Matchbox Twenty: Whatever Happened To The Band & Rob Thomas Who Made Hits 3 A.M., Real World & More
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มี.ค. 2023
- Whatever happened to The Band Matchbox Twenty behind hits 3AM, Real World and Push
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#matchbox20 #matchboxtwenty #robthomas
I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos.
The single that made Matchbox 20 a household name would be the song “Push,”. The song’s lyrics about a troubled relationship came during Thomas first trip to New York City and soon drew criticism from feminist groups with one group in New Hampshire calling for radio stations to stop playing the song. Thomas pushed back against these assertions. Nice pun right? The song isn’t a call for physical violence but rather an observations of the emotional battles a relationship goes through and saw Thomas claim the song was inspired by a relationship in which he was the one who was mistreated.
Thomas would recall to the LA Times watching MTV News one day and seeing an ex-girlfriend of his being interviewed claiming to be the inspiration behind the song Push and threatening to sue Matchbox 20 for unpaid royalties. Luckily for him, she wasn’t serious and no lawsuit would be filed.
In reality the song was about a different high school girlfriend who broke up with Thomas by donating his possessions to Goodwill telling the LA Times “I had no clothes, nothing. All the local bands got together and gave me their band T-shirts. For months, that’s all I wore.”
The success of the band’s first album would result in them being all over MTV and rock radio but the Matchbox 20 still had an identity problem. Despite people magazine naming Rob Thomas one of it’s 50 most beautiful people of 1998 MTV sent a camera crew to one of the band’s shows and asked attendees to simply name one of the band members and many people could not answer the question. How did the band feel about this? Well, Thomas saw it as a vindication that the band’s music was more important than their image, while other members couldn’t believe it as they appeared in all their own music videos. Thomas would tell Rolling Stone in 2009 “My songs are more famous than I am, and I’m OK with that.”
The band’s success soon saw them lumped in with the likes of the counting crows and hootie and the blowfish with the LA Times writing on their profile of the band “Matchbox 20, like the Crows and Hootie, has sold millions of records by approximating the sound of an earlier era, which makes their music reassuring for listeners who moan about the loss of classic songwriting values in rock, but who don’t seem to demand the challenge and individuality that gave the best of that music its power.”
Some of the critics weren’t kind to the band. Their detractors referred to the band as corporate radio fluff. Even some of their rock heroes were less than supprortive. Thomas would meet one of his idols Keith Richards who had hoped that hte guitarist would compliment Matchbox 20’s music. Instead Thomas recalled Richards saying “Oh, you’re the one with the wife.” referring to his wife a fashion model. Then you had fellow musicians who came up during the same time who didn’t show the band respect.
In perhaps the most 90’s feud Third Eye blind frontman Stephen Jenkins also slammed Thomas. Matchbox 20’s tour for their first album saw Thomas gain 20 pounds. At one point Jenkins called Thomas fat to which thomas responded in an interview with spin saying and I don’t care who knows it. [Stephan Jenkins] made fun of me-called me a fat guy. Screw you! He has no soul whatsoever.
Thomas would tell Rolling STone how the success of the group’s first album took it’s toll on him personally.
I was the only person ever with a coke habit to gain fifty pounds. We did an MTV Live From the 10 Spot, and that was the first time I’d had good look at myself in a while. Not only was I heavy, but I had dark eyes, my face was all puffy. That was pretty fucked up. I’d met my future wife at that point, and she showed the tape to her mother. Her mother was like, “Why the fuck are you going out with the guy? He’s ugly! Thomas would end up curtailing his habits and the band’s first album would go on to sell 12 million copies, but it also came with one additional headache. The man on the front cover of the band’s album sued them for not getting his permission to put his likeness on the record. He would file his lawsuit nearly a decade after the album came out b - เพลง
Well Sid,
Maybe at "3 AM", Rob Thomas realized he didn't want to "Push" the same post grunge/alt rock stuff no more 😅
Yeah it made him feel unwell. He thought he had a disease
Y’all are so damn smooth 😎
@@rnrtruestories and it was his only way to get Back 2 Good
Damn, you guys are so Bent. This comment section has become a real Mad Season.
@@StevenEveral it will be this channels Downfall
My wife loves MB20. Before we started dating I found out that her favorite song was Hang so I learned that song and a couple of weeks later we were at a party. Someone else had brought a guitar. They passed the guitar to me and I played a few songs and once I had her attention I played Hang and that was it. Married for almost 2 decades now. Thanks MB20!
I was in high school in the mid - late 90s, and while they were never the most daring band, I think everyone agreed they were deserving of their success. Their songs were in the background of most of my teenage life.
You're probably my age you remember band "Fuel"?
@@rotekanale8124 yeah! they had this song about hemorroids or something like that. Good band
@@lasttime1372 yeah an innocent shimmering hemorrhoid
I agree....every band isn't supposed to be Velvet Underground or the Pixies, some bands are just meant to make catchy enjoyable songs.
@@jamesbowers5946 well said sometimes a pop song is just a catchy guilty pleasure pop song.
Their songs are memorable, catchy and we sing along to them. They were and are still cool.
They have a lot of great songs that I still listen to. Glad Rob Thomas is in a better place now.
I don't care what people said... Matchbox Twenty and Rob Thomas musically resonate with me a lot in those later 90's and early 00's
Matchbox 20 is my favorite band. Sad that they have only done 4 albums since 1996 but they finally have a 5th coming out in May 2023! I love his solo stuff too!
TBH that can be a good thing, too many bands push way to hard and either burn out, dead from alcohol and drugs trying to keep up, or flat out just put out mostly cobbled together crap with a few singles here and there that are great and end up in the well they had potential to be great department. I would rather they take their time and put out good quality stuff.
They didn’t release much but it was for the better I’d say. Yourself or Someone Like You, Mad Season, and More Than You Think You Are, absolutely perfect. Untouchable albums. I’d rather have a couple or a few perfect albums than a dozen ehh albums in the same time
Saw Matchbox 20, Everclear, and Lifehouse in concert in 99 with my future wife and M20 is by far one of the tightest bands live.
I'd loved to heard Push live....
Everclear 😂
Saw that show myself. Gearge mason university in DC.
Funny, I knew Rob Thomas from middle school and high school in the late 80's. I can verify I recognized a lot of the stories shared here as being true at the time. I had a high school friend tell me I knew the guy singing "Push" on the radio back in '97 and had a good laugh when I heard it was Rob Thomas. He ran away a lot in high school for long periods of time so I didn't see him much. You'd never suspect he would be the most successful person from our school....
Nice Mr Fuzz. A shame you couldn't snap a poloroid with the man but did Rob ever appear in any photos pre fame with you?
Rob wasn't running away Rob was homeless. His mother was "insane" according to Rob and his sister, Missy.
Rob was also bullied in High School. When he meets up with a person from High School now he doesn't talk to them if they treated him badly in school. He feels if they were mean to him when he was in school and having such a hard time, then screw them now.
Would he talk to you if you met him now?
Dissing a band because they’re not “cool” is actually one of the most uncool things you can do. And please, before you criticize their music, you have to understand the way a song is crafted and the technicality and creativity that come with writing one good song let alone multiple. These guys made a lot of people happy. Good for them!
This!
Still do!
Amen!!!!!!!
You got that from bono from the new u2 documentary
Yeah but they were so not cool
I loved listening to Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20. Sometimes it's nice to listen to an entire record without having to skip through songs.
"Yourself or someone like you" is one of my top ten favorite albums of all time.
I was never a fan of Matchbox 20, but for Rob to start a band and steer it to stardom after such a rough start to life is totally boss. That requires real self belief, bravery and years of hard work. Bravo. Thanks for telling the story mate.
I’ve been a metal person for a long time, but my mom has been a Matchbox Twenty fan since they released their first record. I always associate their music with nostalgia, because she’ll always have one of her Matchbox Twenty CDs playing in the car.
I was into Deftones, Korn, Pantera, but Matchbox 20 were just really damn good at writing Pop Rock and when I heard Long Day(their first and only single that wasn't a huge smash hit from Yourself & Someone Like You) I was hooked and I bought the record and I was beyond impressed but I certainly wasn't wearing MB20 shirts in high school 😂
Agree man they are good songwriters
Ok
I like the whole album, but Long Day has always been my favorite song from it. I thought I was the only one
@Josh Harrison It's sitting by the overcoat.....nope it's mine too! Great song from a great album!
I first heard the song Long Day on my local radio station, and was like “dang, that’s a a good jam”… Bought the album at Camelot Records the next day, and was like “dang, that’s a great album!”…
Wow... the guy has been through so much... Good see him doing very well and the story behind the band is actually interesting.
Rob is so good live and that takes hard work.
Matchbox 20 is a great band! Love Rob Thomas's vocals! Musicianship is phenomenal. 🤘 "Rest Stop" is one of my favorite songs. Wish they would put out another album. ☮
They have one coming out in about a month!
You can actually listen to some of their music from their new album now on TH-cam😂😂❤🤓
I just picked up tickets to see them in May! I'm 20 years late to the party but I love this band!!
I still listen to Matchbox 20 and Rob Thomas to this very day after I discovered them over 20 years ago.
I spent a little time writing a letter and sipping a coffee in a Dunkin' Donuts the other day and I enjoyed hearing a song or two by Matchbox 20 on the in-store sound system. And I still like their music and nothing wrong with good pop tunes from Matchbox 20 and his solo work and that monster hit with Mr. Carlos Santana.
Great band but Rob Thomas has one of the most unique voices in all of rock, one of my all time favorites.
I still have a huge crush on Rob Thomas and always loved there music wish they would come back
Loved this band in highschool ❤
I always enjoyed Matchbox Twenty they were a good part of my 90s just getting into rock music ❤ still enjoy the songs
Rob Thomas stands as my favorite songwriter of all time. My mother loves them and 3am was the first song I learned how to play, staying in my sets regularly still to this day and when I lost a job a couple years ago, Real World became my go to song when I wasn't in the best mood. And when they dropped their most recent album back in 2012, my family always begged me to play She's So Mean every time they came to see me perform.
Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20 are still releasing really exceptional music. They are one of a few bands that I have followed for 30 years and have never been disappointed.
I really enjoyed their music. I STILL enjoy their music!…..and they do a helluva live show.
Match Box 20 will always be one of those bands that will always be a great band and great songs will be great to listen to forever even if the band isn't together anymore! They just have those timeless songs!
Great presentation....Very likable band with some great songs..
These guys & Third Eye Blind got a lot of time in my CD player back then, they were the 2 pop bands I listened to, the rest was PANTERA, Metallica etc.
I still listen to Bent to this day.. , That was one of my favorite songs at the time it was new.
Rob Thomas is genius in his song writing, in my mind they did not produce enough music in their time, its a shame...I listened to them in High School, after high school and I still listen to their music
I met Rob back in the late 90’s at a 4th of July back yard BBQ. He showed up with his girl and Jack Johnson. Very cool moment in my life. They did a surprise show for us and asked me to use my guitar and amp to perform.
MB20 got me through some really tough times. They have a very special place in my heart
Dear video creator I have watched lots of your videos in a binge session recently, and I can say your new videos have the perfect mix of editing facecam, length, tone, etc, keep it up ur KICKIN ass
Thank you
@@rnrtruestories I was just about to say this, we wanna see your beautiful face oh rock lore legend!
Still Love Matchbox, and will always love ROB!! One of my top 3 bands, and I might say they are number one, considering I listen to them most.
Always had respect for the dude. Great songwriter and singer. And he just seems like a good guy.
Thank you for putting a face with the voice!
My favorite Matchbox album was their acoustic EP. I had always kind of dismissed them as just "another corporate band", but that acoustic set had so much heart and soul that it forced me to re-examine their music.
Funny story about Rob Thomas.
My brother and I were living on Clearwater Beach, Florida, back in 1998-99.
We were hanging out with these 2 girls on the beach one evening around 2am. Some dude came stumbling down the beach, hammered.
Stops and starts talking to us, asking if we liked the band, "Matchbox 20." All 4 of us said we didn't really like or listen to them. He acted surprised and started belting out the lyrics for "Real World." He didn't tell us he was Rob Thomas, but the one girl recognized him and whispered it in my ear while he was talking to my brother and the other girl.
He hung out for about 15 more minutes and PASSED OUT! Totally knocked out. We tried waking him up. To no avail.
So.....we buried him in sand. Then we left.
It was hilarious. Too bad we didn't have cell phone technology back then like we did today.......
If you did have a cell phone, it would take a great story and make it into a pathetic one
Buried him in sand?
MB20 is by far one of the greatest bands, every song written has so much meaning iv been a devoted fan since the beginning they got me thru my 1st divorce in the 90s, and again now, I'm almost 60 and still rocking RT 😊
Kind of funny how all the people telling them they need to be grungier and more hardcore, when Rob had a grungier and more hardcore upbringing than any of them.
Their hard rock live performance in 2005 ish is really good!
I'm going to see these guys in a show this coming July. Real music to me! ♥️
I have loved MB20 since their first album. Been to many concerts and listened to their songs more then I should admit. It’s helped and comforted me through tough times. He is a highly underrated as a singer and song writer.
Will be seeing them May 16th in Detroit(Clarkston Mich.) Always a Great Show & They are all so Nice,Keep Rockin🤘🖤👍
They are hands down the best band around , been to all their concerts and robs . Can’t wait for the new Album 👍
I wish they had more music together they a good band great songs .
hey, new album out in may!
@@dinishaaaliyah Yes
Thanks for this ✌️❤️ love Matchbox 20......and Rob Thomas 💖 ❤️ 💕
I was OBSESSED with Matchbox 20 and I didn't even know that Rob Thomas was from central Florida like me until years after I started listening to them. I didn't know he had spent time with relatives in South Carolina like I did until I watched this video.
You have to go through the fire to shine! Great band/music... thank you for hanging in guys, your music personally meant a lot to me.❤always.
I never get tired of hearing Rob Thomas voice .. i can honestly say he is stil my favorite musical artist - he is an amazing person that is so talented in so many ways & i respect him so much for standing by his wife and supporting her thru all the years she has suffered from her illness … that shows everybody that he is a really good person despite all the fame it hasnt ruined him like so many others over the years . I think he is a beautiful and amazing person and i wil always be his number one fan - sherryDeeNunemakerMartin
Wow, this was a super informative video. Thanks for this1✌️💕
I haven't even watched the video yet. But I KNOW that I'm gonna love it. My favorite band!!!
Love this vuqin channel!! Great content!!
Thanks
I also want to say, I really like your videos. You have a great voice and storytelling ability. And you really kind of get out of the way and tell the story. It takes a lot of discipline and humility to let the story of someone else be the focus of a video and not yourself. And you are great at it. Always thought you do such a great job and just wanted to let you know that. Keep keeping these stories alive my friend!
I remember listening to these guys back in middle school around the year 1998
1998? A year later and you'd hear Rob himself sing on one of the biggest hits of 1999 with Carlos Santana!
@@Thomasmemoryscentral yep I remember that song was aways on the ear radio when me and my mom would go out
Definitely one of the best songwriters of the 90’s. Maybe one of the best all time.
My aunt bought me their first album for my 7th birthday. That album reminds me of playing N64 and hockey.
Still love this band
Great video, I just recently got the latest (that's also a greatest hits as well) album from Matchbox Twenty on vinyl, I've been a fan of theirs since I was in high school and they first came out. Always loved their music as did everyone else I knew back then, really wish the band or at least Rob would come out with more music. I know Rob's oldest boy's making music now, so I'm glad this video came out as I've been wondering what on earth has happened to them. I looked them up on Wiki after I picked up the vinyl a few months ago but was shocked there's not been much news.
They've been doing a lot of touring in the past 10+ years. I got to see them live in 2012, and it was a great show. I heard they have a new album coming out soon as well.
I am a huge fan of matchbox 20, I remember hearing them on the radio a lot. I lived in Gainesville home of Tom petty and I had no idea they where from Orlando. I thought for sure they where from New York. Great video
One of my favorite bands in high school. I still love them.
I'm seeing Matchbox this summer. The most talented 90's band!
I ♥️ Matchbox Twenty… they’re on my Playlist.
Love watching all your videos on this channel. Going to see Matchbox Twenty tonight in Tampa! Knowing all the details & history about all of the bands you cover, then seeing them in person, means so much. Thank you for your content.
Hope you enjoy it!
i had no idea .thats tough life. but he made it yeah
Oh wow. The Lyrics are amazing and deep. Matchbox 20 is a solid group.
First time watching one of your videos. You do a great job! A++
Im a huge metal head but I love me some matchbox twenty. Reminds me of my childhood and my parents
Same here. I'm mainly into 80s thrash and speed metal, but matchbox 20 was the first band I got into. They were my first concert when I was 6 at Rod laver Arena 2007 exile on mainstream tour. I use to see their film clips on video hits every Saturday morning great memories
I'm 61 so back in the late 90s I brought their first CD, both of my daughters liked it as well (9 & 7 at the time) which was always our go-to CD while in my car!!! Fast forward about twenty years or so and while me and family are walking out of the local diner Rob is walking in, I had not noticed the gentleman holding the door open and being courteous and polite (which is NOT very common in some areas) But sure enough it was Mr. Thomas...I have run into him here and there and he is truly a nice guy. And he and his wife have a dog rescue. (Sidewalk Angels)....Oh yeah!!! And I like his music!
I love how the way you said "born to a sargent father and alcoholic mother" makes it sound like "alcoholic" is a job title.
I still like them.
What the heck?? These guys were amazing. ARE amazing. Next
Rob's solo stuff was INCREDIBLE too!
Going to see them in August! One of my favorite bands. Can't wait.
Whatever happened to Matchbox 20 is their still standing and rocking our hearts out with their unique story telling that so many of us can relate to. And no matter what those haters have to say they're always going to be spinning those stories of our lives. Can't wait until July 11, 2023 to see them again in Charlotte NC. ❤
@robthandle as long as you are going to be out there singing I'm always going to be a fan. Going to concerts is still my favorite thing to do. My 1st concert was The Eagles at 15. I was hooked from that one on. I've seen most of top groups of the 80's and 90's. Started taking my son at around 6 years old and we still go together now. He was upset with me for going to see you guys in Charlotte NC the last time you were here too. Love your music and the concerts are awesome too.
@robthandle how do you mean continue this conversation before I go any further and agree with you?
You should check out that station in Birmingham WRAX. For some reason, they were able to put a lot of bands over in the mid to late 90s. MB20 of course, Train, and John Mayer are ones that immediately come to mind.
Man. When I was young that was THE station to listen to in my small town about an hr from Birmingham,AL. I can still remember many songs from bands that never really got anywhere but man could they find gem after gem to play. It was fantastic. Even my super Christian parents always had the station on in the car. It was just too good.
@@aaronbrakefield yeah I went to Jacksonville State and it was the number one setting on my dial for years. Had some great memories that had that station as the soundtrack.
Matchbox 20 and Third Eye Blind the sounds of my youth.
I’ve watched a lot of your videos. They are fantastic. Is this the first time you’ve revealed what you look like? Cool to see the person behind the voice and video!
While I've never been a fan of Matchbox 20, I've always been able to relate to the lead singers childhood and teen/young adult years. My Dad has always been a HUGE fan of this band though.
But whenever I hear their music I always get a really nostalgic feeling about being a teenager in the late 90's, that was a great time for sure.
Going to see them on tour in May 2023. Can't wait.
In the mid 2000’s, I bought a “Tabitha’s Secret” cd at a music store that was going out of business for $1. I had no idea it was pre matchbox 20 until I popped it into the cd player. It has 3am on it
That’s worth a lot of $$$ now. I remember my friend asked Paul Douchette to sign it and he was like woooooow I don’t even have this!!!
Great album! Love “High” & “Here Come Horses”
Its crazy when i first started watching ur videos, the microphone quality was so bad but the content was always on point, and now i can see your face full hd and the content is still as consistent. Probably in my top 5 subs of all time.
Going to see them play in June in Cleveland. I cannot wait!!
I was in Radio in Birmimgham Alabama during the 90’s. What does the creator mean “of all places”. Birmimgham is a great city. My radio career took me to Atlanta…. Been here 26 years …. Lots of amazing music out of Alabama.
Good to see a clip of the band on Australian tv! Matchbox has been very much loved and support here from the early days. I’m a huge fan since 1995 and never missed a tour down under. When you spoke of Rob and his mother you actually showed a clip of him with his mother in law. Odd. There are pictures of his mother around.
SA them last week at Rod laver
The songs bright lights and parade really helped me through some difficult times. Bright lights has to be one of their best works so far
I love rob Thomas. As a chronic pain patient I can tell you that not many basic people would have stuck with a sick wife let alone a rock star. That makes him cool as hell to me.
I actually really like their new single. Amazed they sound so much like themselves after so many years. Also, WRAX was an amazing radio station at the time. Birmingham was extremely lucky to have it and it had a huge impact on music tastes in Birmingham at the time. But it's not surprising. We know a lot about food and music in Alabama....
I love Match box 20, Rob Thomas, all of their songs..3 am being my no.1 on my play list💓
Not the critics' favourite band, but I love them to bits.
Love MB 20. I still listen to them and Rob.
I recall reading old articles saying that the manager was more interested in Rob Thomas than the rest of the band. The record company also wanted to replace the guitar players in Tabitha's Secret. So only a few members of the band were signed, they changed their name to Matchbox 20, and the other two guitar players that were brought in were already known by the manager and label.
Sounds like no doubt
I still have regular Matchbox 20 marathons - the first 3 albums and about 20 of Rob's solo songs - while I work or do housework. Bloody love it. (Somehow North got by me - I'll go check it out now!)
Why aren’t we friends? 😅
North is actually one of my favorite albums of theirs. Somehow I lost mine & I got another copy recently, so many great songs on it! Definitely worth a listen!
Had no idea these guys were still together. Good to hear
A good band that you didnt like back in the day because you want to be all cool and hip.
They actually just announced a new album and just released a new single “Wild Dogs Running In A Slow Dream.”
Great band. Paul is a great drummer. He plays just whats needed. I got to meet him back on 2013. He was a cool guy. Spent prolly 30 mins w me talking drums.
I grew up listening to Matchbox 20 in the 90's and it was one of my favorite bands ...