Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind Saturday Night Live, once played a crucial role in keeping rock legend Keith Richards out of prison.
According to Susan Morrison’s biography, Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live,
Michaels came to the aid of the Rolling Stones guitarist following a serious drug charge in Canada.
A Rock and Roll Predicament
The incident dates back to 1977 when Keith Richards was caught with 22 grams of heroin by Canadian authorities at the Harbour Castle Hilton in Toronto.
Given the substantial quantity, Richards faced the possibility of being charged with intent to distribute, which carried a potential life sentence.
The stakes were incredibly high for the rock star, whose career and freedom were on the line.
In October 1978, just weeks after the Rolling Stones made history by hosting and performing as the musical guest for Saturday Night Live’s fourth season premiere, Richards was due in court. That’s when Lorne Michaels stepped in, reportedly at the request of Mick Jagger, to serve as a character witness for his bandmate.
Preparing for Court
Morrison’s book details how Michaels took his producer instincts into the courtroom, making sure Richards presented himself appropriately before the judge. The SNL creator insisted the guitarist wear a respectable three-piece suit rather than his usual flamboyant rockstar attire, though Richards still paired it with a “loud tie.”
Richards’ legal team painted him as a troubled artist rather than a criminal, while the prosecution argued that his influence and music encouraged drug use. Meanwhile, despite facing a potentially life-altering verdict, Richards was far from sober during the proceedings. Morrison’s biography reveals that the guitarist even took a quick snort of cocaine from his pocket while waiting in a backroom at the courthouse. Michaels, aware of this, feared he might be forced to lie under oath when testifying.
Lorne Michaels Takes the Stand
Fortunately for Michaels, his testimony remained straightforward. He was only asked about Richards’ role in the Rolling Stones and described him as “the catalyst of the band.” Additionally, he emphasized the Stones’ global influence, calling them the “number one rock and roll band in the world.”
Michaels also revealed that this reputation was a major factor in his decision to have the Rolling Stones host the season 4 premiere of SNL—even over Muhammad Ali, who had also been a potential candidate.
The Verdict
In the end, Richards avoided a harsh sentence. Instead of prison time, he received a suspended sentence and was ordered to perform a benefit concert for the blind. Reflecting on the case, Michaels later noted that Canadians “would not want to put a real artist in jail.”
A Lasting Influence
The incident serves as an example of how powerful figures in entertainment can have a significant impact on the lives of their peers. Michaels, known for his sharp wit and deep connections in the industry, played a pivotal role in ensuring that Richards’ rock and roll legacy continued without being overshadowed by a prison sentence.
While Richards’ history with substance abuse remained turbulent, this moment in 1978 became a turning point, allowing him to avoid what could have been a catastrophic end to his career.
Thanks to Michaels’ intervention, the Rolling Stones continued to make music and perform for decades to come, solidifying their status as one of the greatest bands of all time.
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