New York, NY – After seven years as the house band for “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” the 8G Band is set to play its final tunes this summer. NBC’s budget cuts have led to the decision to part ways with the band as the show prepares for its new season in the fall. The trio consisting of keyboard player Eli Janney, guitarist Seth Jabour, and bassist Syd Butler, have been integral members of the show since its inception in 2014, with Fred Armisen serving as the bandleader for a significant portion of that time.
In an interview with Vulture, Eli Janney shared that Seth Meyers and showrunner Mike Shoemaker personally delivered the news about the band’s departure due to budget constraints. Despite their efforts to negotiate, NBC ultimately stood firm on the budget adjustments. This decision not only affects the band members but also impacts the entire crew working alongside them, leading to job losses.
While the 8G Band won’t be a regular fixture on the show moving forward, Janney reassured fans that they will still hear the band’s music on the show. The band will be recording a substantial amount of music for use during guest introductions and commercial breaks. The show will undergo a significant change next season, as the absence of the house band marks a shift within the late-night television landscape.
Interestingly, “Late Night with Seth Meyers” has recently marked its 10th anniversary, with Seth Meyers extending his hosting duties on the show through 2028. The show’s milestone celebration coincides with the bittersweet departure of the 8G Band, emphasizing the evolving nature of late-night programming on television. With the band’s departure, the show will explore new musical avenues to engage and entertain its audience effectively.