Elvis Costello

Breaking away from any planned performance on the spot is an incredibly tricky thing to pull off. Especially during the ‘70s, when technology was scarce, everything must be planned in precise detail. That’s why when Elvis Costello performed a different song than rehearsed, and it made national news.

The singer’s team and the show producers initially agreed that he would perform his single, Less Than Zero. Costello, however, had other plans in mind. Without warning, the singer started belting out his song Radio, Radio in the middle of the show’s performance slot. Though unplanned, his little prank gave birth to SNL’s most infamous TV musical stunt, earning him a lengthy 25-year ban from the show. Don’t worry, though. The singer was ultimately invited to the show and even poked fun at the legendary incident. We don’t know about you, but Costello definitely deserves credit for his iconic stunt.