The music industry is facing a dire situation as late-night TV shows continue to cut back on live performances. The latest blow comes from Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which plans to reduce its musical guests to just two shows per week, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This decision comes on the heels of Stephen Colbert's Late Show ending in May and Late Night With Seth Meyers' long-standing lack of musical guests, which only worsened after the show's house band was laid off in 2024. These changes leave Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show as the last late-night show that regularly features musical performances.
The reduction in live performances is a significant shift from Kimmel's past, as most episodes historically featured musical guests. The show's outdoor festival stage, which likely incurs significant costs, may be a factor in this decision. However, no official reason has been given for the change.
Despite this, last night's Kimmel episode featured a performance from Molly Tuttle, a rootsy singer-songwriter. While this performance might not typically be highlighted, it's a reminder of the importance of live music and the need for platforms to support it. As the industry continues to struggle, it's crucial to find ways to keep live performances alive and well, even if it means embracing alternative formats like Tiny Desk Concerts.
