In the last two years Maroon 5--vocalist/guitarist Adam Levine, guitarist James Valentine, keyboardist Jesse Carmichael, bassist Mickey Madden and drummer Ryan Dusick--has served opening stints for Sheryl Crow, Jason Mraz, and Counting Crows. The group is touring with singer/songwriter John Mayer.

Levine, Carmichael, Madden and Dusick originally formed in the mid-'90s as Kara's Flowers, and released "The Fourth World" on Reprise in 1997. They parted ways with Reprise a couple years later and added another guitarist, Valentine, into their lineup.

Minutes before a sound check, 25-year-old vocalist Levine spoke with liveDaily about the long road to success.

liveDaily: I saw you guys on Saturday Night Live and wrote your name down because I liked "This Love" so much.

Adam Levine: Thanks, man. That was an amazing experience, one of the best we've ever had.

Then I felt like an idiot when I found out the album's been out for two years.

[laughs] Right, the album came out in June of 2002. It's been quite a long road. This whole thing has been a whirlwind of emotions, really insane.

You guys were playing a lot of club gigs when the album came out. Was there any moment where it seemed like you finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel?

There wasn't really one moment in time that broke everything open. I just think our work ethic was really strong from the beginning of this, and we just thought, "Let's work our asses off and play 250 shows this year and make a name for ourselves by being a good live band." And that's what's happened, and we're really happy about it.

You've opened for lots of royalty, but who was the first big-name act that approached you and really took you under their wing?

To be honest, John Mayer was the first real avid supporter of the band that was a big name. He genuinely loved the music, and walked into our dressing room like a year and a half ago and said, "I love your record." I think he was the first person to really jump on board.

And now it's karma, you guys are back together.

Oh yeah, we're really stoked about playing with him again.

Did you start out playing guitar, or singing, or both?

I grew up playing guitar, and could always kind of carry a tune, so I assumed the position as a singer. It was natural. I took one vocal lesson and just ran with it. [The teacher] gave me some helpful tips, but I naturally kind of honed my skills over time.

Who were some of your early influences?

I was a huge Beatles fan. The Stones, Dylan. Later on, I got into Stevie Wonder, and Bill Withers--he's one of my heroes. Al Green, too.

What is it that drew you to Stevie Wonder?

I think there's a stigma attached to Stevie Wonder, as far as him being the guy that wrote "I Just Called To Say I Love You." Being a child of the '80s--or late '80s--that's all I had really thought of him. I didn't really know he had all these classic records, and when I started listening to song like "Sir Duke," "I Wish" and "I Believe," it really just changed my whole life as a singer, songwriter and musician.

Oh damn, I'm going to have to go. Sound check. Sorry, man. [laughs]

How are you enjoying this? Being dragged in 20 different directions?

It's a push and pull, but, in the end, these are good problems to have.