Max Weinberg Dropped From Team CoCo

Longtime musical/comedy duo Conan O'Brien and Max Weinberg have mutually ended their professional relationship.

By Jenna Mullins Sep 27, 2010 8:15 PMTags
Max Weinberg, Conan O'BrienMichael Loccisano/Getty Images; Jake De Golish/WireImage

Now here is a celebrity split that's really worth mourning.

After 17 years of making musical comedy together, Conan O'Brien will be without his longtime bandleader, Max Weinberg, when his new late night show premieres on TBS.

But while their TV marriage might be over, the offscreen bromance appears strong...

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

We hope so, too. And it looks like Max wouldn't mind subbing in one bit.

Says the drummer: "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. 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."

Max headed up The Max Weinberg 7 during Late Night with Conan O'Brien and then the Max Weinberg and The Tonight Show Band during Conan's run on The Tonight Show. Weinberg is also the drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and just formed the 15-piece Max Weinberg Big Band, which embarks on a 20-date tour next month.

Conan's new show, simply titled Conan, will hit your television screen on Nov. 8.

There has been no official word on whom, if anyone, will be replacing Max. But we welcome your suggestions in the comments!
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This may have been an amicable parting, but that's not always the case. Get your fill of celebrity spats right here.