Adam Sandler's Aerosmith Sketch Nearly Sparked 'SNL' Fight

Castmates almost came to blows over the 1995 sketch mocking the band's 90s hits.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In 1995, a Saturday Night Live sketch written by Adam Sandler that mocked Aerosmith's 90s hits nearly sparked a backstage fight between Sandler and castmate Jay Mohr. Mohr, who played Joe Perry in the sketch, suggested Sandler change his sunglasses, leading to a heated argument that "almost came to blows" before the live taping. Despite the drama, the two delivered the sketch without incident, but the tension lingered, and both Sandler and Mohr ended up leaving SNL at the end of that season.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the high-pressure environment and creative tensions that can arise on a live sketch comedy show like SNL, where performers are tasked with delivering comedy under tight deadlines and in front of a live audience. The near-altercation also speaks to the competitive nature of the SNL cast, where up-and-coming performers like Mohr were vying for more airtime and recognition.

The details

The Aerosmith sketch, written by Sandler, featured him playing Steven Tyler and Mohr as Joe Perry. The sketch mocked the band's 90s hits like "Crazy," "Cryin'" and "Amazing" by having Sandler sing slightly altered lyrics over the same guitar riff. Backstage, Mohr suggested Sandler change his sunglasses, leading Sandler to angrily tell him to "shut the f--- up." Mohr said he "resented" Sandler's rising fame on SNL and the argument "almost came to blows" before they went on stage.

  • The incident took place in January 1995, during a season 20 episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by actor Jeff Daniels.
  • At the end of that SNL season, 10 cast members were either fired or quit, including Sandler and Mohr.

The players

Adam Sandler

One of SNL's breakout stars in the 1990s, who wrote and starred in the Aerosmith sketch that nearly sparked a fight with castmate Jay Mohr.

Jay Mohr

An SNL castmate who played Joe Perry in the Aerosmith sketch and got into a heated argument with Sandler backstage over his choice of sunglasses.

G.E. Smith

The Saturday Night Live bandleader who demonstrated to Mohr how the guitar parts in Aerosmith's 90s hits were very similar, validating the sketch's premise.

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What they’re saying

“As Adam sang every song, it became clear that the guitar part never changed. The sad part was that it was true.”

— Jay Mohr, Comedian (Gasping for Airtime)

“[Smith] swore he could play fifteen Aerosmith songs and never move a finger. I didn't believe him until he launched into 'Cryin',' then 'Crazy,' without changing the position of any of his fingers on the fret. He put together a quick medley of Aerosmith songs to prove his point. He was right. Through five different hits, his hand never budged.”

— Jay Mohr, Comedian (Gasping for Airtime)

“Why don't you shut the f--- up!”

— Adam Sandler (983thesnake.com)

“We're good. Respect.”

— Adam Sandler (983thesnake.com)

What’s next

Despite the backstage drama, Sandler and Mohr delivered the Aerosmith sketch without any problems. The gag got a solid laugh from the audience, and after two and a half minutes, they were onto the next skit.

The takeaway

The near-fight between Sandler and Mohr over the Aerosmith sketch highlights the intense creative pressures and interpersonal dynamics that can arise on a live comedy show like SNL, where performers are competing for airtime and recognition. While the two were able to put aside their differences to deliver the sketch, the incident speaks to the high-stakes environment of live television comedy.