Kevin Eubanks Leaving 'Tonight Show' in Six Weeks

By PopEater Staff Posted Apr 13th 2010 08:32AM

After 18 years as Jay Leno's music director, Kevin Eubanks has confirmed he will be leaving 'The Tonight Show' on May 28. After doing his "Headlines" segment, Leno called Eubanks to the stage and said, "We have one more headline to get to and it involves our very own Kevin Eubanks."

"After 18 years, I just need a change of pace and see what else is going on," Eubanks said. Back in February, NBC confirmed that Eubanks was ready leave.

"But it's a really difficult decision because this has become my second home, as it has been for the band, and I love the audience and the American people really love the show and it's been a wonderful experience to be here," he added.

"It has been a pleasure," Leno said. "You've been a great friend and really supportive. When those jokes die, I gotta look to you man."

"I thought about this and it wasn't that difficult," replied Eubanks. " After 18 years of playing America in to commercials, I'm gonna go somewhere where I can finish a song."

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Tags: jay leno, kevin eubanks

Comments

(44)

Tuesday 13 April

By tigerladdy

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Who am I going to look at now that he is leaving? :) Kevin is one sexy looking man, but I wish him all the luck in his next adventures.

By becky

I agree tigerladdy..i was always happy when Kevin got some camera time....he is sexy and a wild and crazy, talented musician. i will miss him too.

By dave

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

you girls must be desparate if you find that goofy face and annoying overstated laugh appealing. No accounting for taste from women like you

By ken

Kevin, go work on Conans show, really bust Jay in the nuts.

By Charlie Williams

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Good

By Slick

OK..... I am so sick of him sitting in that odd position. Is there some physical reason that keeps him from standing or does he just prefer to look lazy? As for his guitar playing.... you have got to be kidding me! Any lead guitar player would tell you he simply plays the slide which can be taught in about 1 hour. Bye and good luck. Hope yahave some big bucks put away.... you'll need it.

By Scott Shore

Did I read correctly. Teach slide quitar in one hour. Do you have the faintest clue of what you are talking about or just don't know anything about music. My apologies to Duane Allman and Ellmore James

By Glendora

Slick buddy,"Lazy," I now know why you refer to your self as Slick. Because your attitude is not at all fitting to be Slick. Slicks don't engage in demeaning statements, as you have just demonstrated by your thoughtless remarks. Remember, if you don't have anything positive to say, then say nothing at all.

By dbrns124

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Slick you could apply for his job and I wish you luck because with your attitude I think you will need it.

By Buster Brown

Hey Slick your jealousy is showing. Read the article and understand he is not just playing guitar and second banana to Jay, he is the music director. Bet you could not learn to do that in an hour.

By paul

C'mon Kev, tell it like it is.....you can't stand Jay Leno!!!

By tom m

Bye Kevin.WE will NEVER see you again.Enjoy your trip to obscurity!

By James

Agreed. A guitar player too lazy to stand, you gotta be kidding me. And I have never noticed a great talent there. You could replace that idiot with a recording and do just as well. Hope you saved something fool.

By Karine

I will certainly miss Kevin. Not only does he have great talent, but his personality tops it all. I wish Kevin the best for his future. Indeed its time to move on after 18 years. As for him going with Conan? Totally preposterous! There is no doubt in my mind that Kevin is off to bigger and better things :) WTG Kevin ...

By Tom

Kevin seems like a genuine nice person and good straight man, but his "music" is just plain noise. He'll be missed, but his noise will not.

By Nelson

If people don't have anything nice to say about anyone, I think they should just keep it to themselves ... If it was you would you like people you DON'T NO to say Negative things about YOU????

By vickidela54

I will miss Kevin and his band. The tonight show won't be the same without him. Best wishes. Just wondering who will replace him. These are BIG shoes to fill.

By snork

I won't miss Kevin that much but I sure will miss the beautiful, sexy and talented Vicki Randle who provides vocals and percussion. Never used enough and never got the exposure she deserved! Go Vicki!

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Vicki and Kevin may both be nice folks, but they are both noise in place of talent.

By goldenboy

Personality? Did someone say Kevin has a personality? Thats news in itself. He could hardly put 3 words together last night on the show. He might be a good musician, but he has a pesonality like a rock...and a mouth like a garbage can.

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