Saturday Night Live has ended its relationship with Brian Siedlecki, the programme’s longtime music booker, after nearly 30 years. His departure matters because he helped shape one of television’s most prominent live-music platforms, securing performances from major artists and overseeing politically resonant moments.

Siedlecki joined SNL as an intern in 1996 and booked his first act, Nelly Furtado, in 2001. More recent performances during his tenure included Paul McCartney revisiting Beatles songs, Megan Thee Stallion’s protest over Breonna Taylor’s shooting, and Lily Allen’s appearance with Dakota Johnson. Siedlecki, SNL and NBC declined to comment; Keri Powers and Rebecca Schwartz remain as the show’s other longstanding music bookers.