It’s official: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno is looking for a new bandleader.
After 18 years, musician Kevin Eubanks has announced that he is leaving NBC’s flagship late-night program. Rubanks made the announcement during a taping of The Tonight Show, telling host Jay Leno that he was ready for a change of pace in his career.
“It’s a really difficult decision because this has become my second home, as it has been for the band. I love the audience, and the American people really love the show, and it’s been a wonderful experience to be here.”
Eubanks, 52, who served as a comic sidekick to Leno as well as a guitarist, has been aboard since Leno took over Tonight in 1992. Eubanks became musical director when Branford Marsalis left in 1995.
When asked about the highlights of his years, Eubanks fondly recalled “meeting B.B. King, Willie Nelson, all these wonderful musicians that I’ve grown to be friends with.”
Kevin’s final day on Tonight is May 28.