It all began in my most loved era, the 90s, where the magnetic sound of Matchbox 20 resonated through the airwaves, capturing the hearts of many. Whether it was the full of angst "Push" or the infectious "Smooth," there was something about Rob Thomas' powerful voice that drew people in. As a college student at the time, I found myself drawn to their music, eagerly immersing myself in their albums.
In those days, compact discs were already in circulation, but I remained loyal to the nostalgic charm of cassette tapes. Despite the availability of cheaper pirated CDs, I opted to buy the authentic tapes within my limited budget. I believed that if an artist was truly great, supporting them by purchasing their genuine work was essential to ensure the continuation of their beautiful music.
As an architectural student, I often found myself pulling all-nighters, working on my intricate drawings. It was during these sleepless nights that Matchbox 20's albums, "Yourself or Someone Like You" and "Mad Season," became my loyal companions. However, the bane of cassette tapes was always present—a constant fear of the ribbon being devoured by the player. As a student on a tight budget, I had to find ways to fix it whenever this happened.
During this time, MTV and Channel V dominated the music scene, and I would find myself glued to these channels, eagerly awaiting the chance to catch Matchbox 20's music videos. The only obstacle in my path was a mischievous bully in the form of my brother. Whenever Matchbox 20 came on, he would instantly seize the remote control and shut down the music. It became an ongoing battle to see who could claim the remote first and prevent his playful tyranny.
My journey as a fan took a leap forward as I began creating websites and art works dedicated to the band, connecting with fellow fans from all corners of the world. One fan from Germany introduced me to Tabitha's Secret and even gifted me a copy of their album. The power of music and the community it fostered was truly remarkable.
Upon graduating from college, Matchbox 20 released "More Than You Think You Are." Coinciding with the album's launch was a radio station contest to name the artist of their new song. Determined, I dialed endlessly from our landline phone, hoping to be the right number caller. Finally, the stars aligned, and I won! My siblings couldn't help but laugh at my voice on the radio, mimicking my excitement. Undeterred, I gathered my friends and headed to the radio station to claim my prize—a T-shirt and a poster of Matchbox 20. Opening the T-shirt, I discovered that the band's name was written in tiny letters on the upper left corner. The room filled with laughter, but I reassured my friends that the poster surely held beautiful pictures. Unfortunately, when I unveiled the poster, all I saw were their faces covered by their hands, provoking even more laughter.
As Rob Thomas ventured into his solo career with albums like "Something to Be" and "Cradlesong," I found myself transitioning into the CD era. Finally employed, I could afford to indulge in more of their music and proudly added their CDs to my collection.
By the time "North" was released, I had embraced the digital age, purchasing the album on iTunes and enjoying it on my iPad. The world was rapidly changing, and technology had transformed the way we consumed music over two decades.
In 2019, I found myself in Florida, United States, and the first thing I did was check if Matchbox 20 had a concert scheduled. Sadly, we had missed it. However, hope was not lost, as 2020 was slated to be the year when my dream would come true—the year they would perform in Tampa. Engrossed in the excitement, I was ready to buy a regular ticket, but my husband, ever supportive, encouraged me to go for the ultimate experience—VIP meet and greet. His words struck a chord, and I made the leap. I attempted to purchase the coveted meet and greet experience. unfortunately, it was sold out. But with the unexpected arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, circumstances shifted. Many people backed out, and this gave me a chance to purchase the meet and greet ticket. The anticipation grew, only to be met with disappointment as the concert was postponed not just once, but multiple times. Yet, I clung to my ticket, knowing deep down that someday, the moment would arrive. And finally, in 2023, nothing could stand in its way.
July 8, 2023, became etched in my calendar as a day of magic. The moment had arrived to meet my favorite band. The instructions were clear—be at the venue by 3:30 pm. Determined not to miss this opportunity, my husband and I arrived punctually, eager and full of anticipation. As we joined the line, we were informed that we would have the privilege of attending the sound check. Normally, meeting someone of such fame requires extensive waiting, but to our surprise, we were promptly ushered into the room. My eyes couldn't believe what they beheld—Rob Thomas in a white shirt, standing before us. My heart raced, the excitement mounting. They are real—ordinary human beings. We listened intently to their conversations, discovering their casual and relatable side. Rob Thomas even discussed boogers. They were genuine, down-to-earth, and effortlessly real. Throughout the session, tears of overwhelming joy threatened to spill, and I often wondered if I should awaken from this surreal experience. My hands trembled with a mix of nervousness and sheer delight. Among the songs performed during the sound check, they played "All I Need," my personal favorite, with its light and catchy rhythm.
The time for the much-anticipated photo opportunity with the band arrived. In those fleeting moments, we also had the opportunity to engage in conversation. Although videos were prohibited, the memory of that exchange remains vivid. I must confess that I was finding it difficult to concentrate, consumed by nervous excitement. My husband, Jason, proudly shared that I was the biggest fan from the Philippines and revealed my cherished collection of cassette tapes. This led to a brief discussion about the resurgence of cassette tapes, a nostalgic trip down memory lane. We also mentioned that we had previously lived in the Middle East, and they expressed gratitude for Jason's military service. The band members were remarkably friendly and attentive, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for my unwavering support. While I longed to say more, my racing heart and trembling hands made it challenging to find the right words. We captured the moment with photographs, etching this extraordinary encounter into the annals of my life.
The concert was a hair-raising event, an indescribable feeling that surged through my veins. It is a sold-out event, and the venue was filled with a massive crowd eagerly awaiting the band's performance. At around 9 PM, the magic unfolded before our eyes. Seated in the third row, center stage, I could witness Rob Thomas pouring his heart and soul into every song. His sweat glistened, and the veins in his neck pulsed with passion. That's what I admired most about him—the way he wholeheartedly immersed himself in his music, delivering it with unwavering intensity. I marveled at his ability to maintain such a remarkable voice despite performing almost every night. It was a true testament to his talent. In that moment,
I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having listened to my husband's advice, for investing in the meet and greet experience. The feeling that washed over me was truly priceless, an experience I would forever cherish and be thankful for. It was a realization that dreams do come true if you hold onto them with unwavering passion.
To Matchbox 20, I express my deepest gratitude. Your music has touched the lives of countless fans around the world, and I am privileged to be one of them. Your songs have been a source of comfort, inspiration, and joy throughout my journey as a fan. The memories created, the friendships forged, and the impact your music has had on our lives are immeasurable. Your commitment to creating good music, pouring your hearts into each note, is something we fans will forever appreciate.
As I reflect on my life as a Matchbox 20 fan, I am filled with a sense of fulfillment and a renewed dedication to continue supporting and celebrating the music that has shaped me. From the days of cassette tapes to the digital age, from singing along to your songs in the car and videoke to witnessing your live performances in person, the journey has been nothing short of incredible.
To all the fellow Matchbox 20 fans out there, I urge you to hold onto your passion, to embrace the memories, and to continue celebrating the music that has become a part of our lives. Let us keep supporting these talented artists who have touched our souls. And to Matchbox 20, thank you for being the soundtrack to our lives. May you continue to create beautiful music that resonates with our hearts for years to come, and may your artistic endeavors transform the dreams of a fan like me into a reality.
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