Eubanks not returning to 'Tonight'

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Musician Kevin Eubanks won't accompany his longtime collaborator Jay Leno when he returns to "The Tonight Show," "Extra!" reported Tuesday.

Eubanks began working with Leno on "Tonight" in 1992, then followed him to the prime-time series "The Jay Leno Show" after Leno was ousted at the end of last season to make way for Conan O'Brien.

O'Brien left "Tonight" after seven months and Leno is slated to return as host March 1.

"Extra!" said that while Eubanks is expected to appear on Leno's "Tonight" debut, he "wanted a change" and does not plan to remain permanently with the show as band leader and sidekick.