BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A singer whose 1990s band had one of the best-selling albums of all time and who sold out Wind Creek Event Center is coming back for an eighth time, it was announced.
Rob Thomas, whose band matchbox twenty’s 1996 debut album “Yourself or Someone Like You” sold 12 million copies and produced four of the band’s dozen hits — “Push,” “3 a.m.,” “Real World” and “Back 2 Good” — will return to the center at 8 p.m. Jan. 16.
Tickets, at $79.50-$169.50, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24.Wind Creek Event Center website
Tickets, at $79.50-$169.50, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, on the event center website and at the box office at 77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem.
The show will be part of "a small number of very special concerts in January 2026," Thomas says on his website.
Bethlehem will start the run, and of the five shows scheduled, it's the only Pennsylvania date.
"These intimate performances will support Sidewalk Angels Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Rob Thomas and his wife, Marisol," the website says.
"Sidewalk Angels Foundation is dedicated to providing critically needed funds and support to over 20 no-kill animal shelters and animal rescues, across the country, that help to fight for the rights and fair treatment of those with no voice."
"Fans can look forward to unforgettable evenings as Thomas performs hits from his illustrious solo career, as well as classic songs from matchbox twenty.
"Known for his heartfelt lyrics and connection with audiences, Thomas’s intimate performances offer a rare chance to experience his songs up close, making each night feel personal, special, and unforgettable."
Solo success and with matchbox twenty
Thomas previously played the event center in 2024, 2023 and, when the arena was called Sands Bethlehem Event Center in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019.
He sold out the shows in 2016 and 2015, and also sold out a show with matchbox twenty November 2012.
Thomas has a new album, "All Night Days," released Sept. 5, that included the Top 20 Adult Contemporary hit "Hard to Be Happy" — his first charting single in six years.Rob Thomas website
Thomas has a new album, "All Night Days," released Sept. 5, that included the Top 20 Adult Contemporary hit "Hard to Be Happy" — his first charting single in six years.
In addition to his work with matchbox twenty, Thomas has released three solo albums, all of which have charted in the Top 6.
He started his solo career with 2005’s “… Something To Be,” which was the first disc by a male artist from a rock or pop group to debut at No. 1 on The Billboard 200.
That disc went platinum and produced three gold hits: “Lonely No More,” “This Is How a Heart Breaks” and “Never The Same.”
Thomas’ sophomore disc, “Cradlesong,” went to No. 3 and had the gold hit “Her Diamonds.” “The Great Unknown” peaked at No. 6, and 2019's "Chip Tooth Smile" at No. 13.
Thomas also won three Grammy Awards for co-writing and singing on the Carlos Santana triple-platinum hit “Smooth” on the album Supernatural in 1999.
Thomas also has written with Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger, Travis Tritt and Daughtry.
The first four of matchbox twenty’s albums sold gold or platinum and charted in the Top 6.
"Yourself or Someone Like You" ranks among the Top 25 best-selling albums by a group.
Matchbox twenty's second album, 2000’s “Mad Season,” sold four times platinum, with the No. 1 hits “Bent,” which went platinum, and “If You’re Gone,” and the Top 5 hit “Mad Season.”
The 2002 album “More Than You Think You Are” went double platinum, and — after a 10-year recording hiatus — 2012’s “North” also went to No. 1 and sold gold, with the gold Top 10 hit “She’s So Mean.”
It's most recent disc, 2023's "Where the Light Goes," peaked at No. 53.
The group also released a compilation disc, 2007’s “Exile on Mainstream,” that hit No. 1, sold gold and produced the platinum hit “How Far We’ve Come.”
The group was nominated for five Grammy Awards.
