'Late Night with Seth Meyers' Ends Live Band After 11 Seasons

In a significant shift for late-night television, the popular program "Late Night with Seth Meyers" will no longer feature its live band, the 8G Band, starting in its upcoming twelfth season this fall. This decision, attributed to budgetary constraints at NBC, marks the end of an era for a show that has included live music as a staple since its inception in 2014.

The 8G Band, which took over from the previous house band when Meyers succeeded another host, has been a consistent presence on the show. Led by a former cast member of a well-known sketch comedy show, the band included a rotating lineup of guest drummers, creating a unique dynamic that distinguished it from other late-night programs. The decision to cut the band was confirmed by a member of the group, who expressed disappointment over the news, stating, “There’s a lot of strong emotions. No one is happy about it.”

The move comes amid broader financial challenges facing the television industry, where streaming services and online platforms have increasingly drawn audiences away from traditional broadcast television. As viewership declines, networks are compelled to reassess their budgets, often leading to cuts in live performances and other costly elements. The keyboardist of the 8G Band noted that the decision was not just about the band itself but also affected the entire crew that supported their performances. “It’s not just the band; there’s a whole crew that works with the band, so there’s a lot of people employed,” he explained.

Despite the disappointment, the band will continue to contribute music for the show, albeit in a pre-recorded format rather than live performances. This change reflects a growing trend in late-night television, where live music has historically played a vital role in engaging audiences. The absence of a live band will alter the atmosphere of the show, which has relied on the energy and spontaneity that live performances bring.

The decision to eliminate the live band is emblematic of a larger cultural shift in the entertainment industry, where the value of live music is increasingly questioned. The keyboardist likened the situation to a “Spotify moment” in the music industry, where the devaluation of music has become a pressing concern. “Nobody wants to pay for music. Music gets devalued,” he remarked, highlighting the challenges faced by musicians in a changing landscape.

As the show prepares for its twelfth season, there will be a farewell celebration for the band, with plans for the original bandleader to join them for one last week of performances. This bittersweet conclusion serves as a reminder of the show's rich history and the integral role that live music has played in shaping its identity over the years.

The decision to cut the band follows a broader trend in late-night television, where several shows have undergone significant changes in recent years. Hosts have departed, and networks have experimented with new formats to adapt to shifting viewer preferences. The landscape of late-night programming is evolving, and as audiences increasingly consume content through social media and streaming platforms, traditional formats are being reexamined.

In a reflection on the past decade, the keyboardist expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform on the show, describing it as a “union gig” where he was able to create music daily. “Ten and a half years is a very long time on TV. Every TV show ends; that’s just the reality of any creative endeavor,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the experiences gained during that time.

As "Late Night with Seth Meyers" embarks on this new chapter without its live band, it faces the challenge of maintaining its unique identity in an increasingly competitive landscape. The decision underscores the ongoing struggle within the entertainment industry to balance artistic expression with financial viability, a tension that will likely continue to shape the future of late-night television.