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The Tonight Show may be getting Jay Leno back, but his longtime band leader, Kevin Eubanks, may not be sticking around for very much longer.
According to NBC, the musician has expressed interest in leaving the show to pursue his musical dreams. Insiders say that after more than a decade as Leno's guitar-plucking sidekick, Eubanks, 52, is interested in recording his own music and going on tour.
Eubanks played in the The Tonight Show band when Leno debuted as host in 1992. He took over as band leader from saxophonist Brandford Marsalis in 1995, and followed Leno to primetime last fall when the network launched the ill-fated Jay Leno Show (canceled amid controversy last month). For now, Eubanks is still expected to be back with the funny man when he reclaims his spot as host of the late-night talk show on March 1 -- but with all the drama around Leno's recent career moves, late-night fans are getting used to surprise announcements, and Eubanks just might have one up his sleeve!
Plus:
- Photos: Likes or Yikes? Jay Leno Tells All to Oprah
- Will Jimmy Fallon Inherit 'The Tonight Show' Someday?
Do you think Kevin Eubanks will move on? Chime in below!
