Conan is losing its musical performances as it shifts to a new format, and it turns out the show is also losing its house band. After many years on the air, Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band made their final appearance on tonight's episode.
Host Conan O'Brien discussed the show's format shift, expressing his sadness that his band wouldn't be joining him in the new year. He said, "They have been with me through all of the incredible highs and lows at Late Night, The Tonight Show, and these eight past years at TBS. At the most perilous moment of my career, when I was suddenly without a show and feeling pretty alone, this band came with me on a nation-wide tour that, to this day, is one of the highlights of my professional life."
Conan grew visibly emotional and tearful when he said, "Gentlemen, I want to thank you for a quarter-century of friendship, laughter, and the best music I will know in this life."
The band used to be led by drummer Max Weinberg, at which point they were called the Max Weinberg 7. After Weinberg left, singer-guitarist Jimmy Vivino took over as leader. At different points throughout Conan's career, they were also called Max Weinberg and the Tonight Show Band and the Legally Prohibited Band.
The lineup was rounded out by Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg, James Wormworth, Jerry Vivino, Mark Pender, Mike Merritt and Scott Healy.
Below, watch Conan's emotional goodbye to the band. Also below, watch Conan join the band on a cover of "40 Days" by Chuck Berry.
Conan will be going on a stand-up comedy tour later this year.
Host Conan O'Brien discussed the show's format shift, expressing his sadness that his band wouldn't be joining him in the new year. He said, "They have been with me through all of the incredible highs and lows at Late Night, The Tonight Show, and these eight past years at TBS. At the most perilous moment of my career, when I was suddenly without a show and feeling pretty alone, this band came with me on a nation-wide tour that, to this day, is one of the highlights of my professional life."
Conan grew visibly emotional and tearful when he said, "Gentlemen, I want to thank you for a quarter-century of friendship, laughter, and the best music I will know in this life."
The band used to be led by drummer Max Weinberg, at which point they were called the Max Weinberg 7. After Weinberg left, singer-guitarist Jimmy Vivino took over as leader. At different points throughout Conan's career, they were also called Max Weinberg and the Tonight Show Band and the Legally Prohibited Band.
The lineup was rounded out by Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg, James Wormworth, Jerry Vivino, Mark Pender, Mike Merritt and Scott Healy.
Below, watch Conan's emotional goodbye to the band. Also below, watch Conan join the band on a cover of "40 Days" by Chuck Berry.
Conan will be going on a stand-up comedy tour later this year.