In a significant shift for NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” the show will return for its 12th season without its house band, The 8G Band. This marks the first time in the show’s 44-year history that live music will not be a staple feature.
The decision to part ways with the band, led by Saturday Night Live alum Fred Armisen, is believed to be a cost-saving measure. Eli Janney, the associate musical director and a member of The 8G Band, confirmed the news in an interview with Vulture.
“Sadly, it’s the reality of broadcast and a shrinking market — streaming eating into this, and YouTube eating into that,” Janney explained. “Streaming is not making money, either. So budgets everywhere have been cut and cut and cut. I liken it to a Spotify moment in music, where suddenly it’s like, nobody wants to pay for music. Music gets devalued.”
Janney revealed that Meyers and Late Night showrunner Mike Shoemaker informed the band of the cut more than a month ago. The decision also affects the crew that works with the musicians.
Unlike “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where live music plays an integral part, “Late Night With Seth Meyers” is primarily known for its commentary segment “A Closer Look,” its “Day Drinking” series, and guest interviews.
The 8G Band, which includes members Seth Jabour and Syd Butler, will still contribute music to the show, but they will not perform it live. “We’re still going to make walk-on music for Meyers and his guests, but we just won’t be playing it live,” Janney said. “That’s one nice thing they’ve worked out.”
The absence of The 8G Band marks the end of a live music era for the Late Night franchise. Previous hosts like David Letterman had Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band, Conan O’Brien had The Max Weinberg 7, and Jimmy Fallon has The Roots, who have followed him to “The Tonight Show.”
“It’s also just a sad day for Late Night, because it’s been going for over 40 years now,” Janney continued. “But, sadly, it’s the reality of broadcast and a shrinking market — streaming eating into this, and YouTube eating into that. Streaming is not making money, either. So budgets everywhere have been cut and cut and cut. I liken it to a Spotify moment in music, where suddenly it’s like, ‘Nobody wants to pay for music.’ Music gets devalued.”
Janney added that although he doesn’t yet know how “Late Night” will address the band’s departure at the end of Season 11, The 8G Band won’t be entirely gone from the series come fall. “We’re still going to make walk-on music for Meyers and his guests, but we just won’t be playing it live. So that will continue. That’s one nice thing they’ve worked out.”
The news comes as NBC recently renewed “Late Night With Seth Meyers” through 2028. Despite the budget cuts, the show will continue to deliver its signature commentary and interviews, albeit without the live musical performances that have been a hallmark of the franchise.
Fans of the show and The 8G Band will undoubtedly feel the absence of live music, but the decision reflects broader trends in the entertainment industry. As streaming services and platforms like YouTube continue to dominate, traditional broadcast shows are facing increasing financial pressures.
While the live music era may be ending for “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” the show will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of television. The 8G Band’s contributions will still be felt, even if they are no longer performing live in the studio.
As the show moves forward, viewers will have to adjust to the new format, but the essence of “Late Night With Seth Meyers” will remain intact. The focus will continue to be on sharp commentary, engaging interviews, and the unique segments that have made the show a staple of late-night television.
The departure of The 8G Band is a poignant reminder of the challenges facing the entertainment industry, but it also opens the door for new opportunities and innovations. As “Late Night With Seth Meyers” enters its 12th season, it will do so with a renewed focus on delivering quality content to its audience, even in the absence of live music.
