On April 24th 1976, Lorne Michaels, the producer of Saturday Night Live make a gag offer of $3,000 to have the Beatles get back together and perform on the show. Its been almost 7 years since the ban broke up. What if they decided to go along with the joke and played and then decided that they were feeling some of the old magic? What would the disco era look like with The Beatles and Bee Gees rivalry rekindled?
Here is what Lorne Michaels said the night of his initial offer (which was later increased to 3,200 and George Harrison later got into the act, trying to cash in on the money in November of 76 and Paul McCartney made reference to it in 1990 or so when he was on the show.)
Hi. I'm Lorne Michaels, the producer of "Saturday Night." Right now, we're being seen by approximately twenty-two million viewers, but please allow me, if I may, to address myself to just four very special people -- John, Paul, George and Ringo -- the Beatles. Lately, there have been a lot of rumors to the effect that the four of you might be getting back together. That would be great. In my book, the Beatles are the best thing that ever happened to music. It goes even deeper than that. You're not just a musical group, you're a part of us. We grew up with you. It's for this reason that I'm inviting you to come on our show. Now, we've heard and read a lot about personality and legal conflicts that might prevent you guys from reuniting. That's something which is none of my business. That's a personal problem. You guys will have to handle that. But it's also been said that no one as yet has come up with enough money to satisfy you. Well, If it's money you want, there's no problem here. The National Broadcasting Company has authorized me to offer you this check to be on our show. (HOLDS UP CHECK) A certified check for $3,000. Here it is, right here. Dave -- can we get a close-up on this? Which camera? Oh, this one. (CAMERA MOVES IN TO SHOW CHECK) Here it is, a check made out to you, the Beatles, for $3,000. All you have to do is sing three Beatle songs.
(SINGS)
_She loves you_
_Yeah, yeah, yeah ..._
That's $1,000 right there. You know the words. It'll be easy. Like I said, this is made out to the Beatles -- you divide it up any way you want. If you want to give Ringo less, it's up to you. I'd rather not get involved. I'm sincere about this. If it helps you to reach a decision to reunite, it's well worth the investment. You have agents. You know where _I_ can be reached. Just think about it, okay? (HOLDS UP CHECK AGAIN)
Thank you.
Torqumada
Here is what Lorne Michaels said the night of his initial offer (which was later increased to 3,200 and George Harrison later got into the act, trying to cash in on the money in November of 76 and Paul McCartney made reference to it in 1990 or so when he was on the show.)
Hi. I'm Lorne Michaels, the producer of "Saturday Night." Right now, we're being seen by approximately twenty-two million viewers, but please allow me, if I may, to address myself to just four very special people -- John, Paul, George and Ringo -- the Beatles. Lately, there have been a lot of rumors to the effect that the four of you might be getting back together. That would be great. In my book, the Beatles are the best thing that ever happened to music. It goes even deeper than that. You're not just a musical group, you're a part of us. We grew up with you. It's for this reason that I'm inviting you to come on our show. Now, we've heard and read a lot about personality and legal conflicts that might prevent you guys from reuniting. That's something which is none of my business. That's a personal problem. You guys will have to handle that. But it's also been said that no one as yet has come up with enough money to satisfy you. Well, If it's money you want, there's no problem here. The National Broadcasting Company has authorized me to offer you this check to be on our show. (HOLDS UP CHECK) A certified check for $3,000. Here it is, right here. Dave -- can we get a close-up on this? Which camera? Oh, this one. (CAMERA MOVES IN TO SHOW CHECK) Here it is, a check made out to you, the Beatles, for $3,000. All you have to do is sing three Beatle songs.
(SINGS)
_She loves you_
_Yeah, yeah, yeah ..._
That's $1,000 right there. You know the words. It'll be easy. Like I said, this is made out to the Beatles -- you divide it up any way you want. If you want to give Ringo less, it's up to you. I'd rather not get involved. I'm sincere about this. If it helps you to reach a decision to reunite, it's well worth the investment. You have agents. You know where _I_ can be reached. Just think about it, okay? (HOLDS UP CHECK AGAIN)
Thank you.
Torqumada
I was just saying, what if the Beatles decided to go along with the joke and actually played and decided to get back together. What effect would that have?