Matchbox Twenty
Biography
Matchbox Twenty is an American rock band formed in Orlando, Florida, in 1995. The current lineup consists of Rob Thomas (lead vocals, piano), Kyle Cook (lead guitar, vocals), Brian Yale (bass), and Paul Doucette (rhythm guitar, drums). Former member Adam Gaynor played rhythm guitar on the band's first three albums and officially departed in 2005.
Formation and Breakthrough
Rob Thomas, Brian Yale, and Paul Doucette were previously members of the band Tabitha's Secret. After leaving that group, they recruited Kyle Cook and Adam Gaynor to form Matchbox 20. They signed with Atlantic Records and released their debut album, "Yourself or Someone Like You," in 1996. The album was a massive commercial success, selling over 12 million copies in the U.S. alone and earning a diamond certification. It featured several hit singles, including "Push," "3 A.M.," "Real World," and "Back 2 Good."
Subsequent Success and Hiatus
Mad Season (2000)
In 2000, the band changed their name to Matchbox Twenty and released their second album, "Mad Season." This album marked a shift in their sound, incorporating more pop and experimental rock elements with orchestral and horn sections. It produced the number-one hit single "Bent" and the popular ballad "If You're Gone." "Mad Season" was certified 4x platinum in the United States.
More Than You Think You Are (2002)
Their third album, "More Than You Think You Are," was released in 2002 and saw the band return to a harder rock sound. The album featured the hit singles "Disease," "Unwell," and "Bright Lights." Following the tour for this album, the band went on a hiatus in 2004 to allow members to pursue other projects. During this time, rhythm guitarist Adam Gaynor officially left the band in February 2005.
Reunion and Later Albums
Exile on Mainstream (2007)
The remaining four members reunited in 2007 to release a compilation album titled "Exile on Mainstream." The album featured a collection of their biggest hits along with seven new songs, including the single "How Far We've Come." For the first time, all members contributed to the songwriting process.
North (2012)
After another hiatus, Matchbox Twenty released their fourth studio album, "North," in 2012. It became the band's first album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The lead single from the album was "She's So Mean."
Where the Light Goes (2023)
The band's fifth studio album, "Where the Light Goes," was released in May 2023, over a decade after their previous album. The album was produced by Gregg Wattenberg with assistance from band members Paul Doucette and Kyle Cook. The first single released from the album was "Wild Dogs (Running in a Slow Dream)."