Kevin Eubanks

The 52-year-old Eubanks, whose duties included comic sidekick to Leno as well as guitarist, had been aboard since Leno took over NBC’s “Tonight” in 1992. He became musical director of the show in 1995.

After 18 years on the show, he finally decided to resign so that he could focus on his own recording career. “I don’t think we’ve ever had an argument,” Leno said, bidding Eubanks farewell on Friday’s show. “We’ve had a lot of fun.”
In April, Eubanks announced his plans to resign. Exiting with him will be the other five members of the Tonight Show Band. He will be replaced by Rickey Minor, who previously was the band leader on American Idol.
He said that he loved the show, and that appearing on the show had been a wonderful experience for him over the course of the last 18 years. He stated that the decision was very difficult for him but he thinks it is the right choice.