“I am not asking for less than the purchase price but for consideration of the passion I’ll bring to keeping your legacy thriving," said Kevin Jonas Sr., who made the purchase for an undisclosed amount

On the most recent Jonas Brothers LP, 2023’s The Album, the sibling trio looked back fondly on the time they spent growing up together. “Headstrong father and a dеtermined mother/Oh, that’s why some nights we tried to kill each other/But you know it’s always love,” they sang on the single “Waffle House.” Now, their headstrong father, Kevin Jonas Sr., is the proud owner of The Album after beating out competitors in a bidding war for the purchase of a portion of the Jonas Brothers catalog.

Billboard reports that the investment arm of Jonas’ talent management company, Jonas Group Entertainment Holdings, made the purchase. The deal included the publishing and recording rights to The AlbumHappiness Begins, and their upcoming seventh studio album, Greetings From Your Hometown. The sale also included the one-off singles “Like It’s Christmas” and “Remember This.”

While the purchase amount has not been disclosed, Jonas noted that he went for the heart in his sales pitch to his sons Joe, Nick, and Kevin. “I don’t know that anybody can love your music any more than I do or be any more proud of you,” he told them, per Billboard. “I am not asking for less than the purchase price but for consideration of the passion I’ll bring to keeping your legacy thriving.” The band called the deal a “full circle” moment.

“We are passionate about songwriting and the creative process, and Leslie DiPiero [Jonas Group Publishing president] has always been a true champion for songwriters and creators,” Jonas Brothers said in a statement to the publication. “We look forward to working with her and the team.” Jonas predicted collaborating with the trio will be “easy,” given the familial connection, but also their history together. Jonas previously managed the group alongside Phil McIntrye.

Jonas Brothers are still in possession of their first four albums. Their first, 2006’s It’s About Time, was released on Columbia Records, which dropped them and later surrendered the master recordings. The three albums that followed — including A Little Bit Longer and Lines, Vines and Trying Times — arrived via Disney’s Hollywood Records. The band took their masters with them when they parted with the label in 2012.

“This was a decision that we made as a group,” Nick said at the time. “Naturally, as with any partnership, when you do part ways, there is emotion tied to it. We’ve been blessed to have a lot of success with Hollywood and with Disney, but speaking on behalf of my brothers and our team, we’re all looking forward to this next chapter. We’re ready for that next step as a group, and being able to take our work with us was so important.

 

Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.

The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.

A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.

She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.

The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.

“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”

Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”

She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”

CONTINUE READING