Kevin Eubanks Leaves 'The Tonight Show!'

February 16, 2010 | Television
Kevin Eubanks quits 'The Tonight Show!'

"Extra" has confirmed that Jay Leno's longtime bandleader and sidekick, Kevin Eubanks, is leaving "The Tonight Show," as first reported by Lisa Stanley on K-EARTH 101.

A source tells "Extra" Eubanks "wanted a change" and decided to leave the show, adding that Eubanks wanted to pursue other opportunities. Another source says he will appear on the debut of the revamped "Tonight Show" when it returns on March 1.

In 1992, Eubanks joined "The Tonight Show" band, becoming bandleader two years later. Before he joined the show, Eubanks released numerous albums.

Eubanks was also bandleader on "The Jay Leno Show."

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comments

I know this is VERY late in coming. Gosh I liked Kevin Eubanks! He seemed like such a kind person. He seemed SO humble. Hope all happiness is coming your way Kevin.

Patti
October 7, 2011

I like to watch Jay Leno, but I do not like the new band and Ricky Minor. I loved Kevin Eubanks. Come back, Kevin.

tonight show fan for 20 years
September 15, 2010

I like Ricky Minor’s band a lot better. I tune in more often now since Kev is gone. But still, I think most late night talk is a bunch of B.S. but I do like Headlines on Mondays.

viewer from TX.
September 3, 2010

I LIKE TO WATCH JAY, KEVIN YOU’RE THE REASON I WATCH THE TONIGHT SHOW. I’LL MISS YOU KEVIN THE BEST OF LUCK AND MUCH HAPPINESS IN WHAT EVER YOU DO

CATHI
May 27, 2010

HMmm…. How many “seconds” or side musicians have left to try this stunt? The leader from the early SatNiteLive? Johnny Carson’s? Etc., ad nauseum. It kind of reminds me of the guy who had a good county job, cleaning the cannon in front of the court house. One day after years of service, he went home and told his wife he’d quit to go into business for himself! She panicked! “What new business?” He responded, “Oh, I bought my own cannon!”
Do you all really care about these people?? Their lives have no relevance to our meager existances. Their world is so very different.

BajiBoy
April 13, 2010

I’m really sorry to Kevin leaving the show. I will miss him a lot and the show won’t be the same without him.

Good luck Kevin in all you do.

Patty
February 19, 2010

wish the Kev the best in his future pursuits…the TS won’t be the same w/o him. .he had a hell of a relationship w/Leno - look @ all the crazy/off-the-wall skits/situations they performed together.

LVSteveo1
February 18, 2010

I wish Kevin the best of luck…As far as Jay is concerned, he will be great as always. I will certainly watch him again. As for Conan, he did not think twice about jumping into Jays spot on the tonight show. He was not very professional when he was on and certainly not when he was leaving the show..

Elaine
February 18, 2010

jay finally got what he deserved, i hope everybody bails on him, then he will know what it feel like after what he did to conan and conan s staff. i hope jay falls like a ton of bricks,

Anonymous
February 18, 2010

Kevin…. I will pray for you and Jay Good Luck
Sal

Salvatore Bucca
February 18, 2010

I’m glad Kevin is breaking away from The Tonght Show. Its been a long time coming.Kevin need to be in the studio not being Jay’s side-kick. He’s a musician not the ‘staight man’.

Lesa L.
February 17, 2010

Hey, this guy KNOWS when to leave a sinking ship!!!! I don’t believe that The Tonight Show will be as good as it once WAS…………. BRING BACK CONAN!!!!!!!!

shadow
February 17, 2010

get rid of the whole band, especially that screaming woman, she would have never made it through American Idol, sorry. Jimmy Fallon’s Roots band KILLS all other late night bands. Frankly, I enjoyed the earlier time slot, wish nothing had changed at all. Was it really the ratings?

PamS
February 16, 2010

Kevin, don’t be dumb. Work on your projects in your spare time, BUT keep this gig too!

Donno
February 16, 2010

It’s about time!! That guy is just plain dumb, and what good musician sits like that? If his stupid comments were his own that just shows his lack of personality. How many times in 60 minutes can one say, man? Bye Bye Kevin…

Susan
February 16, 2010

Kevin was a good personality. I hate to see hime go and wish him the best. I sure wish that he would take the woman who screams out the songs during the break with him.

Jack
February 16, 2010

frankly my dear, i dont give a damn…

jamie
February 16, 2010

I wish Kevin the best as well as Conan in all their future endeavors. And those who leave those negative comments are people who are miserable and not happy with themselves and when people are unhappy they are negative towards everything else. Misery love company! I pray those negative people one day have lives that are fulfilling and can see the beauty in everyone and in everything! Let the healing begin

Jacquelyn
February 16, 2010

Frankly, it will no big loss to see Kevin go…he is lazy and does nothing but sit slouched on his chair while Jay does all the work…I think he is a big pot smoker and he is just laying around making money at Jay’s expense. All other sidekicks and band leaders play a bigger role.

Carol
February 16, 2010

Kevin should pursue his career as his brothers do, Duane andRobin. They a3e great jazz musicians and Kevin has made enough money now that the life of a musician will be affordable. As for the infantile comments about Jay Leno and Kevin, clearly these are made by people who like the idiocy of Conan. Like seeks like…..

janelle
February 16, 2010
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