Another night off from SNL. Again, its the recovery process after that killer Timberlake episode. So this right here, April 1986. I was already through my intense Joe Jackson phase on to bigger trouble, but I was so excited to see Joe perform.
The host? Oprah Winfrey. No like, I cant for the life of me remember one skit she was in but I do remember this tune that a gravely Jackson barked out with his totally 80s back up band. I adored Joe Jackson but this song is a junky mess.
Look how adorably young he is here, all spiting Brit. He had yet to be Top 40 but he was on his way. Isn't it sad how SNL has tanked when it started out as cutting edge as this? How wonderful it would be if they would just return to being 'hip' instead of a simple reflection of popular opinion.
It is very difficult to find SNL footage. I am unsure if NBC stores them in a vault but getting them makes me feel like I'm breaking some weird FCC law or something. But its worth it. If only to see this rare gem. Elvis Costello, The Kinks, The Clash, Blondie all of these amazing bands were on SNL when they were nowhere near Billboard charters.
Joe Jackson only appeared once but it was a fabulous showing. Stay tuned in this video and notice the dramatic gesture as he gets.. a whistle. It's as if he was pulling out a rare violin. He ruled- scary looking as hell now, but adorable back then. Check it out…