On Sunday night, CBS and The Grammy’s aired a two and a half hour special to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ first U.S. visit. It was a star-studded event, with performances by everyone from Pharrell Williams to Keith Urban, and a camera seemingly dedicated to showing Tom Hanks and Yoko Ono rock out all night. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr had a tear-jerking reunion and shut the house down with a closing rendition of “Hey Jude.” Here are a few performances from the night that I loved, hated or just didn’t really understand.
THE GOOD
Stevie Wonder—“We Can Work it Out”
The man is a legend and nobody has ever complained about a Stevie Wonder performance at any special event. He had a blast, so we all had a blast with him.
Alicia Keys & John Legend—“Let it Be”
These are two of today’s most influential R&B artists, and CBS could not have picked a more perfect pair to perform the soulful gospel-esque classic. Beautiful voices, beautiful people, beautiful song. Also, dueling pianos are always a hit.
Dave Grohl & Jeff Lynne—"Hey Bulldog”
This was a vicious performance and both artists more than deserved two appearances throughout the night.
Gary Clark Jr., Dave Grohl & Joe Walsh—“While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Three amazing musicians from three fantastic eras of music did this George Harrison classic to perfection. It was a predictable performance (a young black guitarist that kind of looks like JoJo from Across the Universe doing the same song from the movie blah blah blah,) but it worked because these three dudes can shred—and shred they most definitely did.
Anything Ringo and Paul did, ever. And their hot wives.
THE BAD
Maroon 5—“All My Loving” and “Ticket To Ride”
It was fine, Adam Levine Looked great, but there was no reason to let Maroon 5 open the night or give them two songs. I was bored.
Imagine Dragons—“Revolution”
It wasn’t horrible, I just don’t really understand why Imagine Dragons was invited at all.
Katy Perry—“Yesterday
This, on the other hand, was horrible—off pitch, awkward and Katy Perry is annoying. The young pop star does a classic love ballad thing was a great idea, but she did not pull it off.
THE CONFUSING
John Mayer & Keith Urban—“Don’t Let Me Down”
Does anyone even like John Mayer anymore?
Brad Paisley & Pharrell Williams with The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil— “Here Comes The Sun”
Will someone please, for the love of God, explain this to me?
A FEW FINAL THOUGHTS
Hologram George and John are far overdue.
Some aspect of the night needed to be dedicated to Ringo Starr’s Twitter.
Eric Clapton is a FAF (fake ass friend) for not showing up and for stealing George’s woman 40 years ago.
What is Yoko Ono on and where can I get some?
Viva Los Beatles!
