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How Paul McCartney got rid of SNL star Kevin Nealon at shows 50th anniversary party

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Published: Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 1:07 am

McCartney's Social Maneuvers: From SNL to the Press

In a recent podcast appearance, comedian Kevin Nealon recounted an amusing encounter with music icon Paul McCartney at the 50th-anniversary celebration of *Saturday Night Live*. Nealon, a former *SNL* cast member, described a stark contrast between a warm greeting from McCartney at the show's 40th anniversary and a more dismissive interaction a decade later.

According to Nealon, he approached McCartney, who was engaged in conversation with Conan O'Brien, and attempted to engage in small talk. However, McCartney, seemingly uninterested, employed a clever tactic to end the conversation. Nealon recalled McCartney feigning the need to introduce him to his nephew, leading him across the room to a group of strangers. McCartney then subtly distanced himself, effectively ending the interaction.

This anecdote highlights McCartney's adeptness at navigating social situations, a skill honed over decades in the public eye. The story is a lighthearted look at the social dynamics of celebrity gatherings.

The account also references a more provocative story from the early 1970s. Former Wings drummer Denny Seiwell claims that McCartney and his then-wife, Linda McCartney, sent a music critic a baby's excrement in response to a negative concert review. This alleged incident, detailed in the book *Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run*, paints a picture of McCartney's willingness to defend his work.

BNN's Perspective:

While the anecdote about Nealon is a humorous glimpse into celebrity interactions, the alleged incident with the music critic is a reminder of the intense pressures and scrutiny faced by public figures. It's a stark contrast between a playful social maneuver and a more aggressive response to criticism.

Keywords: Paul McCartney, Kevin Nealon, Saturday Night Live, SNL, Conan O'Brien, Wings, Denny Seiwell, Linda McCartney, celebrity, anecdote, music, comedy, social interaction, anniversary, Golden Slumbers, Abbey Road.

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