When Conan, Conan O’Brien’s new late-night talk show on TBS, debuts later this year, one person won’t be on stage: Max Weinberg.
After several months of rumors and speculation, it’s been confirmed that Max Weinberg, drummer for Conan’s show band since its inception, won’t be following his red-haired host to his new channel.
The news came from the mouth of Jimmy Vivino, who has played guitar for the show band and took the lead when Weinberg would go on tour with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, in an interview with the St. Louis Riverfront Times.
“Max has his big band out there that has been his dream all his life, kind of a Buddy Rich band. And there’s a kid in Jersey that works with him occasionally. A singer-songwriter! [Laughs] Some guy that’s got some hope over there!” Vivino told the Riverfront.
James Wormworth, who sat in on drums when Weinberg was absent, will become the permanent replacement.
As much as Max’s drumming antics will be missed, it’s probably his deadpan comments during segments and random appearances in skits that will be missed the most.
