‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Returns After Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III’s Death, House Band Renamed

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Jimmy Kimmel Live! made its return to ABC on Monday, November 17, after the passing of host Jimmy Kimmel's close friend and the show’s bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III.

On Monday’s episode, Kimmel, who is 58 years old, welcomed guests such as Samuel L. Jackson and comedian Ms. Pat. The house band, which was formerly known as Cleto and the Cletones, was introduced simply as The Cletones in the show's opening, according to LateNighter.com.

The late-night host expressed his sorrow over the loss of his childhood friend during the November 11 episode of Live!, thereafter taking the remainder of the week off.

Escobedo passed away on November 11 at the age of 59. A death certificate obtained by TMZ, dated Friday, November 14, revealed that he succumbed to “cardiogenic shock as the immediate cause of death, with vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver serving as underlying causes.”

In an emotional opening monologue the following Tuesday, Kimmel reflected on his friend while fighting back tears, acknowledging that he has “had to deliver some tough monologues” on his show, “but this one’s the most difficult, because late last night, or early this morning, we lost someone incredibly special who was far too young to leave us.”

Escobedo had been the bandleader of Kimmel’s house band since the debut of Jimmy Kimmel Live! in January 2023. His father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., is also a member of the band.

“I needed Cleto to head my band. … The thought of having anyone else lead it was daunting. It simply had to be him,” Kimmel shared in his tribute. “I was so anxious that they might refuse and I’d have to find another band. I had to gather the courage to mention it. Because I realized saying, ‘My best friend from childhood plays the saxophone, he could lead the band,’ wasn’t the best pitch.”

“Not only did I want Cleto to lead the band, but I also wanted his father to join as well,” Kimmel continued, explaining that the Escobedos auditioned for an ABC executive who promptly approved their hiring. “We’ve been collaborating every single day for nearly 23 years,” Kimmel remarked.

“I’ve always stated that the most remarkable aspect of doing this show has been the chance to let Cleto Sr. resume his musical career from 1966, alongside his son,” Kimmel expressed. “Cleto Sr. and his mother, Sylvia, have been like my second set of parents since I was in fourth grade. I’ve known them for 47 years, and they have never once raised their voices at me. Not even once. They are wonderful people.”

“It’s just not fair,” Kimmel added. “He was the most kind-hearted, humble, and perpetually funny person,” he emphasized.

Earlier on November 11, Kimmel announced Escobedo’s death through an Instagram post.

"This morning, we suffered the loss of an incredible friend, father, son, musician, and individual, my longtime band leader Cleto Escobedo III," he penned. "To express that we are devastated would be an understatement. Cleto and I have been joined at the hip since I was just nine. The reality of collaborating every day was a dream that neither of us thought would really happen. Value your friendships and kindly keep Cleto’s wife, children, and parents in your thoughts and prayers."