Rob Thomas and 'THE GREAT UNKNOWN' Arrive at Last

Emblem/Atlantic recording artist Rob Thomas has announced an array of activity surrounding today's release of his long awaited new album. "THE GREAT UNKNOWN" the multiple-GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter's first new solo album in more than six years is available now in stores and at all digital retailers.

Produced by longtime collaborator Matt Serletic along with Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé), Ricky Reed (Jessie, J, Jason Derulo, twenty one pilots), and Shep Goodman & Aaron Accetta (American Authors), "THE GREAT UNKNOWN" includes the acclaimed first single, "Trust You," which has already shot into the Top 20 at Hot AC radio. "Trust You" is accompanied by an electrifying companion video, directed by Phil Harder, known for his previous work with Thomas ("Lonely No More," "Ever The Same") and Matchbox Twenty ("Mad Season," "Disease") as well as his visionary commercials for iPod, Gap, and Target. The clip can be viewed now at https://youtu.be/H8kiUAgCT_k.

In addition, "Hold On Forever" has just been announced as the next single from "THE GREAT UNKNOWN." The track is streaming now at www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUbYwx_KBhQ. Thomas will introduce fans everywhere to "Hold On Forever" with a much anticipated performance on NBC's TODAY "Toyota Summer Concert Series," broadcast live from New York's Rockefeller Center on Monday, August 24th (check local listings).

As if all that weren't enough, the album's "One Shot" is currently soundtracking promo spots for ESPN's coverage of the upcoming Little League World Series and will then be featured throughout the entire tournament.

"THE GREAT UNKNOWN" has been receiving critical acclaim with Rolling Stone hailing Thomas as "the same consummate pop-rock craftsman who has been making it all sound so smooth for years...Thomas piles on the hooks right from the opener." Furthermore the three-starred rave review makes special mention of "Hold On Forever," declaring it to be "pure acoustic-guitar bliss." While PEOPLE writes "if you crave songs that are peppy and poppy, Thomas is your man."

Thomas will celebrate "THE GREAT UNKNOWN" by hosting an exclusive video Q&A session using Facebook's Mentions App's new Live video feature. The Q&A will happen on Monday, August 24th- for more information, please see www.facebook.com/robthomas. What's more, Thomas has united with Pandora Internet Radio for "The Great Unknown Mixtape" station, showcasing music that inspired him as he created "THE GREAT UNKNOWN." For details, please see http://pdora.co/RobThomasMixtape.

Finally, Thomas has just returned to the road on his "THE GREAT UNKNOWN 2015" tour after having postponed a string of dates due to his wife Marisol's medical condition. The dates continue through mid-November. (See below itinerary).

Rob Thomas is one of the most distinctive artists of this or any other era - a gifted vocalist, spellbinding performer, and accomplished songwriter known worldwide as lead singer and primary composer with Matchbox Twenty as well as for his multi-platinum certified solo work and chart-topping collaborations with other artists. Among his countless hits are solo classics like "Lonely No More," "This Is How A Heart Breaks," and "Streetcorner Symphony," Matchbox Twenty favorites including "Push," "3AM," "If You're Gone," and "Bent," and of course "Smooth," his 3x RIAA platinum certified worldwide hit collaboration with Santana. Thomas earned three GRAMMY Awards for his role as co-writer and vocalist on "Smooth," which topped Billboard's "Hot 100" for an astounding 12 consecutive weeks and spent 58 total weeks on the chart, the #1 song in Billboard's "Top Hot 100 Rock Songs" chart history and #2 "Hot 100" song of all time.

In 2004, Thomas was the first artist to be honored with the Songwriters Hall of Fame's prestigious "Hal David Starlight Award," created to recognize a composer in the early years of his or her career that has already made a lasting impact. He has won numerous BMI and ASCAP Awards, and twice earned the "Songwriter of the Year" crown from both Billboard and BMI. Overall, Thomas has contributed to sales of more than 80 million records.

Thomas made his solo debut with 2005's platinum certified "...SOMETHING TO BE" and immediately made history as the first album by a male artist from a rock or pop group to ever debut at # 1 on the Billboard 200. Thomas' most recent solo album, 2009's "CRADLESONG," marked still another milestone, generating two #1 singles in "Her Diamonds" and "Someday." Billboard chart history was made once again, with Thomas now tied with Pink for the most #1 Adult Top 40 hits by a solo artist as well as the only male solo artist to score multiple chart-toppers at the format.

In 2012, Matchbox Twenty returned with their first all-new album in a decade, "NORTH." Fueled by the hit singles, "She's So Mean," "Overjoyed," and "Our Song," "NORTH" proved a landmark for the band, their first ever #1 debut and Billboard 200 chart-topper.

A charismatic, engaging, and indefatigable live performer, Thomas has spent much of the past two decades on the road, fronting massive world treks with Matchbox Twenty and on his own as well as a series of intimate acoustic tours. Thomas is also a dedicated philanthropist, establishing The Sidewalk Angels Foundation with his wife Marisol Thomas in 2003. Dedicated to providing critically needed funds and support to grassroots groups across the country, the New York-based not-for-profit organization is the primary supporter and sponsor of a number of no-kill animal shelters and animal rescues. Additionally, The Sidewalk Angels Foundation also supports a myriad of other causes, from childhood health and wellness to the fight against homelessness, reflecting the passion of its co-founders to fight for the rights and fair treatment of those with no voice. For additional information on The Sidewalk Angels Foundation, please visit www.sidewalkangelsfoundation.org.

For more information, please see www.robthomasmusic.com, twitter.com/ThisIsRobThomas, www.facebook.com/robthomas, www.youtube.com/user/RobThomasVideos, and www.atlanticrecords.com.

ROB THOMAS
"THE GREAT UNKNOWN"
(Emblem/Atlantic)
TRACK LISTING

1. I Think We'd Feel Good Together
2. Trust You
3. Hold On Forever
4. Wind It Up
5. One Shot
6. The Great Unknown
7. Absence Of Affection
8. Things You Said
9. Paper Dolls
10. NLYTM
11. Heaven Help Me
12. Lie To Me
13. Pieces

ROB THOMAS
"THE GREAT UNKNOWN 2015"
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

AUGUST
21		Clearwater, FL		Ruth Eckerd Hall
26		Portsmouth, VA		nTelos Wireless Pavilion
28		Nashville, TN		Ryman Auditorium
29		Memphis, TN		Live at the Garden
30		Atlanta, GA		Delta Classic Chastain Park Amphitheater
SEPTEMBER
1		Charlotte, NC		Uptown Amphitheatre
3		Tulsa, OK		Brady Theater
4		St. Louis, MO		Peabody Opera House
OCTOBER
23		Hollywood, FL		Hard Rock Live
NOVEMBER
9		Denver, CO		Paramount Theater
10		Colorado Springs, CO		Pikes Peak Center

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