In 1978, Saturday Night Live made history by having the entire Rolling Stones band serve as both host and musical guest. While the episode was chaotic and memorable, what happened afterward was even more shocking.
Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist, was facing a potential life sentence in Canada after being caught with 22 grams of heroin. Mick Jagger, desperate to save his bandmate, called on SNL creator Lorne Michaels for help. Michaels traveled to Toronto and testified as a character witness, carefully shaping Richards’ image as a rock icon rather than a criminal.
The Unconventional SNL Season Premiere
In 1978, Saturday Night Live kicked off its fourth season with one of its most unique hosting choices: the entire Rolling Stones band. Unlike a typical episode where a celebrity host performs sketches and introduces a musical guest, the legendary rock band took on both roles. This unconventional choice resulted in a wild and unpredictable show, filled with backstage antics and unpredictable performances. But what happened after the cameras stopped rolling was even more astonishing.
A High-Stakes Favor from Mick Jagger
Shortly after the episode aired, SNL co-creator Lorne Michaels received an unusual request from his close friend, Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stones frontman asked Michaels to testify as a character witness for guitarist Keith Richards, who was facing a serious drug charge in Canada. If convicted, Richards could have received a life sentence due to the country’s strict drug laws. Despite knowing firsthand about Richards’ substance abuse issues, Michaels agreed to help, setting the stage for a high-stakes courtroom drama.
Keith Richards’ Legal Trouble in Canada
Richards had been arrested in Toronto after Canadian authorities found 22 grams of heroin in his hotel room. This amount was enough to charge him with intent to traffic, which carried a minimum seven-year sentence and a possible life term. The prosecution argued that the Rolling Stones’ lyrics glorified drug use, while Richards’ legal team attempted to portray him as a troubled artist rather than a criminal. To strengthen their case, they needed a credible witness, and that’s where Michaels came in.
Lorne Michaels’ Dilemma in the Courtroom
When Michaels arrived in Toronto, he was nervous about what he might have to say under oath. He had witnessed Richards’ drug use firsthand and feared perjuring himself. However, when he took the stand, he was only asked about Richards’ role in the band. Michaels truthfully described Richards as the “catalyst” of the Rolling Stones and emphasized their immense cultural influence. His carefully crafted testimony helped shape the perception of Richards as a legendary musician rather than a criminal.
The Surprising Verdict and Its Aftermath
Despite the severity of the charges, the court handed down a surprisingly lenient verdict. Instead of serving jail time, Richards received a suspended sentence and was ordered to perform a benefit concert for the blind. Some believe Michaels’ testimony played a crucial role in the outcome, while others credit a blind teenage superfan who made a personal appeal to the judge. Regardless of the exact reason, Richards avoided prison, and the case became one of rock and roll’s most infamous legal sagas.
The Legacy of the Incident
The courtroom drama surrounding Keith Richards’ trial only added to the mythos of the Rolling Stones. Meanwhile, Michaels saw the incident as a lesson in how power and influence shape justice. Years later, he would recall the experience as an example of “how things work” in the real world. The story remains a fascinating footnote in SNL history, demonstrating how the worlds of television, music, and law can unexpectedly collide.
From hosting Saturday Night Live to standing trial, Keith Richards’ rollercoaster journey in 1978 remains an unforgettable chapter in rock history—one that was nearly rewritten, if not for the intervention of Lorne Michaels.
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