I AM ROB THOMAS, AMA

Hey Rob, in the summer how often do people come up to you and say "Man, it's a hot one"?

more often than i could have imagined

Was your appearance on its always sunny in Philadelphia the greatest moment of your career?

totally one of them. greatest show ever!!

How smooth do you feel on a day to day basis?

like, a 7?

Hey, Rob! I'm stoked you're doing this AMA. I have two questions. 1) Would you ever be down to do a 10 year anniversary tour for 'Yourself or Someone Like You'? 2) Have you found the absolutely fantastic Facebook group dedicated to your smash hit "Smooth" with Santana? We would love nothing more than to have you join us // shout us out in some way, shape, or form! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ManItsAHotOne/

first, it's been 20 years since ysosly. second, i have!!

Hi, Rob! How is Mari doing? As a person with a neurological condition (MS), I've been watching closely for updates and praying for the best for you and your family! <3

she is doing ok. we are working it out and hopefully have her all better soon. thanx.

Rob, thanks for doing an AMA! I have to ask: does your mom still have the 3AMMOM license plate I heard about? Or I guess did she ever have it in the first place? That's 100% something my own mom would do.

my mom passed away but yes, she had that plate. really embarrassing to ride around in.

Did you make it real or did you you forget about it?

still trying to decide.

What's in store for the 20th anniversary of Matchbox's first record?

Also shameless plug for /r/matchboxtwenty

still working that out. will dig in after i get this album out.

What is your favourite matchbox twenty song to perform live?

english town

If you could fly or be invisible what would you choose?

fly. totally fly.

Do you remember when you first heard yourself on the radio? Where were you and what went through your mind?

we were in a van going to dallas when we heard long day for the first time

Hey, Rob, thanks for all the great music. I love the song Ever the Same. Can you describe how you write a song like that?

i think good songs come to you. you're not really responsible. you hear a melody in your head and you just feel thankful it came.

Rob, will you record a Real Word '15?

and a push '18

Hey Rob! What's your favorite food? And what's your favorite city to perform in??

my favorite food is anywhere in australia. favorite place to play is pizza.

What do you like most? Drama, crime, or romantic comedy?

stupid comedies.

Hey Rob! Huge fan! I follow you on Facebook and see that you're really active with animal rescue efforts, how did you get so involved with that?

when i met mari we both realized we shared that so she started Sidewalk Angels foundation.

What's the strangest encounter you've ever had with a fan?

strange is always relative.

How do you feel this album differs from your previous work? What was the creative process like?

i did cowriting with people and worked with multiple producers. that was really different.

Hey Rob! Thank you for all of your music man, I'm only 19 but it's still gotten me through a lot of tough times, my whole family and I love your work.

Questions! What animal foundations would you suggest donating to? I love my pets and animals so much, and seeing that you do too, I was wondering if you have any charity suggestions.

Also, what was the inspiration behind Fire on the Mountain?

Also also, if you ever want really good pasta, my family and I would love to cook some for you!

Thanks again, and my family and I have been praying for Mari!

find a good no kill shelter to donate to. fire on the mountain was based on a dave eggers book called what is the what. thanx.

Who you is?

i is me.

Do you have a favorite type of peanut butter?

yes.

Favorite icecream flavor and why? ♡

chocolate. because, chocolate.

Are you still doing your show at Mohegan Sun? Glad to hear about Mari!

it's on!

Hi Rob! I spent many weeks of the summer of 2000 listening to MB20 while taking hacks at the batting cages in my hometown, so for that weird reason I always associate your music with baseball.

Do you follow baseball at all? Any favorite teams or players?

i really only follow tennis. but as a nyer i have to side with the yankees.

Hi Rob:

Thanks for doing this. I will lead with the obligatory fan remark. I’ve been to 6 concerts in my entire life (I’m mid-30s) and 4 of them have been Rob Thomas. I think you put on an excellent show, even when sick! They’re high energy and very fun.

How much prep work goes into your shows and what has been your most favorite venue to play?

PS. Best wishes to Mari!

we rehearse like crazy until it becomes second nature. i really love playing the vineyards in australia

Hey Rob what is your favorite Matchbox 20 album ? Why?

i really like more than you think you are. just feel like we started to find ourselves then.

What are your thoughts about Nickelback? Do you think they deserve more respect than they get?

i think they do what they do really well and are good guys.

What was your inspiration or story behind Her Diamonds?

i wrote that about my wife going through some health issues.

Hi Rob! Big fan here, looking forward to seeing you at the Atlanta show this month! Thanks for doing this! I've seen you quite a few times, and my question is, how do you go out on stage each night and give so much of yourself to the crowd, and then turn around and do it again the next night? It seems like it would be exhausting.

even when you're tired the crowd gives you life.

Any words on your experience in Matchbox Twenty?

some of the greatest times in my life. looking forward to more.

What is your least favourite colour?

baby shit green.

Hi Rob! I've always wondered, why does Paul play drums during Back 2 Good in live shows but guitar on all other songs?

paul was our drummer for 12 years before switching to guitar.

Who's your favorite person to collaborate with?

too hard. so many talents out there. but willie nelson tops them all so far

Rob, what were you like in high school? Were you popular or picked on? Or did you kind of just sail through nice and easy?

i kind of jumped from clique to clique

How many b-sides were recorded for the new album? Or what is the process that decides what is makes the album and what becomes a b-side?

i think there are 5 or 6? i just pick the 12 or 13 i like the best. no big science.

Mari's fave track off of your new album?

mari loves great unknown too.

u periscoped a song in the SUV in NYC what was it? Great song will it b on the new album?

it was a b side called ALL THE BEST THINGS

Hi Rob, Sam, and Ollie!

Huge Fan! Can't wait to see you when you come to Memphis. My question is:

What is your favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday?

on the couch watching a movie. sweats.

Hey Rob!!! I saw your song of the day today was Coleman Hell. How did you hear about him? And what are the chances you guys could colab on a song together? (That would be pure heaven for me haha)

i heard it on ALT NATION

How do you think the world will end?

not with a bang but with a whisper

Favorite song you’ve played live off the great unknown so far?

i like wind it up.

Hey, Rob! Do you have a favorite Rolling Stones song?

the one mick sings.

Which pup is more dominant?

samy runs everyone!!

Funniest moment during a live show?

i fell off the stage once. and fountains of wayne had triumph the insult dog roast us. that was fun.

Do you think you said the word "damn" enough in YOSLY?

i think i honestly could have got one more in if i tried real hard.

Hi Rob, fellow Rob here, thanks for being an awesome Rob. Quick question: Have you ever heard Carlos Santana speak, and if so, what was the best thing he ever said to you?

carlos is one giant giving tree of knowledge.

Rob- I told my daughter I would only get a tattoo if you signed my body- she does not believe me- can you make this a reality?

mari and i have a rule that only she can have that.

Are you considering another acoustic tour? Your show at DPAC was probably the best concert I've been to. Best of luck to you and Mari, and thanks for taking the time to do this!

i will probably always do that.

Do you ever play Dear Joan live?

some times.

What advice would you give a new artist today? Something you think is massively useful career advice.

Cheers

Pete

i think you just have to do it because you love it. whether you have success or not.

Hey Rob! I've been a fan for so long. I remember being 14 year old girl hiding in my room and calling all of the local radio stations to request "Push" and "Long day". Matchbox Twenty has always been my favorite band and you guys are all awesome. You really got me through some tough times growing up with your lyrics , they help with my anxiety and it feels like your stealing the feelings and thoughts from my brain. thank you for that :).

My sister and I went and saw you at Universal Studios Mardi Gras with the band couple of years ago and it was magical, seriously LOL ! I actually walked out of the bathroom and you were doing an interview with extra, I got your autograph on a tiny red ticket but I could barely speak. I Have also followed your solo stuff and enjoy it . I went last year and saw you play acoustic down in Orlandos hard rock. I was wondering, do you suffer from severe anxiety? A lot of your lyrics, especially from Matchbox Twenty really hit home and I've been curious.

If so your a brave guy for hopping up on stage and throwing yourself into it. I wish you the best, keep doing what you do, and praying for Mari. Also, our dog Doctor says hi to Samy! He's a larger pom as well lol. :)

http://i.imgur.com/40egvmd.jpg

i really do. for some reason i feel safe on stage. but in crowds or on red carpets and things i feel like i'm going to have a panic attack.

Hey Rob.

Would you ever consider another intimate style show like Storytellers or the like where it's low key, and really feels human?

Long time fan, raised on your music. Wishing Mari the best, and can't wait to come see you!

i would love to record one of those to make an acoustic album.

How is your "Spanish Harlem Mona Lisa" doing?

bueno.

Hi Rob, I've been a fan for years. If you could be any emoji which one would you be?

the little poop one.

Who's rob Thomas? What do you do?

basically i have seen a million faces and rocked most of them.

What is you favorite song right now?

Budapest by George Ezra

What inspired the great unknown song?

i wrote it about my wife and how strong she is.

Hey, Rob! I just joined reddit to ask you this. :) I am a huge fan... I've met you a few times & I have personal experience that you are one of the best people ever! My question is this: what do you do with all of the gifts/notes/weird things that fans give you during m&g's or hand to you onstage? I have always wondered! If you keep it all, you must have literal TONS of stuff.

things that people make that look like they took a lot of time on i keep in my studio.