'SNL' cowbell sketch 'ruined' Christopher Walken's life, says Will Ferrell (original) (raw)
Published on November 22, 2019 01:30AM EST
Turns out, Christopher Walken needs less cowbell.
Millions of people have cracked up at Saturday Night Live's iconic "More Cowbell" sketch, which starred Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken. But the one person not laughing? Walken himself, apparently.
In the 2000 bit, Ferrell played an overzealous member of Blue Öyster Cult during a fictionalized recording session for the band's famous song "(Don't Fear) the Reaper," while Walken portrayed famed music producer Bruce Dickinson who felt the track needed "more cowbell." Ferrell's character went wild with the suggestion and the rest, as they say, is history.
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Ahead of his fifth SNL hosting gig this Saturday, Ferrell appeared on the Tonight Show to reminisce about the sketch, which also featured host Jimmy Fallon.
"Here's the crazy thing. I go to see Christopher Walken years later, in a play. I say hello to him backstage and he's like, 'You know, you've ruined my life,'" Ferrell said, imitating Walken's famous voice. "'People during curtain call bring cowbells and ring them. The other day I went for an Italian food lunch, and the waiter asked if I wanted more cowbell with my pasta bolognese.' I think he's really mad at me."
Still, Ferrell made it clear that Walken took it all in stride, saying the actor "had a little smile" while talking.
Anyone would have to laugh a little if they had a long, acclaimed film career, only to be most remembered for an SNL sketch that prominently featured one of the most annoying instruments in human existence.
"From T he Deer Hunter to P ulp Fiction to 'More Cowbell' — that's all he gets," Ferrell joked to Fallon.
If you somehow haven't seen "More Cowbell," catch it below.
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