Matchbox Twenty are an alt pop quartet from Orlando, Florida who shot to fame with emotionally charged, radio friendly rock pop. Rob Thomas, the group’s frontman has also released an album of solo material.

Tune in as Max presents a one-hour retrospective documentary on one of the most popular bands of the 20th century. This premiere special features never-before-seen footage and intimate interviews with Rob Thomas.

Premiere
Tuesday 15 April @ 7.30pm

Repeats
Wednesday 16 April @ 10.30pm
Thursday 17 April @ 4pm
Friday 18 April @ 1pm
Sunday 20 April @ 8.30pm
Sunday 27 April @ 2pm

Beginnings

Singer Rob Thomas, bassist Brian Yale and drummer Paul Doucette and played in another local band, Tabitha's Secret from 1993 until a long term record deal was presented, and the other members of TS were hesitant to sign. The trio decided to leave and formed Matchbox 20 in 1995, quickly securing a deal with Atlantic Records. They soon added Kyle Cook (guitars, backing vocals, banjo) and Adam Gaynor on guitar.

Breakthrough

Their 1996 debut, Yourself or Someone Like You was a smash hit, to date having sold 12 million copies in the US, propelled by singles like 3AM (an old Tabitha's Secret song). The singles continued to receive heavy airplay over the next few years.

In 2000, Rob Thomas wrote Smooth with Carlos Santana for his legendary band Santana's comeback album, Supernatural. Thomas sung lead vocals and once again his voice in part propelled the song to the top of the charts and won the songwriting team several Grammies.

The band changed their name from "Matchbox 20" to "Matchbox Twenty" in 2000, and recorded their next album. Rob Thomas' newly raised profile and its accompanying superstar status were made fun of on Matchbox 20's new video for Bent, yet another song radio loved from their 2000 sophomore album, Mad Season. If You're Gone also did well on the charts and on national radio.

Their third record, 2002's More Than You Think You Are featured songs written by the entire band and continued their pop success. Accessible singles Unwell, Disease and Bright Lights hit the airwaves once again.

In February 2005, guitarist Adam Gaynor officially left the band, which had been on hiatus while the band pursued other projects. Rob Thomas has told the press he hopes the band will return to the studio to craft their fourth record in 2007.

Rob Thomas first solo album, ...Something to Be made Billboard chart history as the first debut solo album to go straight to Number One. His pop sensibility and understanding of what the wider music listening audience wants to hear was revealed once again with Lonely No More and This Is How A Heart Breaks. He played the legendary Live8 concert and toured with Jewel in 2006.