Matchbox Twenty Set to Rock Brisbane Again After 12 Years

Matchbox Twenty is coming back to Brisbane later this month bearing new gifts – their first album in over a decade.


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The band’s highly-anticipated fifth studio album “Where The Light Goes” dropped last May, giving fans 11 years worth of pent-up Matchbox melodies and lead singer Rob Thomas’ signature vocals.

To celebrate the new album, Matchbox Twenty is embarking on a 10-date sold-out Australian tour in 2024. Brisbane is a lucky stop, with the band returning to rock out the Brisbane Entertainment Centre 12 years after their last visit. 

Photo credit: Matchbox Twenty/James Trocchio/Instagram

Back in 2012, the band performed in Brisbane as part of their massive North Tour. The American pop rock band visited the city on October 27 and 28 during the tour’s fifth leg, which spanned four continents over 60 shows and raked in $4.9 million from just 40 of those performances. Matchbox Twenty’s 2012 North Tour marked a triumphant journey across Australia, the Americas, Europe and Asia over the course of a year. 

Now, more than a decade later, the band is eager to return to the familiar Brisbane Entertainment Centre stage and reconnect with fans.

Fans can expect to hear fresh tracks off “Where The Light Goes” mixed in with classics like “3AM” and “Back 2 Good.”

The setlist will also include “Bent,” the breakout first single from Matchbox Twenty’s multi-platinum album Mad Season. This powerful rock ballad became Matchbox Twenty’s biggest hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Photo credit: Matchbox Twenty/James Trocchio/Instagram

In an interview, Thomas noted that “Bent” was his first intentional love song, centering on two flawed individuals who can’t fix each other’s problems but find a way to make the relationship work. Though their issues remain challenging, they get through it together.

Thomas teased that the new album captures the band’s upbeat, optimistic sound, avoiding any cynical or depressive tunes, given that they had just come out of a period of uncertainty over the last three years prior. 

Photo credit: Goo Goo Dolls/James Trocchio/Instagram

Joining them are special guests Goo Goo Dolls, who kicked off the shows with Matchbox Twenty earlier this month in Perth.

If the Perth show is any indication, Brisbane is in for an incredible night of rocking new tunes and matchbox classics. Thomas expressed his excitement to see fans’ faces again, saying it had been too long since their last Australian tour.

With a veteran band back in town and a venue full of eager fans ready to sing along, Matchbox Twenty’s 2024 Brisbane show is poised for a triumphant return.


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Published 22-February-2024