Jon Batiste is talking out following CBS’ resolution to finish The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in 2026.
In a brand new interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, the Grammy-winning musician and former Late Present bandleader referred to as the transfer “a symptom of huge cash,” warning concerning the impression of company selections on free speech.
“We’re in a time the place the suitable value can silence the voice of free speech, which we ought to be very, very acutely aware of,” stated Batiste, who led the present’s home band from 2015 to 2022. “As artists, now we have to continually combat without cost speech and combat for the flexibility to have the ability to share the genuine fact of our being.”
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CBS introduced final month that the present would finish subsequent 12 months, citing monetary causes. Nevertheless, the choice has stirred controversy and drawn criticism from a number of high-profile figures, together with Jon Stewart and David Letterman, and prompted hypothesis about attainable political motivations.
Batiste mirrored on his seven-year tenure alongside Colbert to the publication, which started when he was in his 20s. “It meant a lot to be on nationwide tv and studying the ropes of being on a nightly present with a band, and actually being on digital camera and doing that for seven years. And to evolve as an artist in partnership with him,” he stated. “I’m very grateful to him and I feel the place he goes subsequent, his voice received’t be silenced.”
The cancellation of The Late Present comes 10 years after Colbert took it over from prior host David Letterman. CBS has made it clear that it received’t be changing the Each day Present alum with somebody new, however is canning this system altogether.
“We’re proud that Stephen referred to as CBS residence,” the community added in its assertion. “He and the published might be remembered within the pantheon of greats that graced late evening tv.”
Batiste is about to launch his new album Large Cash later this 12 months.