NEW YORK — Pioneering California punk band FEAR will appear in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade now that the 40-year ban assigned by NBC after their controversial 1981 Saturday Night Live performance expired, confirmed sources who claim they were “totally at the original taping.”
“In the spirit of the season, we here at NBC are of the mindset that it’s time to let bygones be bygones,” said current NBC president Noah Oppenheim. “FEAR has obviously been on our shortlist for the parade for a while now, and we’re glad that pesky SNL ban is no longer standing in the way of bringing their music to hundreds of happy parade-goers this Christmas season. Together, FEAR and NBC will ensure everyone who watches will ‘Love Thanksgivin’ In The City’ because ‘New York is Alright if You Like Large Parade Floats and Previews of Broadway Shows.’”
Longtime frontman and the only constant member of FEAR throughout their 45-year history, Lee Ving is already preparing for the performance.
“Oh yes, we’re very happy to be playing in ‘New Jersey’ once again,” joked Ving, with a twinkle in his eye. “And there’s no bad blood, as far as we’re concerned, you know? As a longtime fan of the Macy’s Parade, me and the band couldn’t be more thrilled. We’ve got a prime spot right before the Pikachu balloon, and the only decision we have to make is whether to play ‘I Believe I’ll Have Another Beer’ or the rendition of ‘Winter Wonderland’ we’ve been working on…Aw, heck, who am I kidding; Santa will be watching! We may play both!”
Members of frequent Macy’s Parade musical guests and easy-listening chart-toppers Mannheim Steamroller are excited to share the airwaves.
“We’ve been trying to get Lee to collaborate on a Christmas album for years, ever since our bassoonist brought ‘The Record’ into the studio to get us revved up between takes of recording ‘Fresh Aire III,’” said Steamroller founder Chip Davis. “They’ve been a huge influence on our sound…the stuff that isn’t synthesizers and orchestra stuff, that is. We’re honored to finally be on the same parade route as the legendary FEAR. I definitely know what I’m thankful for this year.”
Responding to the rumors that he’ll reprise his SNL audience slam dancing duties on FEAR’s float, Ian Mackaye states he’d like to, but is double booked that day with Fugazi reuniting to play the halftime show of the annual Detroit Lions Thanksgiving game.