As I’ve mentioned before, NBC shows old eps of SNL after the current show. Sometimes immediately after, sometimes a couple of hours (depends on the affiliate).
Tonight’s oldie is from 11/15/75 and is hosted by Robert Klein. I’ve never seen this one since my local affiliate didn’t start broadcasting SNL until late 1978. It features Loudon Wainwright III and ABBA as the musical guests. To predate Ashlee Simpson by a three decades, ABBA is lip-synching. Dick Ebersol insisted they be on the show.
Way back before the internet, I saw a list of musical guests on SNL and ABBA’s name was on it and I’ve always wanted to see the actual show.
Well, ABBA appears early on singing “S.O.S.” in a Titanic sketch setting. The music track is definitely a recording. Bjorn’s guitar isn’t even plugged in and Benny is barely touching the keys of his piano. The vocal track is not the one from the record, though. Later, they sing “Waterloo” and it’s definitely lip syncing. I wonder if the audience is wondering where the sax and drums are coming from. As the song goes on, it appears that the ship is sinking.
All in all, an embarassing appearance, but interesting for the hardcore ABBA fan.
As for Robert Klein, who did he blow to make people think he’s funny? That “Can’t Stop My Leg” bit was never funny. Who was his target audience? People who like comedians, but don’t go in for all that laughing?
Luodon Wainwright was a bit spastic. The rest of the show was sub-sub-par. Chevy Chase underwhelms as always. It’s one of those performances that make you wonder how the show made it past its first year.