Chris Farley left this incarnation 21-years ago yesterday, December 18th. The comedian and actor is still remembered by fans today thanks to his infamous skits on Saturday Night Live, and his roles in films like Tommy Boy and Beverley Hills Ninja. Adam Sandler shared a musical clip from his recent Netflix special to his Facebook in remembrance of his old friend on Tuesday, which features the comedian playing his guitar and singing quite the lyrical tribute to Farley.
The performance is included on ADAM SANDLER: 100% FRESH, which arrived onto Netflix back on October 23rd. Sandler has always been known for incorporating his musical abilities and love for silly rock songs into his comedy bits, but his tribute to Farley is one of the more memorable performances shared so far. Sandler starts the song by informing the audience that it’s a very special one and means a lot to him and the comedy community.
Sandler and an accompanying pianist begin the rock ballad following some lovely opening licks from his Fender Stratocaster and establishes Farley as the lyrical subject almost immediately. He spends the next six minutes sharing stories of his late friend and describing him as a “One Man Party”, while a video tribute containing highlights from Farley’s career begins to play on the screens behind the stage.
Some of the memories of Farley revisited in his lyrics range from his friend’s worries over his substance abuse, to how he used to play pranks on SNL castmate David Spade. Sandler also references the last time he and his friends all hung out with Chris was during Tim Meadows‘ wedding party, and emotionally admits in the lyrics that “Nothing was harder than saying goodbye, Except watching Chris’ father turn to cry.” The musical highlight of the performance is when Sandler steps on his overdrive pedal for a 60-second guitar solo beginning at the video’s 2:00-minute mark.
Adam Sandler – Chris Farley Tribute – Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh
[Video: Netflix]
Fans can also click here to revisit another one of Sandler’s more uplifting musical tributes, which took place back in 2015 in celebration of David Letterman’s then-impending retirement from late night television.