Country music superstar Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has been very open about his criminal record, which has made it difficult for him to travel and tour overseas. But this summer, he got the chance to do something he never thought he’d be able to do: travel Europe.
Over the past several weeks, Jelly Roll has been touring throughout Europe alongside Post Malone, who transitioned into country music with his most recent album, F-1 Trillion. The pair has already played concerts in several European countries, like England, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, with more stops planned in countries like France, Germany, and Portugal.
It’s been a wide-ranging tour beyond anything Jelly Roll ever thought would be possible just a few years ago, and it sounds like he’s nothing but grateful for the way his life has changed.
Jelly Roll’s Criminal Record
Due to some mistakes in his younger days, Jelly Roll has a criminal record that has largely prevented him from traveling outside of the United States, even though the charges stemmed from incidents long in his past.
The country music star has been seeking a pardon for those crimes that would allow him to travel overseas and become an “inspiration” to people.
“I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible,” Jelly Roll told the Tennessee Board of Parole earlier this year, via the Associated Press. “One of the reasons I’m asking for your recommendation for this pardon is because I’m looking to take my message of redemption through the power of music and faith through the rest of the world.”
Jelly Roll even indicated that he would use such a pardon to do missionary work following his music career.
Permitted to Travel
Back in May, Jelly Roll shared what he called the “biggest announcement” of his entire career as he revealed that he was permitted to travel to England to perform with Post Malone.
“London, England! London, England! Listen, y’all – biggest announcement of my career,” Jelly Roll said in a video posted to Instagram back in May. “They let me come to England, baby! That’s happening. That’s real, dude. I am playing Tottenham Stadium with Post Malone. The first night’s already sold out. I’ll be there. The second night is on sale.”
“I can’t believe I’m even coming to England, but the fact that my first time is doing two stadium shows with Post Malone. Please come out to see us, y’all,” Jelly Roll added. “Love y’all man. I can’t wait to see y’all. I’m excited.”
The country music superstar was later granted permission to travel through other parts of Europe, as well.
Jelly Roll in Disbelief
Given Jelly Roll’s previous restrictions, he never actually expected he would have the chance to travel through Europe. This summer, however, that has been a reality.
In an Instagram post this week, Jelly Roll expressed his disbelief at the summer he has spent traveling through Europe while also expressing his sincere gratitude to Post Malone for bringing him along on the tour.
“STILL cannot believe I’m in Europe right now,” Jelly Roll wrote in his caption. “I love you Posty I love you Posty I love you Posty.”
It goes without saying that Jelly Roll’s ability to travel outside of the United States has been life-changing for the country music superstar, allowing him to perform in places he never thought he’d get the chance to go in front of fans he never thought he’d get a chance to see.
