Matchbox 20 rolled into Hollywood Casino Amphitheater on June 20, 2023. Lead singer Rob Thomas reminded us that they have been coming to St, Louis since 1996. “Some boys made a record 27 years ago and we are still here,” Thomas said. It was amazing to hear how dedicated they were to us and how much we mean to them.
The night started off with opener Matt Nathanson, best known for his song “Come On Get Higher”. He really got the night started, he was fresh and alive. He also covered some songs too. The crowd was excited, but once Matchbox 20 came on, the crowd was ecstatic.
Matchbox 20 had a variety of songs that night, songs from their early 90’s era, such as “3 AM” and “Unwell” (they closed the show), but also some of their new material from their new album “Where the Light Goes” which offers a new sound for the band. They took a break for a while when the guitarist Kyle Cook left the band. Now with Kyle back their sound has moved into a more upbeat pop-rock genre. They have elevated from the rage and angst of the 90s and developed their way into the upbeat pop sounds of today. Kyle had a song he sang and played guitar, it was nice to see inclusivity from the band. Rob Thomas also had a positive attitude about him. He kept reminding the audience to leave everything at home and enjoy the moment they are in.
I have grown up with Matchbox 20, their songs are engraved in my head and so is last night’s performance. The music, the audience, Rob Thomas’s voice live? Everything was perfect. If you were not at the Matchbox 20 concert last night, you definitely missed one of the best shows of the summer so far!
