Late Night with Seth Meyers will no longer feature its live band, The 8G Band, following budget cuts that have affected the show. The band, made up of Eli Janney on keyboard, Seth Jabour on guitar, and Syd Butler on bass, has been a crucial part of the show since it launched in 2014. However, in recent weeks, the band was informed they would no longer appear regularly on the after-hours show, with Janney citing budget cuts as the reason for the decision. NBC has been cutting costs across the board, leading to job losses.
Janney explained that Meyers and Mike Shoemaker, the showrunner, had expressed their frustration and regret about the situation. Although they had been trying to find a solution, NBC was clear on where they wanted the budget to prioritize. The cancellation of the band’s role was seen as an “easy” way to achieve this, although it was hard on Janney and the other affected crew members.
The 8G Band has been an integral part of the show’s format for 11 seasons, and their departure undoubtedly leaves a significant gap. The crew is already seeking new opportunities, with a good amount of time available to them to make plans and find future employment, according to Janney.
NBC has not commented on the situation, but it’s clear that budget cuts are affecting a range of businesses and industries worldwide. In January, NBC News laid off up to 100 employees, while Paramount Global laid off 800 employees the following month, highlighting the severity of the financial situation. Late Night has been renewed until 2028 despite the ongoing budget cuts
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