Multi-platinum artist Rob Thomas showcased his distinctive musical style at the Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City, on August 12th. The performance captivated the audience, who remained on their feet and sang along throughout the evening.
While many recognize Rob as the lead vocalist of Matchbox Twenty, he has also carved out a successful solo career, releasing five albums over the past two decades. His sixth album, titled *All Night Days*, is set to debut this September. Rob is currently embarking on a 25-date summer tour across the United States, featuring special guests “A Great Big World.”
**Opener: A Great Big World**
The duo took the stage with a humble presence, accompanied by a minimalist setup that perfectly suited the relaxed ambiance of the venue. With just the two of them performing, they delivered a captivating experience. Among their selections was their major hit, “Say Something,” originally featuring Christina Aguilera, though she sadly did not join them for this performance.
The songs were beautifully arranged for a duo, making for an enjoyable listening experience. It would be wonderful to see them bring a touring third member along, allowing Ian Axel to occasionally channel some of his vibrant energy from behind the keyboard to the forefront. His genuine enthusiasm and joy for performing are truly infectious, adding to the overall appeal of their show.
Following a brief intermission, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as Rob Thomas graced the stage, launching into “I Believe It” from *All Night Days*. His rich, soulful voice, paired with an engaging smile, quickly captivated the audience.
The concert embodied everything fans anticipate from a Rob Thomas performance. The celebrated storyteller and rock icon invigorated the crowd with a dynamic blend of energetic, powerful songs. He moved effortlessly across the stage, striking dynamic poses with his microphone and guitar, enriching each performance. There was a clear absence of guide vocals or backing tracks—just pure talent, with his voice harmoniously blending with the band.
What sets Rob’s performance apart as a truly immersive experience is his extraordinary ability to evoke authentic emotions through his music. He shared the backstory of “Little Wonders,” explaining that it began as a tribute to his dog and evolved into a celebration of the simple joys that enhance our daily lives, transcending mere milestones. With an acoustic guitar in hand, he humorously pointed out that “Hard to Be Happy” offers a lighthearted take on the topic of death. As he introduced “Getting Late,” he encouraged the audience to envision themselves on his back porch, fostering a vivid connection to the song’s inspiration. He also took a moment to honor his lead guitarist and son, Maison, expressing his delight in sharing the stage with him.
In the final segment of the nearly two-hour performance, the most poignant moment occurred when Rob presented the Grammy Award-winning song “Smooth.” He remarked that, while it is often featured at weddings and bars, the only two artists who genuinely merit the opportunity to perform it are himself and Carlos Santana.
The All Night Days Tour Setlist
- * I Believe It
- * Give Me the Meltdown
- * Heaven Help Me
- * Her Diamonds
- * Can’t Help Me Now
- * Sunday Morning, New York Blue
- * Mockingbird
- * If You’re Gone
- * Hard to Be Happy
- * Someday
- * Getting Late / That’s All Right
- * …Something to Be
- * Little Wonders
- * 3 AM
- * Thrill Me
- * Streetcorner Symphony
- * Lonely No More
- * I Am an Illusion
- * All Night Days
- * Under Pressure
- * Smooth
- * This Is How a Heart Breaks
PHOTO CREDIT: Live photos by Louie T. Galvez for ZRockR Magazine – (c) 2025 – All Rights Reserved.
