History of Punk - SNL

A look back at the British punk band Ian Rubbish and the Bizzaros (Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Taran Killam) shows how the band parted ways over the lead singer's stance on British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. [Season 38, 2013]
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#SNL

[@curtisebear1568]

The way Armisen says “Be De-cent” is such an important part of Johnny rotten’s speech pattern. Nice little touch.

[@violetbrown2372]

I noticed that too! nearly "sbit a brick"

[@sirprintalot]

Pretty Va-cant

[@MrKurtfinn]

Give him credit for his acting ability! Love this sketch

[@swisscheeseplease97]

Oi! That’s the prime minister your talking about..

[@Aaron-zh4kj]

I lost it at that point. hahahahahaha... This was so impressively accurate.

[@LASR71]

The level of attention to detail in this sketch is awesome.

[@dontworry5981]

@Conor Winston that would make him a guitar player

[@blowba]

Yeah the lighting on the live footage is absolutely perfect! It looks exactly like it was from the late 70s early 80s. The accents and inflection were spot on. Having the talk show host chainsmoke, the song structure, lyrics all perfect. It feels like this was a labor of love.

[@Hectorheroic]

It's a rip off from the blow parades The Fatcocks.

[@tazatraz9613]

Fred is a HUGE punk fan. I’m pretty sure he just used what he knew.

[@marquee-moon]

Yeah, except for the 2010's era guitar Armisen plays for the first half of it. Brilliant otherwise. BEE DEEECENNNNT

[@keithkoenig5320]

Even more proof that Fred Armisen is a flat-out genius. This bit is hilarious and Fred's obvious love of Punk shines through.

[@Thegbear]

Norm Macdonald was right, if you’re going to parody something you have to love it. It’s why no comic got Trump jokes right, it all came from a place of hate (nothing political meant by that, just an observation).

[@baraksteady1341]

@@Thegbearyou're right. And even if you dont like what you parody. You can't have your pantys all wadded up about it. Loosey goosey.

[@communionshaped]

@@Thegbearlmao dude just had to bring up trump out of nowhere

[@davidfinley7392]

Wot iz these ghey muppets sheep

[@jesipohl6717]

@@communionshaped not entirely out of nowhere Armisen was satirising John Lydon who is a Trump Supporter.

[@snookslayer4559]

"I wanna kiss your iron fist. You crushed the Argentinians. You killed a few - they won't be missed. Let's go for a drive." Greatest lyric ever.

[@ventasocr]

@Constanza Bartoli Piñero Jaja mal un grande Fred

[@jorgelorenzo9056]

@@ventasocr jaja la puta madre es genial

[@thomasjust2663]

​@Constanza Bartoli Piñero Fred hace uno de los mejores acentos ingleses que e escuchado

[@kikamercadante8853]

Fala sério Armisens, esse trecho foi inspiração da época em que você morou no Brasil

[@muzzabike1417]

And to top it it sounds like a Billy Bragg sound.

[@ianwilson2007]

As an Englishman I have to say this is a genius parody. I love snl when it's good and this is perfect

[@JammastaJ23]

Ian Wilson This should be considered an Snl classic, unfortunately i don't think most Americans understand why this is brilliant.

[@metheone4]

+JammastaJ23 How dare you...?

[@dannydorko7075]

I think it works because of the work that went into it (fred is a fan of punk)

[@picard-xw3km]

🇬🇧

[@sexobscura]

With shows like Portlandia Armistan has proven he's a genius

[@brittaistheworst7523]

watching season 4 of The Crown and every time Maggie Thatcher is shown struggling I remember that at least Ian had her back

[@jeremysears4263]

LMAO

[@Lafemmefutile]

Lol a riot!

[@anu2601]

LOL, this is brilliant

[@vanzikpuiirenthlei3107]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@riverkang785]

Hhhhhhh

[@alexchapman3906]

I can’t believe Americans nailed this so perfectly. There are tiny references you would think too subtle for someone without first hand experience to get. Very well done.

[@natyoung7755]

Well Armisen's a big music buff, so I suppose he's done his research, and Steve Jones probably filled in the gaps.

[@Garrett1240]

Nat young This has Fred Armisen’s personality all over it. He even wrote and recorded all the music you hear in the background. It’s available on KZbin.

[@mmcmann9539]

The Sex Pistols and Johnny Rotten are pretty well know in the states also. There are probably as many fans here than there.

[@commentingisawasteoftime7195]

You have no clue how many Americans intentionally got themselves addicted to smack over hero worship of Sid Vicious

[@paigeherrin29]

I kinda got the same feeling in reverse about Spitting Image. The totally nail subtle American references too.

[@brandihoover4550]

Honestly I want a full version of “Sweet Iron Lady” What a bop.

[@LordDefekator]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqq8nZ6GZaeal7c

[@sylvie8324]

I want a full version of living in the gutter

[@autinjones7194]

@@LordDefekator I seriously cannot believe your comment was legit. Thank you.

[@MoonProds]

@@sylvie8324 You're luck he actually released the songs separately kzbin.info/www/bejne/maOZkmOln86qbaM

[@MoonProds]

this song is included too kzbin.info/www/bejne/maOZkmOln86qbaM

[@UberLummox]

When he said "Bee deecent" was the best John Lydon impression ever!

[@jameswalker9380]

It is isn't it lol

[@boppob1343]

@@jameswalker9380 He wasnt saying it was an exact soundalike

[@wandelgartking5446]

You bet it was

[@JG-ux7of]

Lydon for a time was a big Trump supporter. Not sure if he still is but I wonder if that inspired this video.

[@JG-ux7of]

Nope just saw this is from 2013. I guess it is somewhat prophetic.

[@nygiants440]

The most acurite part was that the drummer didn’t show up to any interviews

[@BAAAAAAAAA649]

I didn’t even realize they had a drummer, it was probably Chad

[@micahclawrence]

Acurite is inaccurate

[@chobblegobbler2536]

Acurissy is important.

[@createnewhandle_]

I heard he died in a bizarre gardening accident

[@CigarDoug]

@@createnewhandle_ No. That was the first one. This one choked to death on vomit. But it wasn't his OWN vomit. And since you can't dust for vomit, you know...

[@Amadeus-ms9lt]

As someone born and raised in England, SNL nailed the accents! Incredible consistency not to mention a great sketch about punk.

[@willscomix]

@xirsamoht x "no self-respecting ponk band"

[@lucyhurst2534]

No they didn’t lol far from it.

[@Amadeus-ms9lt]

@@lucyhurst2534 My ears beg to differ.

[@user-bp1gx3qt3o]

@@Amadeus-ms9lt they nailed everything apart from the accents

[@samwindmill8264]

I'm half English, I live here in America with my English father and his mum, and Armisen does an accent far better than I ever could.

[@rdcloutier]

Something I love about this skit is knowing Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols moved to California, started going by the name John Lydon and became a land developer. This is one of SNL's best ever skits.

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

That was his real (given) name. I dont know anything about his developing land, but he did act as a 'celebrity spokesman' for a butter company - which some folks could see as a kind of 'selling out', I suppose. He is known to be conservative in his political views, but I dont think he ever went on record about Maggie Thatcher.

[@sylph8005]

Doesn’t he still do Public Image Limited?

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

@@sylph8005 Yes, he still performs with them.

[@machtnichtsseimann]

Going by his real name is yet another punk move by Lydon, who also is the epitome of Punk in freely thinking for himself when the self-righteous punks want him to conform. Irony of ironies. He just tells them to F___ off. I'm with him, not that he cares. LoL. John FTW

[@michaeljacksin9367]

didnt he get knighted?@@machtnichtsseimann

[@buckycore]

I wish they made an entire Spinal Tap length version of this

[@TheRealCaptainFreedom]

Or Ruttles even.

[@buckycore]

@@TheRealCaptainFreedom a Ruttles Tap version would be too epic

[@LizMitchell]

YESSS

[@buckycore]

@@LizMitchell oh man, Liz...your channel is awesome

[@pulkmees]

Documentary Now. Come on people google. Not really full version of this sketch, but 20 minute episodes of similar comedy(some are music docs as well).

[@Betelqeuze]

This is an absolutely flawless sketch, very clever and brilliantly executed! Their take on late 1970s punk rock is spot on and they clearly know their references. (I'm assuming Fred wrote this one?)

[@jonanice]

Fred & Seth wrote the sketch

[@CryptoKang]

How do you know? @@jonanice

[@jonanice]

Crypto Kang it came up once on Seth Meyers show as being a favourite of theirs that they wrote

[@johnindigo5477]

Yeah the humor comes really naturally, and I loved how they referenced the interview but instead of john swearing he compliments the government. Brilliant, I did not except this much detail

[@operationada]

Fred is pretty brilliant, man. I have to say, I'm really impressed w/ the stuff I've seen on SNL as well as Portlandia. What a unique individual!

[@franciscuscrouse204]

This is one of the sharpest sketches that SNL has done over the last two decades.

[@davidmckesey7119]

It was like documentary now lol

[@dLimboStick]

This and Farewell Mr Bunting (another Armisen masterpiece) are my top favorite SNL Skits. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5aZfaOBhK-JnJI

[@nutshot_brawler8466]

I like how they accurately depict the clothing choice of the band members during and after their band career

[@JeromekJerome1972]

As a Brit who feels like he has lived through punk a million times due to the endless documentaries (like this one), this is actually really good! Referencing Dingwalls and the South Bank Show. Half of the original punks ended up as bloody Tories anyway so the Thatcher love is spot on

[@martinaxe6390]

I know so many old punks who turned into alt right nutcases; it's dumbfounding.

[@joemcbee]

@@martinaxe6390 I've got a cousin who was a hardcore liberal. He was a career academic into his late 20's even working as an assistant professor, and was pro-amnesty, open borders, free college, healthcare, etc. Growing tired of academia and wanting a change, he tried working in construction trades. The reality of seeing the effects of those policies from the ground changed his views. Within 3 years his bleeding heart mindset changed to hard right conservatism. Pro American, anti illegal immigration, pro-small government. That's the difference between liberals and conservatives. Liberals are generous with other people's money through high taxation and government involvement with assistance programs. Conservatives are generous with their own money. That's what's so ironic about the classic punk rock mentality, is they're against government, and conservatives are assholes, but they are ok with high taxation and government assistance programs that deincentivize people from taking care of themselves. Like they say "everyone is liberal when they're young and broke, then they become conservative when they're older and have money." With all that said I realize much of the punk movement was against social conservatism. If you're living a self-destructive lifestyle, you don't want the older generation telling you you're ruining your life. BTW I love punk rock including the sex pistols, but more so NY Dolls and Voidoids. This was an excellent sketch and Fred Armistead's humor is great!

[@bonnevillebagger9147]

Martin Axe it’s really not, it makes way more sense for an anarchist to transition into a conservative ideaology than a large government socialists nanny state. Where you can’t dare be offensive or you get categorized as a racist.

[@martinaxe6390]

@@bonnevillebagger9147 @DANGEROUS PERSON I'd like to avoid a political discussion under someone's comment, but just to clarify: There's conservative, and then there is alt right. I take the individual's rights to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness as an absolute; provided the individual does not use their rights to cause real harm unto others. The rights of the individual outweigh the rights of any collection of people, and should be equal among all people, regardless of various identities (religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.). This is not what the alt right preaches. They are racial, religious, gender, and LGBTQ exclusionists, who seek privilege rather than equal rights.

[@bonnevillebagger9147]

Yea, Hence the term *ALT* they are not conservatives. They are an Alternative. Most of them are National Socialists like Ol' Adolph.

[@kloggmonkey]

not only are they nailing the pistols' infamous interview with bill grundy but fred also manages to channel joe strummer's vocals when singing. just brilliant!

[@widM_]

whoever wrote and made this, knows a lot about punk music

[@widowswail888]

widM I assume that would be the one man who was a member of a punk band himself called “The KGB”.. Aka Fred Armisen..

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

He sounds more like Paul lol.

[@Iggy87]

I thought the speech at 2:30 sounded exactly like Joe!

[@mp-no9yv]

I'm a Brit and this is an amazingly accurate parody. It has a lot of references that American audiences may not appreciate. Whoever wrote this did their research.

[@jeremysears4263]

Fred Armison was a huge punk enthusiast. Especially British punk. Even had his own band back in the day

[@bailzzzzzz]

I get the impression that as well as being a music buff, Fred is probably a big fan of British satire - this whole absurd idea and the execution really reminds me of something Chris Morris might have done in the 90s on brass eye

[@justinmuse7095]

Such as?

[@mp-no9yv]

@@justinmuse7095 I was thinking mainly of the Sex Pistols British TV interview in 1976 with Bill Grundy, which is parodied in this sketch. The used the f--- word and other obscenities openly, for the first time on British TV, with Grundy seeming to go along with it. It caused a (typically British) scandal, and cost Grundy his job and blighted his career. I don't know if American audiences knew much about it. Also, the satire of Fred Armison's character liking Mrs Thatcher is funny and sharply observed.

[@Nerval-kg9sm]

Older Americans who consumed the news like me would get a lot of them. I remember a lot of what she did.

[@wwhiteboy42069]

Seriously one of the smartest overlooked snl sketches

[@thegamedudeguy]

this sketch was made for one man, and you can hear him laughing the entire time.

[@ThomasBaxter]

His name is Fred Armisen

[@thegamedudeguy]

@@ThomasBaxter Fred made the sketch for himself?

[@cstslow]

Thomas Baxter I’m certain he means Bill Hader. Hader is known for breaking character as well as laughing uncontrollably on set and in the background.

[@dividepaths]

@@cstslow I think you spelled Jimmy Fallon wrong.

[@blushingfrieza]

Lol there's one guy laughing distinctively in the audience guys. Jeez

[@WhiteSleevedStu]

BE DEEECENNNNNTTTTTT

[@vaidehivedula2094]

Stu Mackenzie

[@ixlnxs]

Oi loik heh.

[@jl7204]

I didint vote 4 her

[@judkilgore3822]

That was the best. Oh, Fred.

[@stevee.asherhouseofasherpo8367]

Best catchphrase ever.

[@MrUndersolo]

Can we just appreciate having Steve Jones in this clip?

[@bentramer682]

Was he host?

[@MrUndersolo]

@@bentramer682 No, he never hosted. And you may not like this, but the Sex Pistols almost appeared on the show in the 70s, but their visas were blocked. They got Elvis Costello and the Attractions instead. Man, what could have been...

[@bentramer682]

@@MrUndersolo that's interesting and what I've heard from Elvis Costello he's not bad

[@randomperson6433]

The actor who played the guy who scared Roseanne in her diner? No way! 😉

[@MrUndersolo]

@@bentramer682 He's great! But imagine the Sex Pistols live on a show with no censorship on American TV!

[@homenick93]

Everyones saying this is morrissey but I think its directly making fun of Johnny Rotten specifically.

[@leoking8353]

It is a parody of Johnny rotten.

[@justin48914]

He is just counter cultere like always is

[@icatfishedyourdad2767]

@@justin48914 Hardly counter culture when he’s voting conservative.

[@ThomasPashko]

This sketch was made before Rotten became conservative trash. There are touches of him in the interview, but I think the music is more overtly a riff on Joe Strummer/early Clash, and a little Billy Bragg

[@boppob1343]

@@ThomasPashko I'm pretty sure this was made because one of them thought up, "what if one of the big punk bands in the 80s UK were actually FOR Margaret Thatcher?"

[@safiyyasuhaimi3733]

This was so accurate 😂 so so accurate, with the style of the documentary and everything. don't think the audience understood how funny it actually is

[@narniabusiness7810]

exactly!

[@mfadhilirawan1545]

Omg Where are you from Indonesia/Malaysia

[@maribahagia]

You should watch Documentary Now! series. Bill Hader, Seth Meyers and Fred Armisen make that show together with this sketch as the genesis. Each episode is mocking/parodying (making homage to be exact) different style of documentary. It's so funny and accurate.

[@528stevieethereal8]

I think only a British audience of a certain generation will actually truly see it...old cunts like me.

[@JaneAlison008]

Safiyya Suhaimi Don't worry, the audience understood!

[@p.s.5634]

this has fred armisen written all over it

[@erichramone7812]

Well yes, didn’t you watch it. He was starring in it. Or did you mean because it’s punk rock it must be Freds writing because he loves all the old 70s and 80s punk and hardcore, and because of Potlandia etc etc? Ok if that’s what you meant then, I understand, it makes me mad that you said something so darn obvious but I understand. I understand I mean I’ll understand eventually...... I’m kidding -lol I’ll never understand. Straight up. Nah I’m kidding again. But not really... Ok I am

[@p.s.5634]

Ericramone78 ...yes, i did watch it. what i meant was it has fred armisen’s style of humor and personality all over it. it reminds me of various other projects he’s been involved in - specifically documentary now, which is pretty similar in style and humor to this sketch. i enjoy the way fred transfers his knowledge of music into humor.

[@erichramone7812]

p. s. I know what you mean.

[@MSW96]

@@erichramone7812 Do you think you're funny or?...

[@erichramone7812]

MinYoongiTrashhh I don’t think so. Jesus loves me, and I am a sinner, yet I would give my right arm to help you? Also I actually would have to give you my right arm because I already gave my left arm away to my Pool guy as gratuity for a job well done. I later found out him and my wife had a relationship behind. My back for 8 years, but he was sorry that he did it and I forgave him. His name was Chad. Just kidding...,. This is a recurring Saturday night live skit, with Pete Davidson.

[@ShoehatProductions]

1:30 They really managed to capture the 1970s English talk show vibe

[@Armentitron]

I love how they've replicated THE ICONIC sex pistols TV interview setup

[@musicalbacon2]

this is just unironically a biography of morrissey now

[@tezzingtonsir28]

So true

[@michaelvessel4604]

@@garywilson3042 Morrissey is pretty much the british Kanye West imo.

[@last808]

I still can't believe Morrissey said Stevie Wonder has no talent with a straight face.

[@DoomerDarling]

FUCK I HATE YOURE RIGHT

[@MasterOfKnowledge.]

@@last808 Morrissey's had a long string of being a self-absorbed asshole

[@georgedonaldson6252]

As a brit who was a teenager in the 70's this sketch is comedy gold. Great detail getting Steve Jones from the Pistols. Captures the mood perfectly.

[@baraksteady1341]

I was just watching this thinking man this must have made some Brits amazed. The legendary pistols interview and all the politics are given such attention to detail

[@NewDogOldTricks]

“Living in the gutter“ sounds like a real punk song

[@LoveProWrestling]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/baXNmZxoja2igsk

[@NewDogOldTricks]

@@LoveProWrestling Thank you

[@dzenacs2011]

They all

[@slabkrew19]

The way Bobby Monynihan burrys his chin into his chest as the interviewer is why this cast was the best! Subtle detail so appreciated lol

[@AliasVertigo]

"At that time no self-respecting punk band was singing pro-Thatcher songs." This is my favorite SNL sketch. Fred Armisen is awesome, Bill Hader's accent is a killer and Bobby Moynihan deserves an award for a supporting actor in this piece.

[@Udobrenie]

He absolutely does!

[@h00liganismo1]

AliasVertigo to

[@williamjameslehy1341]

@Mailroom Clerk that's a bit of an excessively aggressive digression there, mate. Everything okay at home?

[@rachelladue1572]

Also Taran! he and bill's accents and mannerisms were excellent

[@libbybollinger5901]

Mailroom Clerk of course, the largely democrat youth of the 1980s UK

[@l-jshaw9986]

This so unbelievably well done 10/10

[@bernlin2000]

Armisen is a singular talent: never been anyone like him on SNL before or since. Incredible!!

[@circepheme1931]

this is literally my favorite snl skit ever

[@CRFSUIGENERIS]

Me, too!

[@joanab8367]

Brilliant. Fred and Bill amazing as always. I love that "oi, its the prime minister. Be decent" Spot on

[@mwa1254]

"She works everyday of the week. Even Sat-ur-day!!!"

[@hollister2320]

Michael Waterhouse his face 😂☠️

[@tamalita82]

This kills me 😂

[@ryangoodrow8829]

I like how his reason for liking Thatcher is that she reminds him of his mum. That’s surprisingly cute and wholesome for a punk-rocker

[@elizabethperry2622]

It’s right on the money remembering these earlier punk rockers especially in the UK were all a bunch of very young struggling kids. I can absolutely see some 17 year old with severe mommy issues squatting in a condemned flat in London in 1975 spending all day shoplifting and listening to blues records becoming an Ian Rubbish. Like there’s some ancient, stern, unfriendly woman who’s beaten lung cancer twice somewhere named Margery Scruggs or Mary Scrup or Joanne Trench who cleaned offices for 35 years who never in her life would speak to someone from the press. But if she did it would be about how “ ‘er Ian was asked to leave school at fifteen and ‘e just couldn’t abide by some common sense policies oi ad round the home and it’s been so long ago, I don’t remember why exactly ‘e left home but there you have it.“

[@calamityjane5484]

Is no one going to mention how disrespectfully hilarious the song "C*#t in a Crown" is? 😂😂😂

[@Yerbluesful]

I feel the same! Hilarious

[@willpayne3647]

You can tell this is some of the best satire they ever did because the crowd has no idea why this is so funny

[@soloar2007]

Exactly

[@fatnose0]

How would you know

[@alessandroscuderi7300]

Yeah its not obvious slap in the face funny so the SNL audience doesnt appreciate it

[@DebNKY]

​@alessandroscuderi7300 I mean, why do you think they're dumb?

[@colinr4860]

1:50 😂 "Uh, I like her." His face and the way he says it kills me. Fred is so good.

[@Research0digo]

That was Fred's Rupport Murdoch. 😁👍🏻😀

[@claraclonk]

fred's a musical genius in every aspect of his life, especially in comedy. just so observant. probably my favourite comedy sketch of all time!

[@user-xi9oe8yw6v]

When this first aired, I was laughing so damn hard. This skit caught me by a massive surprise and was laughing so ridiculously with tears because me and my girl knew exactly who they were parodying, and we were glued to the TV. 😂 I can point out so many awesome takes in this, but one that really sticks out to me and is yet a rather subtle one, is the snarky little chuckle and look for approval of his mates Armisen makes about attending the funeral for The Police at 1:38. I mean, Fred absolutely nails Johnny Rotten's characteristics so badly, it's insane! 😂 *Such a damn, well done, great skit by all!* 😂😭🤣

[@rubberduckyofsteel]

bill hader always shines as being more than just a comedian but an INCREDIBLE actor in everything he does. this whole thing is hilarious but he just elevates it

[@Baegitte]

Felt like this was the precursor to Documentary Now!

[@kylebookout1789]

Haha yes! The attention to detail is what makes it work so well.

[@lilyludwig4323]

It literally is, they credit this sketch with being the inspiration for Doc Now

[@Baegitte]

@@lilyludwig4323 lol srsly? whoa.

[@ninalove3044]

I thought the same!!!

[@atomic_ryu]

“The wife says no globes, out ya go”

[@colombianguy8194]

Absolutely brilliant!!! The accents, the old analog tube camera filter, the clothes... that interview, just, wow!!!

[@themzbonez14]

This is the most accurately impressive sketch I’ve seen from SNL. It’ll always be my favorite

[@NEMRAC2024]

I wish they made a full movie this. Like The Rutles

[@therealstevezissou8649]

ACDC Acoustic Only ACDC Acoustic Only Watch “Documentary Now” on Netflix Hader and Fred did a whole show like this

[@itswherethecomedycomesin8864]

Spinal Tap😂

[@danielstellwag3081]

Titty titty titty juice titty titty titty titty juice titty titty juice

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

I'd watch it.

[@solunasunrise]

there´s went to ´leven ... but ours go to tweeeelve

[@vivioniglitters1697]

As an English person who grew up around punk music.... This is hilariously accurate lol good job guys esp the iconic BBC interview 🤣

[@Elnont]

As a Brit Hader actually sounds like your typical punk bassist lmao.

[@karlosdeevs]

Yh, or even leaning into post-punk. Check out 2:05 and tell me he doesn’t resemble Ian Curtis when Sam Riley played him in Control (2007).

[@STORMCombatSystem]

This is absolutely brilliant. Fred Armisen is one of a kind.

[@nelsonholmes6174]

Wow, Fred Armisen really knows his stuff punk wise. Really well put together sketch. To be honest I was expecting a typical hacky American take on British culture, but it's far from it. Be Decent, lmao. Edit- Also really nice touch having the actual Steve jones from the Sex Pistols as a talking head, this could be a BBC4 music documentary.

[@manchesterunitedno7]

Well, Fred is no secret a big fan of the punk movement, especially the UK counter culture. Even got himself a punk band back in the 90s. You noticed in several of his skits. He inserts his punk roots in them.

[@thesprawl2361]

@@manchesterunitedno7 The riffs on generic UK punk rock songs are just flawless. You can tell he's written songs before, or been around people who write those kinds of songs. Just "1 2 3 Heeeey...". Really impressive.

[@danielflanard8274]

Yes, because Americans mock the British, certainly not the other way around. Oh, and because the US punk scene definitely hasn't been around for decades, expanding on and evolving the genre along with other countries.

[@michaelmcdonald8452]

Daniel Flanard What does any of that have to do with what the OP said?

[@danielflanard8274]

@@michaelmcdonald8452 It indirectly said that Americans can't do British impressions correctly, and in saying British culture, implied that punk is a wholly British thing, but yes, I overreacted.

[@bentramer682]

This is everything done right, some sucker's I know wouldn't tell the difference between him and Johnny.

[@Bootystank99659]

Sid Vicious love your account cool username and pfp

[@taffysaur]

It’s more of a Joe Strummer impression.

[@VanceMacdonald]

@@taffysaur Clearly a mix going on here. And a razor sharp one. On the (hilarious) Grundy show clip, when he says "Be deecent" it's 100% Johnny Rotten. His songs are more Strummer though.

[@enriqueosorio3731]

@Mychael Darklighter Joe hated Thatcher lol

[@dylanholland1126]

@@enriqueosorio3731 that's the joke though

[@alfredthegreatkingofwessex6838]

“Hey mr Trump you’re alright” -Johnny Rotten

[@stavrosmayakofsky1915]

lol

[@cowboysbeavers4416]

Let's go for a driiiivvee

[@tarantellalarouge7632]

it's hard to stay a rebel !

[@thelastmanonearth2631]

I'm not even sure if people realize just how well-crafted this joke was. God damn beautiful.

[@salvadorpradoramos]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioLUlauHhpqLqtk

[@samanthamaynard4447]

People don't also realize that in real life, Bill is deeply into punk, something he got from his dad. So he's no slouch when it comes to knowing/understanding the punk esthetic, values, history, etc. I know Fred did a huge amount of work on this one but Bill knows his stuff too.

[@INHeadKay]

one of the most accurate British themed skits in SNL history. and to compare with what they did for gbbo. clearly Fred made this happen. miss him. the audience didnt get it sadly.

[@itsonlysound]

I think Seth Meyers came up with the idea and wrote the bulk of the sketch, lyrics included.

[@INHeadKay]

itsonlysound not surprised he lived in Amsterdam and visited London frequently

[@theobuniel9643]

@@itsonlysound Or maybe it's both Fred and Seth. Fred was already a massive punk fan to begin with, and I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to co-write it with Seth because he thinks Seth could improve his sketch ideas.

[@gaylebynumcardosa7034]

It wasn't filmed in front of a studio audience, it was a laugh track.

[@INHeadKay]

@@gaylebynumcardosa7034 your actually wrong ive watched this episode live. All SNL digital skits are played live to the audience in the nbc studios watching the show as the actors take a break and change. This one is no different.

[@assmane999]

Brilliant performances, especially by Fred. This is a great sketch.

[@stonesinmyblood27]

I lived in Thatcher England and this is absolute spot on and genius hilarious

[@beanie1089]

Seriously, one of the best Armisen/Hader sketches of all time. Hahaha!

[@dannypqliar8763]

Instant SNL favourite. This will go down in history, brilliant and funny as hell.

[@joseveijanen3715]

Danny Peculiarbleeps It´s like the BOC skit, it´s perfect.

[@oldoddjobs]

This 5 minute piece of light entertainment fluff will "go down in history" Get a fucking clue

[@rizkyanandita8227]

"She remind me of my mum" Can't argue with that.

[@Liz-sc3np]

Rizky Anandita That was sweet heh

[@redherronrecords]

I would tell my mum to sod off if she was like that.

[@johnmcnab4273]

@@redherronrecords hey... Be DE-cent

[@jackkelly9048]

Of everything I've seen this stands strong as my favourite SNL sketch to date

[@joaromero1862]

"BE DECENT " spot on

[@sahiblindberg]

Bill Hader's cockney accent proves that Americans actually can play Brits. Absolutely perfect

[@user-bp1gx3qt3o]

wasn’t really that good

[@tomace4898]

One of Hader's worst accents. Not even close.

[@StoneE4]

If Brits only knew Andrew Lincoln from "The Walking Dead" and assumed he was an American they would complain about his fake British accent.

[@simonjenkin]

This was the only "oh Thatcher is dead" piece of comedy I saw at the time that was both critical of her politics and still respectful. I'm from the north so I loathe Thatcher with a passion but this, this is real satire. And it's quite beautiful.

[@MetalizedButt]

Ian Rubbish is the most punk name ever

[@dolan979]

Bill Hader's English accent sounds just like James Gordon!

[@FromeFmAjayD]

The accents, the performances and songwriting , the fact they recreated the Bill Grundy show incident. Someone knew their 70s Brit punk very well over at SNL.

[@tmzebe530]

Fred armisen is so damn talented. The man is hilarious, everything he puts out is gold. Give that guy a raise and a half.

[@emebet810]

I love this sketch by itself, but the fact that this was the origin of the show "Documentary now" makes me love it 1000 times more.

[@buckdancer8916]

Vanessa Bayer is still adorable even as Maggie Thatcher.

[@floatingsara]

I was looking for this comment, thank you! This bit of the sketch made me laugh out loud 😂

[@SamKooshesh]

It doesn't seem possible, but there we have it.

[@zakonodavac]

One of the best sketches from SNL. :) I joined The Bizaaarroooooos hahaahaha.Bill Hader is a fu*king legend.

[@yes-gm5ts]

That entertained, mumbling assent that Bill and Taran do when Fred is delivering those tired soundbites on the talk show is spot on. So idiotic, so typical. It was a true to life nice touch.

[@johntedesco9834]

Bill hader got the whole britsh punk rocker the way he says no in that lazy way was perfext but my god armsion got johnny rotten unique britsh slang PERFECT i think him and bill hader were the most under ratted stars of snl

[@da-be-ju]

Hardly underrated. Hader in particular.

[@SDXStudio]

This is still one of my favorite sketches of all time. Getting Steve Jones to legitimize it. Incredible.

[@Burgmannn]

That talkshow bit is just perfect, the clothes, the smoking and the fidgeting, they nailed it.

[@sstaners1234]

“Hey Maggie Thatcher you’re alright.....” I need that on my iPhone

[@johnkoch9315]

As the ringtone

[@welshwitch2286]

I keep coming back to this. Tears every time

[@lalakuma9]

The Crown season 4: Hey Maggie Thatcher you're alright.

[@viennawaits4u36]

The Bizzaros need their own feature length mockumentary now.

[@NickP333]

This is brilliant. Can’t believe they got Steve Jones to take part.

[@KikoJonesUSA]

If they remove the SNL logo, someday in the future people will find it and think it's real. And Steve being in it will seal that deal.

[@NickP333]

@@KikoJonesUSA Haha! Totally.

[@fernandojose592]

No lie I clicked the video thinking it was going to be serious video lol completely ignored the snl in the title

[@NickP333]

@@fernandojose592 Hahaha 🤣 Awesome….

[@thedrewdog]

I don't think Bobby's Bill Grundy is getting enough love. THAT is a damn good impression.

[@cheribee968]

This is an awesome skit All so funny Fred and Bill doing Grey Gardens is hysterical The two of them so funny together

[@joelwilcox5424]

Bill and Tarans performances in the background of the interview at 1:30 are so amazing

[@opethinchains]

Lol, with the Jon Lydon accent... "Be deeeecennnnnnT..."

[@SethRushing89]

It's even more hilarious because this is exactly how John Lydon aka Johnny Rotten is now. haha

[@ravyntackett7143]

"she works every day of the week, including Saturday!"

[@jamesdunne8504]

As someone who's spent many a Saturday night watching music documentaries on BBC4, this is spot on

[@lemsip207]

I remember Behind The Music With ____ on VH1.

[@kustomkure]

this is a masterpiece

[@oldoddjobs]

Hardly

[@samnewton9568]

I can't believe they got Steve Jones to do this

[@Allagi22]

"Sweet Iron Lady, I want to kiss your Iron Fist You crushed the Argentinians--you killed a few they won't be missed Let's go for a drive When I'm with you l feel alive! When we're done we can privatize... Our nation's industries!" SNL crushed it with this. They got the gist of the punk movement, Thatcher's politics, general resentment against her in the scene, and just everything---Truly top notch lads. So well done. Joe Strummer and Sid Vicious would no doubt laugh at this.

[@nemisiesaidSTARS]

I read it as "C sharp in a crown".

[@kendallwhite7002]

Nuper In Nocte I mean, C sharp is just as bad😂

[@TokyoBlue587]

When you've just been reading too much music theory

[@onkelpappkov2666]

@@TokyoBlue587 Or programming for dummies.

[@HectorBadillaOfficial]

Nuper In Nocte ME TOO!

[@dizzy6947]

Same dude

[@bradwalsh1903]

When he played the parody of Kiss me Deadly I nearly pissed myself laughing

[@gregaman27]

Brad Walsh actually sounded pretty good 😂

[@bradwalsh1903]

Greg Correa I agree 😂

[@dmiranda70420]

I heard that too, dead on.

[@theo1856]

1:37 literally the sex pistols interview

[@christopherritsch9244]

"You're a very....special....lady!!". LOL.

[@esselle6235]

Wow. An SNL sketch that is actually clever... Poignant, even. This is Portlandia-level satire.

[@RatelHBadger]

It's almost, Not the 9 O'Clock News level satire.

[@OHHnoYOUdidntMAN]

and still relevant today....

[@zachperkins688]

People hate on SNL (for good reason sometimes) but they still put out at least one or two classic sketches every season it feels like.

[@itswherethecomedycomesin8864]

Sometimes SNL doesn't really hit the right marks at the right times...and then sometimes they come out with things like this and I am just so overjoyed

[@alhekziz07]

Fred Armizen is a f***ing genious..!! He nailed the whole sketch. His brittish accent is so perfect, that at 4:14, his mouth sounds and looks the same Mick Jagger's mouth..!! lol...

[@dragomiruzelac2227]

In fact with this utterly funny cockney shit he's more Mick than Mick himself! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@42Fern42]

Hahahahaha, when he starts talking back to the guitarist. The best Johnny Rotten documentary I've ever seen.