Fallon farewell

A "WEIGHT" LIFTED: Jimmy Fallon bade farewell to his Late Night spot in appropriately musical fashion Friday night, sitting behind the drum kit with his pals The Muppets for a lively rendition of The Band's "The Weight." It was a fitting fade-out, given that many of the highlights of Fallon's 12:30 tenure have involved classic rock (notably his uncanny imitations of Neil Young, accompanied by stars like Bruce Springsteen). When this last waltz was concluded, he got up, wandered down the NBC hallway, opened a door bearing the legend "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon" and was greeted by his cheering staff. Retiring Tonight Show host Jay Leno got a musical send-off of his own on Thursday night from guests such as Garth Brooks, Billy Crystal and Carol Burnett; his successor's rock roots will undoubtedly change the complexion of the 11:30 institution markedly. Fallon, The Roots and company will commence the next generation of The Tonight Show, hosted from NYC for the first time since Johnny Carson split for Burbank in 1972, on 2/17. (2/10a)