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The Jonas Brothers: Not-So-Secret Fans of the Band

Photo: Harrison/Getty (Jonas) Getty, Rodriguez/Getty (Robertson) You already know that Nick Jonas idolizes Elvis Costello — but did you know he also digs the Band? At the Jonas Brothers‘ January 4th show in Nashville, the trio busted out a cover of the Band’s classic 1968 track “The Weight” with help from Vince Gill, Phil Vassar and Christian artists Steven Curtis Champman and Michael W. Smith. (Think The Last Waltz, but with more Jesus and less pot.) “That chorus is undeniably perfect for a group of people to sing together,” says Nick, who was inspired to tackle the harmony-heavy tune by his manager, a die-hard Band fan. “We were sitting up there like a supergroup — it was so cool.” The Bros also put their spin on Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’,” Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” (on which Jordin Sparks duetted), Don McLean’s “American Pie” and Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain.” “We pick our cover choices by the city we’re in,” says Nick. “Obviously, ‘Waiting in Vain’ isn’t from Nashville, but that’s one our band really likes to play, so we let them showcase their musical abilities.” Despite the unorthodox (by Jonas standards) covers, the sold-out crowd was loving the set list. “Some of the younger fans didn’t know the lyrics,” says Nick. “But for the most part, people 16 and up were singing every word.” So which beloved tunes are the Jonases going to dust off next? “[Elton John’s] ‘Tiny Dancer’ might happen in the future,” says Nick. “And one day, maybe we’ll do ‘Allison’ with Mr. Costello.” He pauses, suddenly sounding shy. “Actually, there’s this really cool transition of ‘A Little Bit Longer’ that I already worked into it.” Related Stories: • Elvis Costello & the Attraction • Ask a Rock Star: Jonas Brothers • Photos: A Short History of the Jonas Brothers

Published: 2009-01-15
Provider: Rolling Stone
Keywords: Rock News