• 1995-

  Rob ThomasLead vocals, guitar, piano

  Brian YaleBass, piano, backing vocals

  Paul DoucetteGuitar, piano, percussion, backing vocals

  Kyle CookGuitar, vocals

  Adam GaynorGuitar1995–2005
• Matchbox Twenty is an alternative/post-grunge band formed in Orlando, Florida in 1995. Three of the members were originally in a band "Tabitha's Secret," also from Orlando, which broke up.
• Their 1996 debut album was Yourself or Someone Like You, from which both the songs "Push" and "3 AM" were top-ten charters. The album went on to be diamond-certified at 12 million copies sold.
• "Bent" was their first Hot 100 #1 in 2000. It also had a popular video, in which lead singer Rob Thomas walks through an urban setting singing while surrounded by crowds, and gets generally beaten up by the other members of the band, including former rhythm guitarist Adam Gaynor hitting him with a car and Paul Doucette, in a big ten-gallon cowboy hat, starting a scuffle with him on a street corner. Thomas says that this song is about a relationship between two people who are both messed up, but they can deal with each other.
• Rob Thomas has evolved some in his singing style since the band's inception. In the beginning, his style was very unpolished and had more of a vulnerable quality to it. In later albums, his style is much more professional and his range has become more versatile.
• Thomas has released four solo albums on his own steam: ...Something To Be (2005), Cradlesong (2009), The Great Unknown (2015), and Chip Tooth Smile (2019).
• At a 2006 Cleveland concert, Thomas confided onstage that when he looks back now on the songs he wrote when he was younger, the only one that he thinks has stood the test of time is "3 AM," written about his anxieties over his sick mother. Rob was 12 when his mother was diagnosed with cancer and originally given six months to live; she beat the cancer and made a full recovery.

Comments: 1

• Kat Pero from Rochester N.y.Rob Thomas has one of the voices that bring real emotion to every song he sings

More Songfacts:

Independent Women Part IDestiny's Child

The Destiny's Child "Independent Women Part I" video was directed by the same guy who did the Hunger Games movies.

Candy GirlNew Edition

In the UK, the first #1 hit with a rap was "Candy Girl" by the American boy band New Edition in 1983.

Start Me UpThe Rolling Stones

One of the first hit songs used in a major marketing campaign was "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones. Microsoft paid $3 million to use it in commercials for Windows '95.

Touch MeThe Doors

At the end of the Doors song "Touch Me," Jim Morrison chants, "Stronger than dirt!" The line is from an Ajax commercial where a white knight rides around destroying dirt.

The CaveMumford & Sons

"The Cave" by Mumford & Sons is based on the philosophy of Plato and his work called "Allegory of the Cave."

The BestTina Turner

"The Best" by Tina Turner was originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler; Turner's hit version added a bridge and a saxophone solo by Edgar Winter.

Editor's Picks

Chris TomlinSongwriter Interviews

The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Phone Booth SongsSong Writing

Phone booths are nearly extinct, but they provided storylines for some of the most profound songs of the pre-cell phone era.

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Bryan AdamsSongwriter Interviews

What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.