Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith is set to step into a high-profile role tonight, May 15, as he joins Paul McCartney for a musical appearance on Saturday Night Live. The unexpected personnel change brings one of rock’s most recognizable percussionists into the orbit of the former Beatle, filling a seat that has been occupied by a singular fixture for more than two decades.
Abe Laboriel Jr., who has served as McCartney’s primary touring and recording drummer since October 2001, is not expected to be behind the kit for this broadcast. While Laboriel Jr. Has maintained a near-perfect attendance record for McCartney’s performances over the last 23 years, the reasons for his current absence have not been publicly detailed by McCartney’s management. For fans of the legendary songwriter, the sight of Chad Smith drumming with Paul McCartney on SNL represents a notable shift in the veteran performer’s long-standing stage ensemble.
A Shared Musical History
While the pairing may appear novel to television audiences, Smith and McCartney have established a working relationship in recent years. Their professional history includes a 2020 collaboration on the album McCartney III Imagined, where Smith joined Queens of the Stone Age guitarist Josh Homme to record a new version of the track “Lavatory Lil.”
The two musicians also share a connection through producer and musician Andrew Watt. Watt, a frequent collaborator who has worked extensively with both artists, helped facilitate a surprise performance in 2024 at The Stephen Talkhouse, a legendary, intimate venue in the Hamptons. Reflecting on the evening, which saw McCartney take the stage in front of roughly 200 attendees, Smith described the experience to Q104.3 as a rare, once-in-a-lifetime event where the audience was clearly moved by the proximity to the icon.
Production Ties and Industry Circles
The involvement of Andrew Watt serves as a common thread across several major rock projects currently in the spotlight. Watt produced McCartney’s upcoming studio album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which is currently slated for release on May 29. Smith has contributed to the forthcoming Rolling Stones album, Foreign Tongues, another project under Watt’s production guidance.
Smith has maintained a visible presence in the New York music scene throughout the week. He was recently spotted at the Gramercy Theatre alongside Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard. The pair were in attendance to support the U.K. Rock trio Tigercub, a group currently signed to Gossard’s independent record label, Loosegroove.
Questions Surrounding the SNL Lineup
The substitution of Smith for Laboriel Jr. Has sparked immediate discussion regarding the long-term status of McCartney’s live band. As of this writing, there is no indication that the change signifies a permanent departure for Laboriel Jr. Or a broader restructuring of the live touring group. Instead, industry observers are treating the appearance as a specific booking adjustment for the Saturday Night Live performance.
The choice of Smith as a guest also invites inevitable comparisons to his long-running, lighthearted “feud” with Saturday Night Live host Will Ferrell. The two have frequently leaned into their physical resemblance, most notably during a widely publicized drum-off on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Whether the program will lean into this comedic history remains to be seen, though the crossover between the show’s guest host and the substitute drummer is a point of significant interest for viewers.
Recent Collaborations and Projects
| Project | Role | Year/Status |
|---|---|---|
| McCartney III Imagined | Drummer (“Lavatory Lil”) | 2020 |
| The Boys of Dungeon Lane | Album Production | Due May 29 |
| Foreign Tongues | Guest Performer | Forthcoming |
Looking Ahead to the Broadcast
As the production moves toward tonight’s live broadcast, the focus remains on the chemistry between McCartney and his temporary rhythm section. McCartney, who continues to perform at 83 years old, has long relied on the precision of his core band, making any deviation from that group a significant event for music historians and fans alike.
Official channels, including the Saturday Night Live website and McCartney’s official portal, remain the primary sources for updates regarding the performance and any future scheduling announcements. As of now, the focus is entirely on the upcoming set. We invite readers to share their thoughts on this collaboration in the comments section below as we await the performance.
