Max Weinberg Quits Conan Show

NEW YORK — Conan O'Brien's longtime bandleader Max Weinberg isn't following him to TBS.

O'Brien confirmed Monday that Weinberg won't be joining him on "Conan," his new late-night program set to debut in November. Weinberg had been O'Brien's musical sidekick for 17 years, on both "Late Night" and the "Tonight Show."

"Max has been a huge part of my life for the past 17 years and he is an incredible band leader and musician," O'Brien said in a statement. "I hope he can find time to stop by the show, sit in with the band and pretend to find my monologue funny."

Weinberg, who's also the drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, said his time with O'Brien and crew was "a deeply rewarding experience" and that he does "look forward to dropping by."

Guitarist Jimmy Vivino will take over as bandleader, a "Conan" spokesman said. Vivino is a longtime member of the band, which was previously named "The Max Weinberg 7" and later "Max Weinberg and the Tonight Show Band." A new name hasn't yet been announced.

O'Brien's short-lived stint as NBC's "Tonight Show" show host ended in January. "Conan" premieres Nov. 8.

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Online:

http://www.tbs.com/shows/conanobrien

Comments

[Tom Sutpen]

10:15 AM on 10/01/2010

They should hire Ringo Starr and have done with it.

[cameron d]

02:59 AM on 10/01/2010

This had better mean more Springsteen touring.

[firelord5000]

11:11 PM on 09/30/2010

New name should be "LaBamba's Legendary Mustache Brigade"!

[cameron d]

02:58 AM on 10/01/2010

I'm on board with that one.

[wilson0004]

02:54 PM on 09/30/2010

Max you're great. Conan I can live without. He, Conan, is totally boring.

[BJHenton]

01:59 AM on 09/30/2010

Best of luck! Conan still sucks!

[Lefty Pockets]

06:58 PM on 09/29/2010

I've got a name for the new band. Jimmy Vivino Eat World

[mapleaforever]

04:13 PM on 09/29/2010

Mighty Max should never have taken that gig the way Bruce should never have performed without E Street.

[bernard0]

02:56 PM on 09/29/2010

The real question is what happens to Labamba.

[CJBinATX]

10:59 PM on 09/30/2010

And Pender, there is a lot of musical and comedy talent in that band, and with Max gone and Jimmy in charge, it will be just like all those times when Max was on tour.

[DaLimey]

02:43 PM on 09/29/2010

For this alone he gets a freepass into Comedy Heaven...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3PGuce8LoY

[ezbreezer]

02:40 PM on 09/29/2010

I think it's great that Max doesn't need his second job anymore.

[EF3]

02:04 PM on 09/29/2010

Why not LaBamba?

[TFeral]

01:09 PM on 09/29/2010

Such a great drummer. Best of luck to him. And Conan, too.

[lifeofthemind]

12:13 PM on 09/29/2010

They need Mike Portnoy.

[Agasizzi]

01:49 PM on 09/29/2010

Lol, nice

[buddaman71]

04:17 PM on 09/29/2010

Avenged already scooped up Portnoy to replace the Rev (RIP)
I'm sure Conan's band was second on his list...haha

[Holypat777]

09:49 AM on 09/29/2010

Good luck Max!!!

[scorpioleidy]

09:48 AM on 09/29/2010

Oh, no - what will Cocopuff do now that he's lost the best part of his show? I don't blame Max - I wouldn't throw my career away with Cocopuff on TBS, either.

Go Jay Leno!!!

[mapleaforever]

04:08 PM on 09/29/2010

Yes, please just go.