Maroon 5 finally breaks into mainstream

updated 12:01 p.m. ET June 1, 2004

Adam Levine doesn’t mind living on a bus with four other guys. In fact, he finds it “comforting.”

Life has changed so drastically for Levine and his bandmates in Maroon 5 that the quintet is happy to enjoy a little stability — even if comes in the form of a tour bus where they share sleeping quarters, a bathroom and personal space.

“Life on the tour bus is a lot different than everybody thinks,” Levine told The Associated Press.

“I think it’s really comforting to be on a bus, because you know the routine, you wake up, roll out of bed, maybe play some video games, maybe jog, maybe lift weights, maybe read a book ... but regardless, you’re doing something during the day to kill time that is beneficial to you or the people around you.”

SUMMER CONCERTS Madonna, Prince, Morrissey return to stage Jessica Simpson hits big time Old friends Sting, Lennox hit the road Incubus changes it up for new tour Hoobastank living teenage dream Dido brings friends on tour Jokester John Mayer takes career seriously Maroon 5 finally breaks into mainstream Mraz longs for low-key days

For a band that has become one of this summer’s breakout acts (their debut album, “Songs About Jane,” has sold 1.5 million copies and they currently have a top 10 hit with “This Love”) — routine is a rare pleasure.

“To me, tour is the most regular thing we do,” the 25-year old singer said. “It actually keeps me from drinking and doing horrible things.”

After disbanding his former project, Kara’s Flowers, Levine formed Maroon 5 in 1999 in search of new horizons. Adopting a purer rock and soul-inflected sound (and adding another guitarist), Maroon 5 signed to Octone/J Records, recorded “Songs About Jane” and never looked back.

Still, it took a while for the band to catch on — their album was released in 2002 and languished for a while.

Levine, who has played in various bands and aspired for a record deal for at least half his life, did not have a backup plan in case his musical dreams evaporated.

“I personally don’t have the capacity to let go of my dreams,” Levine said. “I never had that capacity. So I don’t think I would have ever let up.”

This summer, they have a dream concert slot — serving as John Mayer’s opening act.

“He’s one of the last people in the world that is actually focused more on music than anything else,” Levine said of Mayer. “And that’s very inspiring.”

MORE FROM ALTERNATIVE ROCK

Beck relieved to put out ‘The Information’

Beck relieved to put out ‘The Information’ Killers’ album looks to bring great music back TV on the Radio give a ‘voice to our time ’   Add Alternative rock headlines to your news reader: