Discover the behind-the-scenes journey of Questlove and James Poyser during the SNL50 celebration, as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of a monumental concert.
Questlove and James Poyser Discuss the Magic Behind SNL50
When Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, the festivities extended beyond Studio 8H. NBC hosted a spectacular anniversary special, SNL50: The Homecoming Concert, a star-studded musical event on Peacock that brought together icons from decades of television and pop culture. At the heart of this celebration were The Roots, with drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and keyboardist James Poyser leading the musical charge. Their remarkable efforts have earned them an Emmy nomination for Best Musical Direction.
Recognition and the Roots’ Versatility
For Questlove, the Emmy recognition is gratifying but not the primary motivation. “Recognition is great, but it’s not the foundation of our existence,” he shared with Gold Derby. “James and I have been part of the 30 Rock ecosystem for 16 years, so the SNL team knew we could manage the workload. The magic sauce is our ability to adapt to what the artist requires.”
Adapting to the Moment
This adaptability meant transitioning from Eddie Vedder to David Byrne, from Lonely Island sketches to intricate comedy performances with Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer — sometimes at the last minute. “The entire day was a whirlwind,” Poyser recalls. “We were racing around with camera crews and mic teams, making last-minute adjustments. The Will and Anna sketch literally came together that day. It was a mix of nervous energy and anticipation, but ultimately it was all fun — and it was.”
Long-Term Planning and Surprises
Planning the concert was a multiyear project, dating back to 2021. “Lorne [Michaels] planted the seed early,” Questlove explained. “By mid-2024, we were in his office with producers like Mark Ronson, discussing the history of music and determining who could participate and who might pair well together. Do you ask Foo Fighters for a straightforward song? Who would ask Nirvana to reunite? Who pairs Chris Martin with Bonnie Raitt? That process took months.”
Learning the Music
Despite meticulous planning, surprises were unavoidable. The Roots needed to learn approximately 30 songs, each with its unique arrangements. While some artists, like Bad Bunny, were self-sufficient, others required intense rehearsal. “Every artist comes with a musical director who expects you to remember every bar,” Questlove noted. “I tried to explain, ‘Look, this is one time it won’t be the way you’re used to doing it every night.’ But who was I kidding? We had to learn every nook and cranny.”
A Memorable Collaboration
For Poyser, performing with Vedder was the pinnacle of the experience. “We’re hip-hop, but we can authentically engage with any genre of music,” he said. “Eddie came up afterward and gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. That was special.”
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A Trust Built Over Decades
The duo’s collaboration spans over 30 years, fostering a trust that enables them to divide and conquer tasks effectively. “James has a level of thoroughness that I might take for granted,” Questlove admitted. “You need someone who can extinguish a fire with seconds left on the clock, and we had about five or six of those moments.”
Showcasing Authenticity
Even amidst the chaos, the duo’s objective was clear: to showcase the Roots’ versatility without altering the music beyond recognition. “Initially, people wanted us to ‘Roots-ify’ everything,” Questlove explained. “But this was the one time we really took control. We wanted audiences to understand that we’re not just remixing songs — we can deliver the versions they know, authentically. This was the best demonstration of our versatility.”
Looking Ahead
For now, Questlove humorously remarks that bringing Poyser fully into the fold was part of his plan to slow down — a goal that hasn’t quite materialized. On top of everything, he received a directing nod for Ladies & Gentlemen: 50 Years of SNL Music and another for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special for Hulu’s Sly Lives!. “This was supposed to be my cheat year, my ‘Ahmir takes a break year,’” he laughs. “And somehow, I ended up busier than ever.”
Busy, yes — but now Emmy-nominated, too.
