The first wave of shock hit when it was announced that Conan O'Brien would be switching coasts to take Jay Leno's seat. I didn't mind that so much, as I've never been a fan of Leno and am rather glad to see him go. The second bit of news about Jimmy Fallon taking O'Brien's spot consisted of more mixed feelings. I was a big fan of Fallon back in the day, but I was, like, a teenager then.

Times have changed, I've grown up, Fallon's made a lot of crappy movies, and guys playing with their hair when they're nervous isn't so endearing anymore. That last one was a lie, but regardless, I'm unsure of how to feel about Fallon's new job. Now here comes the news that The Roots will be Fallon's band on the show. Now, I must borrow from ?uestlove's name for my "What??!"

This has given Fallon's show major cool points already, at least from me. The musicians on shows can either do beautiful things for the program or make everything super-awkward. For example, Max Weinberg and the Max Weinberg 7 on Conan O'Brien's show pretty much play characters themselves, participating in sketches and their own recurring bits. It's a lot of fun to see them get their own moment in the spotlight, beyond barely bearable banter.

I've never gotten used to Leno's what's-his-face and Letterman's Paul Shaffer (actually, I will always remember him as that guy that was in Hercules). I'm not saying that Fallon has to use The Roots in his comedy bits, but I have my fingers crossed that such fantastic talent will not be wasted as just a wall against which Fallon will bounce extra-weak jokes.

It's a shame that the band will have to retire from touring to take on this new job, though. Check out this video, where ?uestlove breaks the news.



[via The Sound Of Young America]