Adam Levine's Surprising Admission About His Tattoos

Adam Levine is no stranger to body art. Over the years, the Maroon 5 frontman has covered much of his body with tattoos—many of them large, intricate designs. But after one recent session, Levine says he’s officially done going under the needle.

In a new interview with Today, the 46-year-old singer admitted that while getting tattoos once felt fun and even addictive, the process has started to feel a lot less appealing. His latest ink, a full refresh of the sleeve on his left arm, might be his last.

“I covered up my sleeve with another sleeve,” Levine said. “Who does that? What is wrong with me?”

The problem isn’t running out of space. It’s the pain. 

Levine said his most recent tattoo hurt so badly he decided he’s finished adding to his collection. “Now, I’ve softened,” he admitted. “Now, when I get a tattoo, I’m like, ‘This hurts so badly.’ We’re done.”

That’s a sharp contrast to the inked-up image Levine has shown onstage, and it’s a sign of how his mindset has changed. 

His first tattoo, a dove on his upper left bicep, came when he was 21, just days after 9/11. It was a way, he said, to say something meaningful with a peaceful symbol. Since then, tattoos have become a signature part of his look.

Ironically, one of Levine’s favorite tattoos now is on his hands, which is a spot he once declared off-limits. The words “true love” inked across his fingers have become a personal favorite, even though he previously said hands and legs were sacred and shouldn’t be tattooed.

While Levine might be finished with new ink, he’s far from done creatively. Maroon 5’s new album Love Is Like is set to drop Aug. 15, with a tour planned for the fall. 

After decades in the spotlight, Levine seems ready to leave the tattoo chair behind and focus on what he calls his first love: making music.