Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The Nashville-born artist aims to be the inaugural performer at a new local venue.
Fans won’t be seeing Jelly Roll perform live in his hometown of Nashville for quite some time.
During his set at the Music City Rodeo event held at Bridgestone Arena, the “Son of a Sinner” singer announced, in a fan-recorded TikTok video, that he won’t be playing any shows in Nashville until 2027. On May 30, he took a moment during his performance to share something meaningful.
“I probably shouldn’t say this, I might get in trouble, but I’ve got to say it out loud,” Jelly Roll, 40, said while asking someone to capture the moment on video. “This is going to be my last Nashville show until 2027. But listen, I need your help.”
He revealed his reason: “I want to be the very first artist to perform at the new Nissan Stadium when it opens in spring 2027.” The new stadium will replace the current Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, which has been in use since 1999.
Reflecting on his journey, Jelly Roll shared his surprise at selling out Bridgestone Arena three times. “In 2027, when the new Nissan Stadium opens, please let this local boy live out a dream and be the first to play there. I’m a lifelong Titans fan—let me have this moment!” The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers.
He continued, “I know it sounds wild, but I’ve got to put it out there and believe in Nashville. If every one of you brings a friend, we can make it happen.” He then expressed gratitude toward the audience for their support.
Born Jason Deford, Jelly Roll grew up in Nashville and experienced a turbulent youth, including multiple stints at the Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility. Over his life, he was jailed around 40 times.
In a meaningful gesture, he donated a recording studio to the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center, where he first discovered his passion for music. “I was in and out of there for about three years and eventually was charged as an adult for something I did as a juvenile,” he told PEOPLE in 2022.
“That time was the darkest period of my life—being a scared 15-year-old spending holidays away from family,” he added. “I always knew I wanted to give back and make it personal. So, I went back to that same juvenile center where I started making music. It’s where I wrote my first raps and had my first rap battle.”