The House Band of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Renames Itself in Honour of Cleto Escobedo After His Tragic Passing
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The renowned house band for ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ made a poignant decision to change its name following the unexpected death of bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, who had been at the helm for 22 years on the late-night show. The band, previously known as “Cleto and the Cletones,” has now rebranded itself as simply “The Cletones” as a tribute to their late leader.
Escobedo, who had been an integral part of the show since 2003 and shared a deep friendship with host Jimmy Kimmel since childhood, passed away on November 11 due to cardiogenic shock at the age of 59. The band’s return for the November 17 episode marked a sombre moment as they honoured their beloved leader with a symbolic name change.
The absence of Cleto Escobedo III was deeply felt during the latest episode of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’. The band’s decision to rename themselves as “The Cletones” signified a heartfelt gesture in memory of their late leader, reflecting the profound impact Escobedo had on the show and everyone involved.
In a touching Instagram post shared by Jimmy Kimmel on the day of Escobedo’s passing, the host paid tribute to his longtime friend and bandmate, highlighting their inseparable bond since childhood. Kimmel’s emotional monologue on the show was a poignant reminder of the loss they all felt, with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the special moments shared with Escobedo.
Cleto Escobedo Sr., who also performed in the band alongside his son playing saxophones, joined the emotional tribute during the November 11 taping of the show. The heartfelt performance served as a poignant reminder of the legacy and musical influence that Cleto Escobedo III had brought to the ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ stage over the years.
The details surrounding Escobedo’s cause of death were revealed through a death certificate obtained by PEOPLE, citing cardiogenic shock as the immediate cause, with underlying factors such as vasodilatory shock and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. The document listed several contributing conditions that led to the musician’s tragic passing, shedding light on the complexity of his health struggles.
‘Cleto and the Cletones’ had been an integral part of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ since its debut in 2003, with Escobedo describing it as the “best gig ever” in a 2021 featurette. His passion for music and dedication to the band resonated deeply with audiences, making his loss a profound moment for both the show and fans alike.
The decision to rename the band to “The Cletones” serves as a lasting tribute to Cleto Escobedo III’s enduring legacy and musical contributions to the late-night show. The heartfelt gesture honours his memory and the impact he had on the show’s dynamic, underscoring the deep bond shared by the band members and their late leader.
As ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ continues its run without Cleto Escobedo III, the legacy of his music and spirit lives on through the soulful melodies of “The Cletones,” ensuring that his memory remains a cherished part of the show’s history. The touching tribute to their late bandleader reflects the profound loss felt by all who knew and worked alongside Cleto Escobedo III.
In conclusion, the renaming of the house band to “The Cletones” stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of Cleto Escobedo III on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’, embodying the spirit of remembrance and musical legacy that he left behind.