By Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
Platinum-selling pop music siblings Jonas Brothers have inked a long-term, multi-million dollar worldwide touring deal with Live Nation, the company announced Thursday. The deal, the first of its kind for an emerging act, will allow the teen sensations to play more than 140 theaters and arenas around the world during the span of the agreement, which starts Jan. 31 in Tucson, AZ.
The Live Nation deal comes on the heels of a wildly successful year for the three brothers, which included their first platinum album and their special guest appearance on the sold out Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus “Best of Both Worlds” tour. Billboard magazine also named the group the pop tour break out pick for 2008.
“The Jonas Brothers are without a doubt one of the most promising young touring bands working today,” said Live Nation’s Brad Wavra in a statement.
Although the deal is nowhere near the size and scope of the recording, touring and merchandising deal Live Nation signed with pop superstar Madonna late last year, it’s in line with the type of deal the company has vowed to seek with more artists. “Over the next two years we will work alongside the band, management, and their record label to grow Jonas Brothers’ fan base and establish them as one of the most successful touring bands in music,” Wavra added.
Jonas Brothers’ self-titled Hollywood Records album was largely written by the brothers themselves and debuted at # 5 on the Billboard Top 200. Their single “S.O.S.” shot straight to the top of iTunes and the video straight into MTV’s TRL Countdown. Jonas Brothers’ CD was the first to be released in the CD-VU+ format, a 100% recyclable multi-media format. Jonas Brothers expect to release their next CD in July.
Jonas Brothers itinerary:
Jan 31 Tucson, AZ TCC Music Hall
Feb 1 Las Vegas, NV Planet Hollywood
Feb 2 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheater
Feb 5 Everett, WA Everett Events Center
Feb 6 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Feb 8 Salt Lake City, UT E-Center
Feb 11 El Paso, TX Abraham Chavez Theater
Feb 12 San Antonio, TX San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
