Paul McCartney Keeps the Music Going After ‘SNL’ Finale With ‘Help!’ and ‘Drive My Car’ — And Will Ferrell Brings the Cowbell

Paul McCartney’s Saturday Night Live appearance didn’t end when the credits rolled.

After serving as musical guest for the Season 51 finale on May 16, the Beatles legend stayed behind and treated the cast and crew to two additional performances — 1965 classics “Help!” and “Drive My Car.” Making the impromptu encore even more unusual, McCartney was joined by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and Will Ferrell, who revived one of his most famous SNL trademarks: the cowbell.

Footage from both performances has now been released online, offering fans a glimpse at what happened after the live broadcast officially ended.

McCartney Delivers Two Beatles Classics After the Credits

During the televised portion of the Season 51 finale, McCartney performed “Days We Left Behind,” taken from his forthcoming album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane, along with his 1980 track “Coming Up.”

But once the cameras stopped rolling on the broadcast, McCartney wasn’t ready to call it a night.

He remained at the studio for a special encore in front of the SNL cast and crew, reaching back more than six decades for “Help!” and “Drive My Car.”

Chad Smith handled the drums, while Ferrell joined McCartney with a cowbell — instantly connecting the performance to one of the comedian’s most enduring Saturday Night Live moments.

Will Ferrell Brings Back the Famous Cowbell

Ferrell’s association with the instrument dates back to a legendary 2000 SNL sketch centered on Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.”

Christopher Walken portrayed the song’s producer, repeatedly demanding “more cowbell” from Ferrell’s fictional musician Gene Frenkle, much to the frustration of the other members of the band.

The sketch became one of the show’s best-known comedy moments. Walken later joked that its popularity had “ruined his life.”

Ferrell, meanwhile, has continued embracing the joke over the years. He has played cowbell alongside Coldplay during “Viva La Vida” and also brought it out for his son Magnus’ first live show.

This time, however, his unlikely musical partner was Paul McCartney.

McCartney Also Helped Close ‘The Late Show’

The SNL appearance came during an eventful period for McCartney on American television.

He was also involved in the final-ever episode of The Late Show, where he joined Stephen Colbert for a duet of the Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye.”

McCartney then played a symbolic role in the program’s farewell by turning off the lights at the Ed Sullivan Theatre for the final time.

During the appearance, he also discussed Paul Mescal, who will portray him in Sam Mendes’ highly anticipated Beatles film project. McCartney described the actor as “very cute.”

The four-film saga is currently scheduled for release in April 2028.

A New Paul McCartney Album Is Coming May 29

McCartney’s latest television appearances arrive just ahead of another major project.

His new album, The Boys Of Dungeon Lane, is scheduled for release on May 29. Among its most notable tracks is “Home To Us,” featuring his former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr.

The nostalgic song reflects on their Liverpool roots and marks the first time McCartney and Starr have collaborated together as vocalists.

McCartney has also recently spoken about a variety of subjects, from struggling to identify the songs Bob Dylan was performing when he attended one of Dylan’s concerts to explaining his dislike of taking selfies. He has also admitted that he remains puzzled by much of modern influencer culture.

Another Piece of Beatles History Is Opening to Fans

Beatles fans will have another reason to look toward the future when the doors of 3 Savile Row in London’s Mayfair open to the public next year.

The building, forever associated with the Beatles’ iconic 1969 rooftop concert, is being transformed into the first official Beatles fan destination at the historic location.

Visitors will be able to explore seven floors containing archives and exhibitions, while the famous Let It Be studio will also be recreated.

For now, though, McCartney’s unexpected SNL encore offered something considerably simpler: two Beatles songs, a small audience of cast and crew, Chad Smith behind the drums — and Will Ferrell enthusiastically supplying the cowbell.