Photo credit: Michael Schmelling

Today, May 2, Vampire Weekend dropped their plans to appear as the musical guests on Saturday Night Live on May 11, with featured host and former cast member Maya Rudolph. The impending appearance will mark the band’s fourth time performing select numbers on the late-night sketch comedy show, following their previous stand in 2013, when they performed “Diane Young” and “Unbelievers.”

While it has been over a decade since the ensemble gigged on the program, their SNL stands reflect the timeline of previous releases, including 2008’s self-titled debut, with performances of album stand-outs “A-Punk” and “M79.” Two years separated the band’s ensuing return supporting 2010’s Contra. The theme continued with their third LP, Modern Vampires in the City, and subsequent follow-up slot on the Lorne Michaels-created program. 

With an established motif, it seemed fitting that the band would end the current gap in support of last month’s Only God Was Above Us, released on April 5, 2024. Notably,  of the band’s five full-length albums, they have supported all but 2019’s Father of the Bride, their first LP to be released on a major label, Columbia Records. 

SNL with Maya Rudolph and Vampire Weekend will air on Saturday, May 11 at 11:30 p.m. E.T.