Phil is making you sing, John? Yes. We were talking in our last Power to the People disc review about John's vocally describing that he needed some grass. Here he says, a little cocaine will set me on my feet.”
“It's quite possible because they like to end the show with big loud numbers. They might do Junior's Farm to finish up with a rocker. Possibly.”
Hosts
john lennon
person
paul mccartney
person
saturday night live
media
yoko ono
person
boys of dungeon lane
media
ringo starr
person
power to the people
media
little richard
person
buddy holly
person
snl uk
media
2026.14 The Boys of Dungeon Lane promotion, ponderings on the next Macca Doc and more...
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles • 1h 14m • 4/6/2026
2026.15 Lennon Rock 'n' Roll - The songs, pt.1
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles • 1h 2m • 4/12/2026
2026.b02 Long Long Road (First Listen Thoughts)
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles • 33m • 4/26/2026
2026.17 Review - The Hunt for the Lost Bass and the "Boys of Dungeon Lane" listening party
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles • 1h 18m • 5/3/2026
2026.18 With Ken Womack! (A not-quite illustrated journey through his work and the current state of Beatle-dom)
When They Was Fab: Electric Arguments About the Beatles • 1h 19m • 5/11/2026
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