A familiar face to New Zealand audiences, Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas, will soon be back on Kiwi soil - this time for his first-ever solo tour, just a year after his last visit with the band.

The Sound Drive host Tracey Donaldson caught up with Rob ahead of his November shows to chat about life on tour, his inspirations, and what makes the music world so rewarding.

The challenge of maintaining two distinct music careers is a rare feat, and he credits his supportive bandmates and open-minded fans for making it possible.

"I've been really fortunate that I have a band that allows it," he shared, explaining that solo tours mean the band isn't touring - something he’s grateful they can be understanding about.

For three decades, the musician's life has been a relentless cycle of writing, recording, and being on the road.

And while the years have passed by, Rob still finds the same energy and passion for performing - although his post-show routine looks a little different than it used to. 

While his younger days might have involved different coping mechanisms, he now opts for a more relaxed approach, with wine and TV shows, and calmer pre-show rituals.

“One of my favourite ones [pre-show rituals] is I'll hang with my friends right up until I walk on stage. I'll have a room full of people having a nice time and then run out and continue that good time on stage.”

When it comes to the setlist, Rob isn’t too fussed on whether fans are there for Matchbox Twenty hits or his solo tracks.

As he tells Tracey, the key is to offer fresh interpretations. When he does perform the Matchbox hits, these tracks are reimagined with a new spin.

“It really comes down to if the solo band can do something unique and original with a matchbox song… so that when you hear it, you know it’s the solo version.”

As for his inspirations, David Bowie stands out as a significant artistic influence for Rob, who admires “the way that he reinvented himself”.

Tying this into his own music journey, he adds: “I've always been someone who musically has tried to stretch out genres and not stay in kind of one thing."

While Rob’s music doesn't exactly mirror Bowie's sound, he does enjoy performing covers of Bowie songs, and as Tracey is quick to point out, he does a rather good version of ‘Let's Dance’.

Coming back to his own songs, he candidly shares the message behind his recent single, ‘Hard to Be Happy’, which Rob says speaks to “the expectation that when somebody asks how you’re doing, you have to say fine”. 

A particularly special aspect of touring now is having his 27-year-old son on guitar beside him, recognising that what once took him away from his son now brings them together.

"We're having, I think, the best time of our lives just getting to hang out, getting to play music together, getting to share this thing that means so much to both him and I."

Rob also takes an active role in selecting support acts and states the importance of “giving local artists a chance.

New Zealand singer Riiki Reid will be joining him for his Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington shows.

It’s this opportunity to give emerging artists a platform that he marks as a rewarding part of the job.

Before wrapping up their chat, Tracey asked how his recent album and tour celebrations would look, to which he humbly replied, “like us - just older.”

Catch Rob Thomas at one of his three New Zealand shows next month (Auckland - November 11, Christchurch November 13, and Wellington - November 15). 

Haven’t got your ticket yet? There are still limited tickets available HERE.