Jelly Roll’s Epic Weekend: A Performance to Remember
Jelly Roll capped off an extraordinary weekend with a heartfelt performance of his collaborative single “Lonely Road” alongside Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) on The Tonight Show on September 30. This electrifying appearance followed a series of monumental events, including headlining Madison Square Garden, performing at the 50th season opener of Saturday Night Live, and taking center stage at the Global Citizen Festival. The culmination of these events showcased Jelly Roll’s rising star power and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
A Powerful Collaboration
The performance of “Lonely Road” was a significant highlight, featuring Jelly Roll and MGK—who have affectionately dubbed themselves "KellyRoll." The duo began their set with an emotional a cappella rendition of the song’s poignant refrain, standing on either side of a flaming garbage can, flanked by three soulful backup singers. The lyrics resonated deeply, as they sang, “Lonely road, take me home / To the place that we went wrong / Where’d you go now, it’s been a ghost town / And I’m still here, all alone.” This opening not only set the tone for the performance but also drew the audience into the emotional landscape of the song.
The Rhythm of the Night
As the performance progressed, MGK called upon Travis Barker, the legendary drummer of Blink-182, to join them on stage. Barker added a unique touch by tapping out the song’s rhythm on the lip of the garbage can before transitioning to a full drum kit. Meanwhile, Jelly Roll and MGK made their way to host Jimmy Fallon’s desk, creating an intimate atmosphere as they settled into the guest spot on the couch. Jelly Roll’s soulful delivery of lines like, “I use alcohol to fill that hole / Will our home ever be the same?” resonated with the audience, while MGK kept the beat on Fallon’s desk, showcasing their chemistry and camaraderie.
A Humble Heart
The performance concluded with Jelly Roll and MGK standing on either side of Barker, with Jelly expressing his gratitude to Fallon and the viewers at home. “Thank you for allowing us into your living rooms tonight,” he humbly stated, highlighting his appreciation for the platform and the audience’s support. This moment encapsulated Jelly Roll’s down-to-earth personality and his genuine connection with fans.
Behind the Scenes
Before their performance, Jelly Roll made his debut on the Tonight Show couch, admitting to Fallon that he was so nervous he might have “tinkled” himself a bit. His self-deprecating humor shone through as he joked about his nerves, especially after participating in a sketch on SNL that was ultimately cut for time. In that sketch, he played Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings, alongside Andy Samberg’s Legolas. “I was more nervous for the sketch, obviously,” he shared, reflecting on his feelings of being out of his element in the comedy world.
A Journey of Friendship
In a touching moment, Jelly Roll spoke about his evolving relationship with MGK. Just days after MGK addressed their past feud at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, where he expressed love and admiration for Jelly Roll, the latter reciprocated those feelings on The Tonight Show. “I just love him to death. We’ve known each other a long time and we started on rocky roads and made amends,” he said, emphasizing the growth of their friendship and mutual support in the music industry.
Looking Ahead
As Jelly Roll continues to rise in the music scene, fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming album, Beautifully Broken, set to be released on October 11. With his unique blend of country, hip-hop, and rock influences, Jelly Roll is poised to make an even greater impact in the industry, and his recent performances are a testament to his talent and dedication.
Watch the Performance
For those who missed the live performance, clips of Jelly Roll and MGK’s stirring rendition of “Lonely Road” are available to watch online, allowing fans to experience the magic of the moment.
