matchbox twenty is BACK!

After hearing just a few notes of “Push” back in 1996, I knew I would be a matchbox twenty fan for life. Then I saw lead singer Rob Thomas in the video with his adorably messy brown hair and bad-boy leather jacket and I was sold. I was ten or eleven at the time so matchbox twenty was the first band I liked on my own, without any influence from older siblings or exchange students.

Since then I have followed the band for every album, charity song, swoon-worthy song with Santana, solo album, solo tour, TV spot, DVD release, and live tour. Once I even rode two hours with my parents to see matchbox twenty when I had an ear infection. Do you know how miserable loud music is with an ear infection? That’s commitment.

Just to get Rob’s face in here, I now present you with a photo of one small piece of the Rob Thomas shrine from my bedroom when I was growing up:

When the boys released a new album last year (right before my birthday, thankyouandhappybirthdayJanelle!) and posted tour dates, you bet your bippy I was getting tickets. Of course I had to wait around till February which was complete TORTURE. And then the show came and went and I was like “wait what just happened?! Can I hit repeat??” So here is my completely biased review of the show this past Monday (including cell phone photos because the venue was strict about cameras).

Venue

The show was held at the Modell Performing Arts Center in Baltimore, MD. This place was new to me and it was the perfect large-ish theater to host this type of event. I am so, so happy matchbox twenty decided to tour small venues instead of huge arenas. There really wasn’t a bad seat in the house which is something you definitely cannot say when you’re packed into a massive stadium that is typical for a big name band. Rob said himself that it’s nice to actually get to see the fans they are performing for. Major props to whoever chose the venues for this tour.

Opening Act

You know when you go to a show and you’re so excited about the headliner that you just want the opening acts to be done already? Before the show, I felt pretty indifferent about Phillip Phillips opening but during his performance, I actually really enjoyed him. In fact, I wouldn’t have even minded if he had played longer than 30 minutes. Dude, he had a cellist playing with him! Loved that.

After the show, I listened to some of his songs on iTunes and realized his music is infinitely better live than recorded. The raw edge and soul he puts into it comes through so much better live. If you get a chance to see him, definitely do so.

Phillip played matchbox’s Disease during his run on American Idol so I thought they might do that together during the show but alas, no dice. I heard he and Rob have talked about collaborating so I’m hoping that becomes a reality. And soon!

Oh and by the way, I want to point out that our seats were on the far right side so we could see partially backstage… which means I saw Rob Thomas watching the majority of Phillip’s set. How freakin cool is that?! I have never seen that before. Rob = nice guy.

matchbox twenty

And now to the juicy bits. Think of all the synonyms you can for amazing… then multiply it by 405973417984. That’s how good matchbox twenty was. A true fan would not be surprised by that because Rob Thomas has always been an excellent live singer. The dude just hits all the right notes, the band’s sound is spot-on, Kyle gets to do his guitar thing, and they just come across as normal, music-loving guys… with exceptional talent.

Plus I have to say – I could not stand that Rob’s solo tour used female backing vocalists. I didn’t think it complemented his voice or enhanced anything. So I’m happy to have Kyle back to support Rob’s incredible voice and lyrics. And Kyle’s guitar style… still smooth like buttah. That guy is G-O-O-D.

Obviously I think each member’s role in the band is to highlight Rob. ha. But seriously, Rob has an endless supply of talent. Monday’s show was evidence that they have all matured and it really shines both musically and in their interaction with the crowd, especially Rob’s voice which sounds better than ever (seriously, Push from 2013 is a big improvement on Push from 1996, which I thought could never happen). Oh Rob, you know I love me an older, mature(ish) man <3

When the show ended and we were walking out of the venue, John spotted something out of the corner of his eye (thank you Army training!) and it was this:

Shit! It’s Kyle’s pick and it appears to be unused. We were close to the stage but on the second floor so I initially assumed it was part of a purchase someone had made that evening. The interwebs offer no help on my guess so I have no idea about the real story. Maybe someone caught it from Kyle and dropped it while leaving. If only picks could talk… ;)

Either way, it’s pretty freakin sweet.

In summary

• The venue was perfect
• Phillip Phillips was a great opener and Rob should partner up with him for a song
• Kyle still kills it on the guitar
• Rob can rock a microphone better than ever
• I want to be on tour with matchbox twenty and see them every. single. time. they’re on stage. Pretty please?

In case my father ever reads this blog, dearest Dad, save your pennies because Rob will be performing at my wedding reception. Well, maybe at the engagement party or wedding rehearsal so I have time to part ways with my man in case Rob decides to leave his wife and propose to me. He’d have to quit smoking though so maybe that wouldn’t work. #dealbreaker. Alright fine, reception it is.

What’s your favorite band and favorite aspect of seeing them perform live? Are you a matchbox twenty fan? Haters need not comment ;)