On April 5, 2025, Jack Black made a triumphant return to Saturday Night Live for its milestone 50th season. In his fourth hosting appearance, he electrified the audience with a vibrant tribute to the iconic rock band Aerosmith during his opening monologue.
The Dynamic Opening Act: Jack Black’s Aerosmith Tribute
Commencing his monologue, Black reminisced about his previous experience hosting the show, noting that it had been a full 20 years since he last graced the stage. With enthusiasm, he launched into a high-energy cover of Aerosmith’s “Back in the Saddle,”instantly capturing the audience’s attention.
In a humorous yet heartfelt moment, Jack stated:
“It’s been 20 years since I’ve been on this stage…But I can’t do it. It’s too stressful. And, frankly, I do not have the nerve.”
With playful tension, Black pretended to step away from the spotlight, claiming the pressure was too much to handle. The crowd’s anticipation built until the unmistakable riff of “Back in the Saddle”heralded his return. He performed the song with exuberance, declaring that the music infused him with renewed energy to host:
“You guys! You know what this song does to me… it gives me the power to host again.”
His lively rendition included clever references to his popular films such as Jumanji, Super Mario Bros., Kung-Fu Panda, and Nacho Libre. The lyrics playfully noted:
“I’m back on Saturday Night Live again / Jack Black! I’m hosting Saturday Night Live again.”
Reflecting on SNL’s impressive 50-year history, Black humorously acknowledged his own milestone age of 55, further enhancing the personal touch of his performance. As he exuberantly navigated the audience, members of the cast, including Kenan Thompson, Marcello Hernández, and Heidi Gardner, joined him, transforming the moment into a celebratory spectacle.
A Unique Sketch: My Chemical Romance Gets the Jack Black Treatment
A significant highlight of Black’s hosting was his participation in the comedic sketch titled “Goth Kid on Vacation.”Within this scene, he delivered a parody of My Chemical Romance’s hit “Welcome to the Black Parade”while portraying a goth character on holiday in Jamaica. The sketch kicked off with a reggae band serenading the audience:
“But when there is war and struggle and pain / How do we fill our souls with joy again?”
This lead-in introduced the goth kid character, played by Michael Longfellow, which added layers of humor and contrast as Black, adorned in full emo attire, delivered altered lyrics reflecting the goth perspective:
“When I was a young boy / My parents took me down to Jamaica / For my high-school spring breaaaak…”
The sketch humorously illustrated the clash between the carefree reggae vibes and the goth kid’s brooding attitude. Black’s character harmonized with the reggae band, performing the song “One Love,”while Longfellow’s character begrudgingly enjoyed a piña colada. The comedy was further amplified as Black’s character lightheartedly noted the goth kid’s refusal to abandon his dark wardrobe, even in the tropical setting.
For those who wish to catch the latest episodes of Saturday Night Live, tune in every Saturday at 11:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, with episodes available for streaming the day after they air.