Conan O'Brien and Max Weinberg Officially Part Ways

Who could have seen this coming? Oh, right. Confirming reports that surfaced last week -- and this past spring, but who's keeping track? -- Max Weinberg announced today that he won't be joining Conan O'Brien as bandleader when Conan premieres on TBS in November.

Said the typically funny Conan: "Max has been a huge part of my life for the past 17 years and he is an incredible band leader and musician. I hope he can find time to stop by the new show, sit in with the band, and pretend to find my monologue funny."

Echoed Weinberg:

"Conan and I met on a New York City street corner in the Spring of 1993 and my association with Conan, his staff, and crew has been a deeply rewarding experience for me. And, making music with Jimmy Vivino, Mark Pender, La Bamba, Jerry Vivino, Scott Healey, Mike Merritt, and percussionist James Wormsworth enabled me to become a better musician and bandleader. I thank them for their first rate work on the bandstand. I wish Conan and his show the best and I do look forward to dropping by."

O'Brien and Weinberg were together for 17 years. Jimmy Vivino is expected to take over as bandleader. Developing...