It seems that Max Weinberg is no longer a member of Team Coco. Reportedly, the longtime band leader for Conan O'Brien won't be following him over to his new TBS show "Conan," premiering this Nov.
Weinberg, also the drummer for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, was with Conan all through his "Late Night" days, extending to his recent ill-fated stint as host of the "Tonight Show." However, Weinberg's role on the show gradually diminished after the return of sidekick/announcer Andy Richter.
Earlier this year, Max Weinberg was the only member of the band not to go on Conan's "Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television," tour opting instead to form the Max Weinberg Big Band and go on his own tour. Back in April, after the "Late Night Wars" erupted which resulted in Conan O'Brien stepping down from his hosting duties, it was also rumored that Max would be joining Jay Leno once Kevin Eubanks left the show, although that never seemed to materialize.
It's unclear what caused the split, but perhaps his rumored diva-like behavior had something to do with it. Still, he was often credited by Conan himself for helping the show stay on the air the first few years, being that at the time he was a big name draw that lent credibility to the struggling program.
So who will take Max's place when the show premieres this Nov.? The band's guitarist Jimmy Vivino told The Riverfront Times of St. Louis that he will be stepping in as band leader, with James Wormworth on drums. Both Vivino and Wormworth subbed for Weinberg when he went on the road with the E Street Band on the previous shows.
So far a spokesperson from the O'Brien camp has declined to comment on the story. Also, no word yet on whether fan favorites such as the Masturbating Bear will be making a return for Conan's new show.
"Conan" premieres on TBS Nov. 8 at 11pm ET/ 10pm here in the Chicago-area.
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Max, Conan, and Joel Godard at their best:
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