Will Ferrell Says Iconic ‘SNL’ Cowbell Sketch Ruined Christopher Walken’s Life
Written by SOURCE on November 23, 2019
“More Cowbell” is a Saturday Night Live classic. A parody of the VH1 docuseries Behind the Music, this iconic sketch focused on the recording of Blue Oyster Cult’s hit song “Don’t Fear the Reaper.” Christopher Walken—the host of the April 8, 2000 episode—played music producer Bruce Dickinson, who kept demanding the rock group to incorporate “more cowbell.”
Though it has become one of the most beloved—and quoted—SNL sketches, More Cowbell has apparently caused some headaches for Walken. Comedian Will Ferrell revealed this information during a recent appearance on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
“Here’s the crazy thing: So 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 recalled, while doing a solid Walken impersonation. “‘People, during the 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.'”
Ferrell and Fallon both appeared in the sketch, alongside their former SNL cast mates Chris Kattan, Chris Parnell, and Horatio Sanz.
“And I think he was really mad at me. He had a little smile but …” Ferrell continued, before suggesting the cowbell skit may have overshadowed Walken’s more dramatic work. “From the Deer Hunter to Pulp Fiction to More Cowbell. That’s all he gets now.”
“So it made a lot of people happy, then it ruined one person’s life?” Fallon jokingly said.
“Ruined one person’s life,” Ferrell responded, “but what are you gonna do?”
You can watch Ferrell and Fallon reminisce about other memorable sketches below. Ferrell will return to the SNL stage this weekend to serve as host. The episode will feature musical guest King Princess.
