Lorne Michaels Testified to Help Keith Richards Avoid Life Sentence in 1978 Drug Trial

The SNL creator's testimony and efforts to assist the Rolling Stones guitarist followed their hosting gig on the show's fourth season premiere.

Keith Richards faced a potential life sentence after being arrested in Toronto in 1977 with 22 grams of heroin, which led to a charge of possession with intent to traffic.
Lorne Michaels, at the request of Mick Jagger, traveled to Toronto in October 1978 to serve as a character witness during Richards' trial.
Michaels helped Richards prepare for court, including securing a three-piece suit to improve his appearance, though Richards was reportedly still using drugs at the time.
During his testimony, Michaels described Richards as the 'catalyst of the band' and called the Rolling Stones 'the number one rock and roll band in the world.'
Richards ultimately received a suspended sentence and was ordered to play a benefit concert for the blind, avoiding jail time.