Jonas Brothers

On September 24, the Jonas Brothers took the stage at Milan's Unipol Forum for a concert that felt like a trip down memory lane for the thousands of fans who grew up with their music. Nostalgia was the main theme of the night, as the band delivered a set list carefully crafted to connect with their original fanbase - young adults who had their childhoods shaped by Jonas Brothers songs and Disney's Camp Rock era.

Despite the initially sparse crowd during the opening DJ set by Deleasa (a close friend of the Jonas Brothers), everything changed once the lights dimmed. The Unipol Forum quickly filled up, and the crowd erupted in excitement as the first notes played. This wave of enthusiasm might seem surprising given that the Jonas Brothers are no longer at the peak of mainstream popularity, especially in Italy, where they have never reached massive stardom. However, the band's strategy of leaning into nostalgia - which lately has proven to be a powerful tool for artists who continue to thrive on their past successes - has proven effective since their reunion in 2019.

The Jonas Brothers have managed to rekindle the emotional connection they cultivated with their fanbase during their early years. By embracing nostalgia,they’ve not only rekindled that bond but have also kept their core audience deeply engaged. Their concerts serve as a powerful reminder of shared memories, creating an experience that resonates profoundly with those who came of age during the band's rise to fame.

Jonas Brothers performing live at Unipol Forum - picture taken by Raandoom at the show

The Jonas Brothers' Five Albums, One Night world tour is tailor-made for the die-hard fans who grew up listening to their music during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Spanning over two and a half hours, the concert was a marathon of music with no breaks or intermissions, maintaining an energetic and continuous flow. The setlist, featuring over 67 songs, followed a mostly chronological order, mixing beloved hits from their five studio albums with newer tracks from their latest release, The Album.
for a total of over 67 songs. This nostalgic journey offered fans the ultimate experience, reconnecting them with the music that defined their formative years.

The Jonas Brothers kicked off the night with the joyous and brass-filled “Celebrate” from their latest album, immediately setting the tone for the evening. The crowd was energized, and the full live band -featuring brass instruments, cellos, a top-tier guitarist, and a master drummer- set the stage for a musically rich and dynamic performance, with minimal reliance on pre-recorded tracks. The rock orchestra playing on the stage included also former members of DNCE -Joe Jonas’ collateral band- JinJoo Lee and Jack Lawless, who really gave a boost to the show, alongside the talented backup singers.

Beyond the grand production, the Jonas Brothers really succeeded in creating a genuine and close bond with the audience, often moving to a secondary stage, right in the midst of the crowd, to deliver more intimate performances of their classic ballads. Fan favorites like "When You Look Me in the Eyes," "Hello Beautiful," and "Fly With Me”, were played in these quieter moments, allowing the audience to connect on a deeper, more emotional level with the band.

One of the most anticipated moments of the night was undoubtedly the Camp Rock segment.
Songs like "Gotta Find You", "Introducing Me", and "Play My Music" instantly transported the audience back to 2008. While Camp Rock might not have reached the same level of cultural impact as High School Musical, it’s undeniable that any back-then-10-years-old dreamed of being serenaded by Joe Jonas with the iconic verse, “You’re the voice I hear inside my head, the reason why I’m singing”, just like Demi Lovato’s character in the movie. The crowd went wild during this part of the show, proving that Camp Rock still holds a special place in the hearts of fans, even years later.

The Camp Rock throwback was quickly followed by some of the Jonas Brothers’ biggest hits, including fan-favorites "Lovebug" and "Burnin' Up" from their second album, A Little Bit Longer. A roar erupted from the audience when Nick belted out the now-legendary line, "High heels, red dress", a lyric that has taken on meme status over the years thanks to the intense passion and energy Nick constantly pours into that moment during live performances.

The Jonas Brothers also took the opportunity to spotlight their solo careers during the show. Nick Jonas shined with his 2014 hit "Jealous", showcasing his R&B sensibility and impressive vocal range, while Joe Jonas amped up the crowd with DNCE’s infectious hit "Cake By The Ocean", bringing his signature carefree spirit to the stage. The friendly competition between the two -long a feature of their dynamic, with fans historically divided between "Joe girls" and "Nick girls" (sorry, Kevin)- was on full display, but what truly emerged, however, was their ability to complement each other on the stage, while still maintaining different and distinctive characteristics as solo artists. 

A solo moment - Nick Jonas performing live at Unipol Forum - picture taken by Raandoom at the show

Throughout the show, Nick emerged as the more commanding presence, playing both guitar and piano while actively engaging with the audience. Kevin, often the quieter member of the trio, let his guitar work and stage energy speak volumes, while Joe appeared somewhat subdued, likely influenced by his ongoing personal struggles, including his recent divorce from actress Sophie Turner.

Despite these personal challenges and the ever-shifting musical landscape, the Jonas Brothers demonstrated their ability to captivate an audience. The concert unlocked a flood of memories for the now twenty-or-thirty-somethings who grew up watching Disney Channel, dreaming of Camp Rock, and singing along to Jonas episodes. However, the night was way more than just a throwback to their glory days; it was a celebration of how far both the band and their fans have come.

The Jonas Brothers may have started as teenage heartthrobs, but their talent and commitment to their music suggest they are here to stay - whether as a band or solo artists.