Kristian Bush Delves Deeper Into Sugarland’s Pre-Concert Playlist

Kristian Bush of Sugarland recently explained how his love of music dates back to his early years. As a teen growing up in Knoxville, Tenn., he saw the Police in concert and the music they played on the arena loudspeakers before their show left quite an impression on Bush. As a result of that experience, Sugarland's pre-concert playlist includes a wide variety of artists, all of which inspire the band in some way.

Bush says a few of the songs include the Police's 'So Lonely' -- which has been perfectly timed so Bush hears it nightly as he walks down the hall to the stage -- and INXS's 'Need You Tonight,' which Bush calls "a great set-up night song that works like a perfect machine." Also worthy of their pre-show music is the Psychedelic Furs song, 'Pretty in Pink.' Bush says, "It even inspired a movie, so it's worth blaring through speakers at a rock show."

The other half of Sugarland, Jennifer Nettles, turned her partner on to Phoenix's hit '1901,' and that is one Bush says, "we keep threatening to cover." Bush also loves Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the U.S.A.' The guitarist reflects, "Like incense in a Japanese temple, so is Bruce's voice rising out of giant speakers in an arena: preparing the room for what is coming." Fans will also hear the Cure's massive hit 'Just Like Heaven.' Nettles and Bush were turned on to the British alt rockers while they were in London recently, and they listened to them all the way home.

Some songs are also played for their sentimental value, like 'Our House' by Madness. Bush explains, "This CD got stolen from my dorm room when I was 16 and I never found out who took it. I loved this song." Although they play a lot of rock and pop tunes, some country stars are still present on the playlist, like Dierks Bentley's cover of the U2 tune, 'Pride (In the Name of Love).'

The country star plans to keep fans up to date on what the band is listening to on Sugarland's official website. He wrote, "I like to change this list out every few weeks or so, and will send along new updates as I do. I hope this will maybe turn you on to some music that you don't know or bring you back to some music you already love in a new way."

The duo are set to perform on 'American Idol' on March 24. They will take the stage during the results show, which will also feature a special performance by 'Idol' alum Jennifer Hudson. Sugarland are also currently on their Incredible Machine U.S. tour, with their next show on April 14 in Pensacola, Fla.