Still Smooth After All These Years: Rob Thomas at the Youtube Theater - September 6, 2025

9/6/2025 - Youtube Theater - Inglewood, California.

What millennial hasn’t heard of Rob Thomas? The voice behind one of the most consistent alternative rock bands of the late ’90s, Matchbox Twenty.

This time, though, I caught him on his solo tour. Fresh off the release of All Night Days just a day earlier. Joining him were The Lucky and A Great Big World.

The night kicked off with LA pop-rock trio The Lucky, a young band with danceable tunes and infectious energy.

Tucker Click led the crowd with effortless vocals while Maison Thomas-Eudy and Josh Nardine filled the room with tight, punchy grooves.

Fans sang along, and the trio’s post-set meet-and-greet drew a long, excited line.

Next up was A Great Big World, the piano-driven pop duo of Ian Axel and Chad King.

Their stripped-down setup gave the night an intimate feel, highlighted by heartfelt harmonies and crowd favorites like “Say Something” and a surprise “Teenage Dirtbag” cover that got everyone singing.

Then came Rob Thomas. As the lights dimmed, a glowing moon rose behind him, creating a cinematic entrance before he launched into “I Believe It.” His voice, strong, soulful, and unmistakable filled the theater.

Between songs, Rob’s charm shone through as he joked about competing with an Oasis show the same night, thanked the packed crowd for choosing him, and shared stories about life, family, and finding joy in small moments.

A highlight of the night was an acoustic rendition of “Bent,” stripped of all production, it was just Rob and a guitar, and it hit everyone right in the chest.

After nearly three decades of performing, his ability to connect emotionally is still unmatched.

The night closed with a powerful encore, featuring “Smooth” a song that’s now inseparable from his voice. Hearing it live, surrounded by fans singing every word, was a perfect reminder of why Rob Thomas is still the only who can do it.