Follow Zap2it:
'The Tonight Show' welcomes ex-'American Idol' bandleader Rickey Minor
Twitter
Google
Monday marked the beginning of a new era on "The Tonight Show." Rickey Minor, the former music director for "American Idol," took over for Kevin Eubanks as the NBC show's bandleader on Monday night (June 7). He did a brief comedy piece with host Jay Leno -- about all the, ahem, hits NBC has on its schedule -- and received a hearty hello from Leno when the show actually started, as well as compliments on his wife's attractiveness.
You can see all that in the clip below, but you'll hear precious little music. To our ears, though, the "Tonight Show" band sounded pretty good Monday night -- not that it didn't during Eubanks' tenure -- with guitars and horns trading off as the front-and-center sound. (We particularly liked the choice of the Foo Fighters' "The Pretender" going into the commercial break after the Headlines segment.)
NBC announced in April that Minor would take over for Eubanks, who had been with Leno for his entire run on "The Tonight Show" (and Leno's prime-time show earlier this season), first as a guitar player and then as bandleader starting in 1995. "Idol" will also be seeking a new music director with Minor's departure.
What did you think of Minor's "Tonight Show" debut?
Follow Zap2it and Zap2itRick on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news.
Photo credit: NBC
Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest news and buzz
Zap2it Elite Sheet Must Reads from the Web's In-Crowd
Our Partners
The new band played some great music!
NBC has hits?
Jay (and NBC) need to get on their knees to entice Kevin back.
Almost half of the monologue, and 70% of the joke recoveries were centered on Kevin ... the band leader (now Musical Director to accomodate Ricky's case of "importantinitis") on Leno needs to be a sidekick! Ricky doesn't have the personality or the inclination to be that.
Jay was pathetic last night, looking to his left for reaction and assistance.
The ratings will reflect Kevin's departure soon!
Nice addition for the undisputed King of Late Night.
I think the show was great, and Rickey Minor didn't miss a beat. As for a sidekick? I think Rickey will do well at this. Just give him time, people!
Leno bites. Truly just unwatchable. Glad you got out of there Kevin.
I watched last night, for the first time in a while, just to see how Rickey would do. While I truly missed the banter between Jay and Kevin, and I almost felt like I was an outsider in the middle of an awkward conversation, I did turn it off after 'headlines'. I didn't see the comedy piece, but hope that, once everyone gets settled, the sidekick will 'kick in'.
kevin was ok as a band leader, rickey's much better, but this situation just goes to show how weak a comedian Jay Leno really is if he depends on someone bailing him out all the time. I swore an oath when Carson left to never watch Leno as long as i drew breath and I still haven't. Rickey ALMOST made me break my promise, but after this, I'm glad I didn't. Here's to waiting until Jimmy Fallon inherits The Tonight Show. Cheers!
I liked the music--good musicians. Sure Rickey will fit in just fine. Give him a time of adjustment and I'm sure his banter will measure up