SPRING TOUR STOPS AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO
By Tracy Dietlin
Multiple Grammy winning Emblem/Atlantic recording artist Rob Thomas plays at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday, April 5th which benefits Sidewalk Angels Foundation, the non-profit organization founded by Rob and his wife Marisol Thomas.
Rob Thomas is one of the most distinctive vocalists and accomplished songwriters in contemporary music, garnering a string of accolades – both for his work as lead singer and primary composer with Matchbox Twenty as well as for his solo work and collaborations with other artists. In 2004, the Songwriters Hall of Fame presented Thomas with its first ever “Starlight Award” – created to recognize a songwriter in the early years of his or her career that has already made a lasting impact. He has won numerous BMI and ASCAP Awards, and has earned the Songwriter of the Year crown from both Billboard and BMI, two years in a row.
Thomas is best known for his chart-topping hits such as “Lonely No More” and “This is How a Heart Breaks” and Matchbox Twenty hits like “Push,” “3AM,” “If You’re Gone,” and “Bent.” Thomas also earned three Grammy Awards for “Smooth,” his smash collaboration with Santana. Thomas wrote and sang the song, which currently ranks first on Billboard’s “Top Hot 100 Rock Songs” chart and second on the magazine’s “Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs.” Thomas last solo album, Cradlesong, generated even more number one hits, including “Someday” and “Her Diamonds.” Overall, Thomas has contributed to sales of more than 80 million records.
Rob Thomas and his Matchbox Twenty band mates recently finished up their hugely successful sold-out world tour in support of their #1 selling album “NORTH.” Fueled by critical acclaim – as well as the hit singles, “She’s So Mean,” “Overjoyed” and “Our Song”– the album’s unprecedented success marked the band’s first-ever chart-topper and #1 debut. Rob is currently at work on his third solo album.
Rob took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for CV Weekly.
CVW: Your show at Fantasy Springs is in support of Sidewalk Angels Foundation to raise funds for no-kill animal shelters and animal rescues, can you share the emotional connection you feel with animals?
Rob Thomas: Mari has been rescuing animals since she was 10 years old. It has always been a part of who she is. When the two of us met it was a big thing that we both shared how much we loved animals and how much joy they bring to our lives. We feel like our rescues have rescued us instead of the other way around. They give you unconditional love and ask for nothing in return. We feel blessed to be able to work together through Sidewalk Angels to help fight for the rights and fair treatment of those with no voice.
CVW: Can you tell us about the animals that you have rescued?
RT: Our first rescue was really our first child. His name was Tyler and he was a special soul and taught us so much. He was horribly abused in West Virginia and was afraid of everyone. On the day he met Mari he immediately cozied up to her and never left her side. And he changed our life forever. He was actually the catalyst for Sidewalk Angels to finally become a reality. We lost him a few years ago. It was really hard. We have since rescued our little guy, Samy, from a puppy mill and our boy Ollie from the beaches of Puerto Rico.
CVW: Is there a website people can go to for more information and to donate to Sidewalk Angels?
RT: To learn more about our foundation you can visit our website sidewalkangelsfoundation.org, where you can read testimonials from shelters we have helped this year and see first hand what supporters’ money is helping to accomplish.
CVW: On another note….are you currently writing new material?
RT: Right now I’m really buckling down to write for a new solo record but I’m always writing. It’s just something I have to do at all times or I don’t feel like me.
CVW: What bands are you listening to currently?
RT: I’m a big fan of lots of music. Country, Jazz, Rock… Some current bands I really love are The Gaslight Anthem, Vampire Weekend, Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket and The Neighbourhood.
You can see Rob Thomas perform this Saturday, April 5 at Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino.
Tickets for the 8PM performance are on sale for $79, $59, $39 at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via telephone (800) 827-2946 or online at www.FantasySpringsResort.com.
