In one of the most memorable moments in *Saturday Night Live* history, 

actor Christopher Walken famously mispronounced the name of the band Foo Fighters during their musical guest performance in February 2003. 

However, in a new interview for the docuseries *SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night*, Dave Grohl, the band’s frontman, 

reveals that the mishap was actually intentional and part of a prank he played on the legendary actor.

The incident occurred when Walken, who was hosting the show that week, was preparing to introduce the band before their performance. 

In a candid moment captured on camera, Walken, known for his distinctive voice and unique delivery, asked Grohl and the Foo Fighters whether the emphasis should be placed on “Foo” or “Fighters” when saying the band’s name. 

As it turns out, Grohl seized the opportunity to have a little fun, replying with a joke: “Foo Fighters’ is the best.”

This exchange led to Walken delivering the now-iconic line during the live broadcast, where he introduced the band as “Foo Fighters,” with a noticeable accent on the first syllable of “Foo.” Grohl, who was standing backstage waiting to take the stage, shared that he was eagerly anticipating the moment. “We were standing there on the stage as we were about to go to air, and I’m like, ‘Oh, he’s gonna do it! He’s gonna do it! He’s gonna f—— do it!'” he recalled in the interview. “Pin-drop silence, and he says, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, Foo Fighters.'”

This playful moment quickly became one of the most talked-about blunders in *SNL* history, with viewers and fans alike finding humor in the mix-up. It’s now remembered as part of the rich tapestry of unscripted and accidental moments that have helped shape the long-running sketch comedy show. 

More than two decades later, Walken returned to *SNL* in October 2023, making a cameo appearance during an episode hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, where the Foo Fighters performed once again. This time, however, Walken made sure to pronounce the band’s name correctly, much to the delight of fans who still remember the infamous moment.

The *SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night* docuseries offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most iconic and hilarious moments in the show’s history, and the Foo Fighters’ mispronunciation made its mark as one of those unforgettable instances. The docuseries features interviews with many of the show’s alums and guests, including Will Ferrell and Jimmy Fallon, who reflect on their experiences and the cultural impact of the show’s sketches.

Will Ferrell, who starred in one of *SNL*’s most viral sketches — the “More Cowbell” sketch — also shares his thoughts on how certain moments on the show have become ingrained in pop culture. “You hope for one of these things. It’s like lightning in a bottle. It rarely happens,” said Ferrell. “If you do something on sketch TV and people like it and are applauding it and laughing at it the second or tenth time, that’s just a thrill.”

For Grohl and the Foo Fighters, the Walken mispronunciation was a perfect example of how even the most unexpected moments can become iconic. Grohl, known for his rockstar persona and playful sense of humor, embraced the moment as part of the band’s legacy. The fact that it continues to be talked about all these years later is a testament to the lasting impact of *SNL* and its ability to turn even the most unintentional blunders into unforgettable TV history.

As for the Foo Fighters, they have since become one of the most enduring and successful rock bands of their generation, with a career spanning decades. However, their appearance on *Saturday Night Live* in 2003 will always hold a special place in their story, not only for the band’s performance but for the hilarious and unexpected moment that ensued.

Ultimately, the moment was a humorous reminder of the fun and unpredictable nature of live television, and a nod to the unique chemistry between the Foo Fighters and Christopher Walken, a legendary actor known for his own distinctive style. As Grohl himself put it, sometimes the best moments on *SNL* are the ones that are unplanned, making them even more memorable.

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