(L-R James Valentine, Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael at Maroon 5’s 2013 Halloween Party) Chris Polk / WireImageHappy Halloween! Tonight Maroon 5 will throw their annual Halloween party, which is always a star-studded extravaganza, with entertainment provided by Adam Levine and the guys — dressed up as a completely different famous band.
“It started while we were making our second record and we were renting the [Harry] Houdini mansion,” Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine tells ABC Radio. “We were recording during Halloween so we said, ‘Oh, this place is super-weird; we should probably have a Halloween party here,’ so the tradition started 15 years ago.”
“Over the last few years, we started a new tradition where we dress up as a band and perform,” James adds.
“Adam loves playing drums and is actually a great drummer, so it’s his one time of year where he gets to play drums.”
In addition to swapping instruments, James says getting the chance to play someone else’s songs for a change is challenging and “really fun.”
“It gives me the opportunity to go into really getting into somebody’s style, [and] learn everything that they do note for note,” says James. “And when you know you’re gonna perform in front of your friends, there’s a little higher stakes, so you really get inside those songs. And I love doing that.”
A few years ago, Maroon 5 dressed as Led Zeppelin. Last year, they dressed up as AC/DC. So what band will Maroon 5 transform into this Halloween? Says James, “I don’t wanna ruin the surprise.”
Given the impending release of the new movie Bohemian Rhapsody, though, our money’s on Queen.
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