After 18 years working with Jay Leno, Kevin Eubanks and his infectious laugh said goodbye to the comedian and The Tonight Show Friday night. The 52-year-old - who supposedly did not leave because of the network’s late-night drama - said he simply wanted to pursue other musical interests including a program that supports high school students.

Eubanks was just one of six band members to leave the talk show. Vicki Randle (singer/percussions), Gerry Etkins (keyboards), Derrick “Dock” Murdock (bass guitar), Ralph Moore (saxophone) and Marvin “Smitty” Smith (drums) are also moving on.

So who’ll be responsible for laughing at Leno’s jokes now? That would be Rickey Minor - the band leader who recently felt snubbed by American Idol. Hopefully, Minor will someday earn himself a farewell montage like the one Eubanks got above.