I think the producers feel the same way about Arcade Fire as you do - have any musical act previously had to perform their 2nd song over the closing credits (after a VERY rocky intro)?
In which case U2 got a third song once a few years ago. They did "I Will Follow," a reminder that they were once good. Amy Poehler was in tears on the side of the stage watching them.
R.E.M. also got three for their second appearance (1994, hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker). That third Arcade Fire performance looked (and sounded) awkward, as if they didn't know they were getting a third song and someone off-camera urged them to start playing something.
Glad some of you have answered the question about bands playing 3 songs on the show. I didn't recall it in the past. Especially on the "outro" of the show, which was always was reserved for the house band. Also it did seem like it was an impromptu performance (the third song). If such a thing is possible on SNL anymore (impromptu performance).
If you haven't seen it, look for the Arcade Fire or New Cast Member? sketch from, I think, 2013. It is hilarious. Only one of the new cast members in that sketch lasted more than one season (Kyle Mooney, who remains a cast member). Win Butler does a better Robert DeNiro impression than the new cast member he's paired with (Mike O'Brien).
What was the song they played during the credits? I wondered if it was part of the 1973 protest tshirts.
I don’t think they would have been standing on the music stage with their instruments ready to play if they weren’t expecting to do another song.
It looked like Win was supposed to start the song but I think he played the wrong chord on the guitar and threw himself off. Then because he was stopping and starting the others couldn’t come in on cue. Live TV!
I barely laughed and thought AF were average and hokey, as I usually do. When bands have all those extra musicians they look boutiquey and redundant.
I'm fine with NL and Japanese Breakfast as the guests, but didn't they used to get bigger stars for closing shows of the season? As if a dozen others declined.
Their 2nd song rocked. I have no idea what the title was. I'm not huge on Arcade Fire on album, but every time I've seen them live I've been blown away. They play like they mean it.
Should've gotten Jean Smart! She's hot with Hacks - Season 2 starting & she was in New York this week! - I saw a part of her interview on Live w/Kelly & Ryan. Kelly wasn't there. I forget if it was a day that Ali Wentworth filled in or Maria Menoudos. Too bad, everybody doesn't just book Mike Birbiglia, since he was so great filling in for Jimmy Kimmel - enjoyed the open for a change! I guess maybe Jean's commitments weren't known when they'd needed to book it. But, wow, this was just such a perfect fit - a comedic actress on a comedy show that's garnered a lot of attention - esp. coming off Benedict's episode?! Seems a no-brainer - SNL: Oh, no, I don't think that'll work. Should've worked it out to move Natasha to the Fall to execute this maneuver. Ooh... decisions! And, musical guest could've been either Sheryl Crow or The Black Keys to close season out. - Or, Dolly since she seems so beloved & just got one of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductions even though she'd requested removal from ballot. - Sheryl just had documentary premiere last week with accompanying 2-CD retrospective & The Black Keys just released a new album yesterday .... Why can't I just rule the world?!
The article that I posted yesterday didn't include the musical guest in the headline, but it will be Japanese Breakfast: ‘SNL’: Natasha Lyonne To Host Season Finale With Japanese Breakfast – Deadline
Do you genuinely think the SNL target demo is even slightly interested in Sheryl Crow or the Black Crowes? Japanese Breakfast is a big act to the target demo, plus they have the extra talking point of their singer-songwriter having written a bestselling memoir and even the hide bound traditionalist's ultimate seal of approval: they were nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy after their third album. The next week's worth of "lol never heard of them they must suck" is gonna be hilarious.