Behind the Scenes Drama: The Tense Backstage Incident at Saturday Night Live in 1995
A memorable incident occurred backstage at Saturday Night Live in January 1995 during a season 20 episode hosted by Jeff Daniels. Adam Sandler, a breakout star on the show, wrote a sketch mocking Aerosmith's early '90s hits. The sketch highlighted how the band's songs sounded similar with slightly altered lyrics. Sandler portrayed Steven Tyler, and Jay Mohr played Joe Perry. Mohr recalled how SNL bandleader G.E. Smith demonstrated the accuracy of the sketch by playing multiple Aerosmith songs without moving his fingers on the fretboard.
Before the sketch went live, Sandler and Mohr had a tense moment under the bleachers. Mohr, dressed as Joe Perry, suggested Sandler change his sunglasses, but Sandler reacted angrily. Mohr admitted that his resentment towards Sandler stemmed from wanting more airtime on SNL. The argument almost escalated into a physical confrontation, but the presence of the studio audience prevented it. Despite the tension, they successfully performed the Aerosmith sketch and moved on to the next skit.
After the season ended, SNL underwent changes, with ten cast members, including Sandler and Mohr, leaving the show. The backstage drama between Sandler and Mohr did not affect their performance, and they maintained a mutual respect. The incident highlighted the competitive and intense environment at SNL, where cast members vied for screen time and recognition.