Kevin Eubanks to leave The Tonight Show in May

Posted: Friday 16th April 2010 at 6:53pm by Paul

Kevin Eubanks will leave The Tonight Show With Jay Leno in May. His last show as band leader will be on the 28th May.

CBS News report Kevin said to Leno “after 18 years of playing America into commercials, I’m gonna go somewhere where I can finish a song… you’ve been a great friend and really supportive. When those jokes die, I got to look to you, man” and when interviewed afterwards he told reporters he’s “keeping everything open” with no specific plans.

American Idol music director Rickey Minor will replace Kevin Eubanks on The Tonight Show – Rickey’s debut appearance should be on the 7th June show.

CBS News – “Kevin Eubanks to Leave “Tonight Show”"
AZ Central – “Rickey Minor replacing Kevin Eubanks on ‘Tonight Show’”

Kevin Eubanks to cut back role on Tonight Show

Posted: Sunday 21st February 2010 at 1:27pm by Paul

It’s being reported that Kevin Eubanks will be cutting his regular appearances on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno shortly after it returns in March.

The Los Angeles Times reports “NBC said Tuesday that Eubanks had expressed interest in personal touring and recording… he would be part of the show when it returns March 1, but his continued involvement was uncertain”.

The musician has been with Jay Leno since he started The Tonight Show in 1992 and was promoted to be band leader for The Tonight Show Band in 1995. Eubanks was also the band leader for The Primetime Band on The Jay Leno Show – Jay’s failed 10pm NBC show which was recently axed.

Kevin has responded on Twitter saying “I’ll still be around on the show, but less as of now. I’ll tweet when a definite plan is set. Thanks again guys”.

Los Angeles Times – “Kevin Eubanks’ ‘Tonight Show’ future in doubt”
Twitter – Kevin Eubanks