Max Weinberg splits as Conan's bandleader

NEW YORK — Conan O'Brien's longtime bandleader Max Weinberg isn't following him to TBS.

O'Brien confirmed Monday that Weinberg won't be joining him on "Conan," his new late-night program set to debut in November. Weinberg had been O'Brien's musical sidekick for 17 years, on both "Late Night" and the "Tonight Show."

In a statement, O'Brien said Weinberg has been "a huge part of my life for the past 17 years." He says he hopes Weinberg still finds time to visit the new show "and pretend to find my monologue funny."

Weinberg said his time with O'Brien and crew has been "a deeply rewarding experience" and that he does "look forward to dropping by."

Weinberg is also the drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band.

Guitarist Jimmy Vivino will take over as bandleader, a "Conan" spokesman said. Vivino is a longtime member of the band, which was previously named "The Max Weinberg 7" and later "Max Weinberg and the Tonight Show Band." A new name hasn't yet been announced.

O'Brien's short-lived stint as NBC's "Tonight" show host ended in January.