Thaindian News

Apr 13 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The “Tonight Show” bandleader, guitarist, and comic sidekick for Jay Leno Kevin Eubanks has made an official statement: He is leaving the show in May, after 18 years with the late night host. Although he assured everyone that the decision has nothing to do with the Leno/Conan time slot shuffle that was played out last season, his announcement came on the same day that Conan announced his move to TBS. Eubanks went with Leno for the short-lived “The Jay Leno Show” which aired in prime time, and came back to “The Tonight Show” when Conan left and Leno came back.

While taping the show on Monday night in Burbank California, Eubanks told Leno that he was ready for a change of pace in his career. He did not reveal any certain plans, but said “After 18 years of playing America into commercials, I’m gonna go somewhere where I can finish a song,” when Leno asked what he planned to do first. In an interview which was given later, Eubanks said that he has no specific plans and was “keeping everything open.” NBC said in February that Eubanks was interested in personal touring and recording.

Leno called the 18 years that they had spent together on the show “a pleasure.” “You’ve been a great friend and really supportive. When those jokes die, I got to look to you, man,” Leno told him. Eubank’s last day on the show will be May 28. NBC has not yet announced a replacement.