Latest news with #RobThomas
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hollywood Flashback: Kristen Bell Sleuthed Out Success With ‘Veronica Mars'
Before landing her first Emmy nomination for Nobody Wants This, Kristen Bell earned out-of-this-world praise for her breakout role on Veronica Mars. Rob Thomas created the UPN mystery series that starred Bell as the titular high school student who works at her dad's private investigation agency after her best friend, Lilly, is murdered. The cast included Jason Dohring, Percy Daggs III and Enrico Colantoni, with Amanda Seyfried recurring as Lilly. More from The Hollywood Reporter A Tense Dynamic With Paul Reubens Led to The Moving 'Pee-wee as Himself' Hollywood Flashback: Brooke Shields' Jeans Ad Did Not Sit Well Why Jeff Probst Finally Let Mike White Return to 'Survivor' (and if He'd Make a 'White Lotus' Cameo) In an interview last year timed to Veronica Mars' 20th anniversary, Bell said that the show 'allowed me to discover who I am and what I'm good at.' She also deemed it 'the hardest job I have had to date' and explained, 'That was before the union was enforcing any real rules, and we were there for 17 hours a day. … It was just such a physically demanding shoot.' Veronica Mars premiered Sept. 22, 2004, and THR's review noted that, despite outlandish plot points, 'Bell is so convincing in the role that it all somehow makes perfect sense.' The series lasted three seasons, with the final one airing on the CW, before an eight-episode Hulu revival in 2019. Additionally, Warner Bros. released a movie of the same name in 2014 after a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter raised more than $5 million. NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made his TV writing debut with the reboot and noted in a THR column that the experience was 'dizzyingly wonderful.' After going on to lead series like The Good Place, Bell returned to the small screen in September with Netflix's Nobody Wants This. It centers on the interfaith relationship between agnostic podcaster Joanne (Bell) and rabbi Noah (Adam Brody). The project is nominated for three Emmys, including best comedy series and acting nods for Bell and Brody. 'I've never gotten a response to any show I've ever been a part of like this show,' the actress told THR about Nobody Wants This, which returns for its second season in October. 'This is very much uncharted territory for me.' This story first appeared in an August stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Ed Sheeran's New Single Rockets To No. 1
In just over a month, Ed Sheeran will release his new album Play. The set marks his return to the kind of polished, radio-ready pop that first made him a global superstar, and he's been building anticipation for the project for months. With only weeks left before the drop, the Grammy winner has shared a new single that bolted right to the top of the sales charts. 'A Little More' Hits No. 1 On Thursday (August 7), just ahead of the beginning of a new tracking week, Sheeran unveiled 'A Little More,' the fourth official single from Play. The track quickly became a bestseller on both sides of the Atlantic, rising to No. 1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart in the U.K. and reaching No. 3 in the U.S. 'A Little More' Trails Only Deftones in America In America, 'A Little More' earns the second-highest debut of the new tracking period. Sheeran comes in behind only 'Milk of the Madonna' by Deftones, which starts at No. 1. Several other just-shared cuts, including those from Rob Thomas and Josiah Queen, among others, which also soar straight into the highest tier on the sales tally. Ed Sheeran's Other Play Singles In the U.K., where Sheeran remains one of the most successful acts of all time, the release of 'A Little More' has also pushed sales of his earlier Play singles north. Recent tracks 'Sapphire,' 'Azizam,' and 'Old Phone' are all rising on iTunes from where they sat just hours before the new tune dropped. Of those three, 'Azizam' continues to stand out as the biggest, as it peaked at No. 3 on the Official Singles chart. 'Sapphire' reached as high as No. 5, while 'Old Phone' became a rare underperformer for Sheeran, topping out at No. 17 and missing the top 10 entirely. 'Drive' Joined Ed Sheeran's 2025 Output Even while focusing on promoting Play, Sheeran also found time to share music not included on the album's tracklist. 'Drive,' recorded for the Brad Pitt film F1 and its soundtrack, arrived earlier this year. 'Drive' failed to make a major impact commercially in the U.K., where it drove to No. 49 and missed the top 40. It also didn't reach the Hot 100 in the U.S., where 'Azizam' is still the only Play single to crack the top 40 so far.
Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Deftones Beat The Competition To No. 1 With A New Single
Deftones' new single 'Milk of the Madonna' races to No. 1 on iTunes, topping major new releases just weeks before the band's tenth album Private Music drops. MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 21: Chino Moreno of American alternative metal band Deftones performs on stage on April 21, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images) Corbis via Getty Images Fridays kick off another tracking week in the global music industry, and they're often crowded with new albums and singles from some of the biggest names in the business. The race to claim the top seller on iTunes or dominate streaming platforms is intense, with pop, rock, and rap acts all aiming for No. 1 on those platforms. This Friday (August 8), one band pulls ahead of a rush of new releases in the United States as the arrival of its highly-anticipated new album draws near. Deftones rules the iTunes Top Songs chart in America as of the time of writing. The group's latest single 'Milk of the Madonna' shoots to No. 1 just hours after it was released, becoming the bestselling track in the country on the most important sales platform. 'Milk of the Madonna' is one of five new titles sitting inside the top 10 on the U.S. iTunes tally at the moment. Deftones come in ahead of just-released offerings from Ed Sheeran, Josiah Queen, Gavin Adcock, and Rob Thomas, and several other stars appear just below the No. 10 position. The new single serves as the second promotional cut from the band's upcoming tenth full-length Private Music , which is due August 22. Last month, Deftones dropped 'My Mind as a Mountain,' the first taste of the project. That track launched in lofty positions on several Billboard charts, and 'Milk of the Madonna' could soon follow with its own splashy debuts. Formed in Sacramento in the late '80s, Deftones have built a reputation as one of rock's most adventurous outfits, blending alt-metal aggression with atmospheric, experimental touches. Throughout the decades, the band has reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 albums ranking with half a dozen projects, and another big win is likely coming later this month.
South Wales Argus
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Newport events: Nerf battles, comedy and food market
Nerf Battles are set to take place on Saturday, August 2 at The Riverfront basement. Attendees are advised to arrive 15 minutes before their session. On Sunday, August 3, the Festival of Comedy, headlined by Paul Smith, promises laughs at Coronation Park. The event, featuring performers like Rob Thomas, Lori Smith, and Eshaan Akbar, will run from midday to 5.30pm. Tickets start at £30. For those who enjoy a more leisurely outing, Belle Vue Park's Local Producers Food & Craft Market will be in full swing on Sunday. Commencing at 11am, the market promises a variety of stalls from local foodies, makers, and creators. The weekend promises to be a lively one, with activities and events to suit all tastes. Residents are encouraged to make the most of the weekend, enjoy the events, and support local businesses and talent. The events are set to take place in various locations around the city, providing an opportunity to explore Newport while enjoying the entertainment.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rob Thomas Talks Happiness, New Solo Album, Ryan Gosling Duet Hopes and the Dreamy Ballad Inspired by Shania Twain
Happiness, if you ask Rob Thomas, isn't a right. Days out from kicking off his solo tour, the Matchbox Twenty frontman's on a high from rehearsals in Nashville, where he's so jazzed up about returning to the road that he's contemplating hitting the streets of Music City to grab random pedestrians to serve as an audience. After 32 years in music, the 53-year Grammy winner clearly still finds his greatest glee in performing. But, as he notes in his new single, 'Hard to Be Happy,' such joy isn't always easy to come by — nor should it be. More from The Hollywood Reporter Foo Fighters' New Drummer Revealed (Exclusive) Jess Glynne Criticizes White House for Using Viral Jet2 Holiday Sound in Deportation Meme: "Makes Me Sick" Avex Music Group and S10 Report Early 2025 Chart Successes 'I think the idea that you have a God-given right to be happy is a childish thought,' muses the singer, who begins The All Night Days Tour in Atlanta on Aug. 1 before dropping his sixth solo album, All Night Days, on Sept. 5. 'As you get older, you realize happiness is earned. It's something you have to find, forge and build with the relationships you have, the people you love and the time you spend. 'When you realize that, you spend more time trying to not be unhappy, but it doesn't feel like an active pursuit, 24/7. Even in the [Declaration of Independence] you have the right to the pursuit of happiness, which doesn't mean you actually have the right to be happy!' The difficult road to happiness is something listeners will relate to in 'Hard to Be Happy,' which is why the song holds relevance today despite being penned during the COVID-19 pandemic as Thomas began a follow-up to 2019's Chip Tooth Smile. After Matchbox Twenty decided to record 2023's Where the Light Goes, Thomas' solo music was sidelined, resulting in All Night Days capturing varied time periods, influences and collaborators. 'Songs like 'Queen of New York City' were for my solo project, then went to Matchbox, then there's songs on this record that were written during the Matchbox sessions,' Thomas says. ''Hard to be Happy' was written in 2020 and was a general feeling at that time, but as I backed away and lived with it, it fit into an overall conversation with myself about whether I'm OK.' The chirpy track has become the third-most-added song on U.S. Hot AC Radio. In an exclusive preview of its video shared with The Hollywood Reporter, a goofy Thomas hilariously prances around an '80s-style jazzercise workout video. Co-written with Todd Clark and Derek Fuhrmann, Thomas was devastated when he reached out to Fuhrmann about promoting the single, only to hear he had passed away. 'He was a really good writer and all-around great guy, so it was a shock.' Grief is something that has often made it hard to be happy for Thomas. His 2019 single 'One Less Day (Dying Young)' came from losing friends and peers, then on 2021's Something About Christmas Time, he dedicated 'Doesn't Feel Like Christmas (Samy's Song)' to his late Pomeranian Samy. In April, Thomas and his wife of 25 years, Marisol Thomas, lost their beloved 'Gingey' Ollie, kickstarting a challenging new chapter of life without any of their fur babies. Navigating such obstacles is something the couple, who run animal rescue organization Sidewalk Angels Foundation, have taken in stride since meeting at a Matchbox Twenty afterparty in 1998. Within years of their nuptials, Marisol began experiencing debilitating health issues that eventually saw her diagnosed with Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. She continues facing health struggles, which often makes it 'hard to be happy,' for Thomas. He honors their enduring love in the sweet, stirring ballad 'Thrill Me,' co-written with Tim Lopez from Plain White T's and partly inspired by Shania Twain. 'I used to love 'You're Still the One' and that sentiment,' says Thomas. 'The reason why [relationships] sometimes don't work out is because people are ever-evolving. If you're lucky, both of you evolve in the same direction, or are willing to accept the changes happening to each other. When that happens, it's magical. 'It's like with happiness: Commitment and staying together is something people have to agree on and work at a bit. But I don't prescribe to the idea that it takes work all the time. If that's the case, don't get married, dude!' Co-produced by Greg Wattenberg, All Night Days marks Thomas' first album since leaving Atlantic Records for Universal Records. Songs written during Matchbox Twenty's sessions include blood-pumping banger 'I Believe It' (penned by Wattenberg and Thomas' bandmates Kyle Cook, Paul Doucette and Brian Yale) and heart-wrenching 'No Good at Loving You,' inspired by marriage. There's someone else who Thomas has loved almost as long as Marisol — his 1999 'Smooth' collaborator Carlos Santana. Thanks to the Grammy-winning track, Santana and music mogul Clive Davis became lifelong mentors who 'helped me center myself, to get where I want to be.' During Monday's production rehearsals, Thomas felt the lighting wasn't right for 'Smooth.' 'So, I wrote to Carlos saying, 'Hey man, what color is 'Smooth'?' Thirty seconds later, he writes back, 'Diamond ice.' I said, 'That's beautiful. Thanks for your help!'' As well as 'Smooth,' Matchbox Twenty hits and new tracks, Thomas' setlist will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his solo debut, …Something to Be. The album spawned Grammy-nominated hits like 'This Is How a Heart Breaks' and 'Lonely No More,' plus John Mayer collaboration 'Streetcorner Symphony.' So, 20 years later, did Rob Thomas find … something to be? 'I think the becoming is in the searching,' he reflects. 'There's no destination or peak to get to. When we started out, nobody knew who we were, but we'd play the college club and it felt fucking awesome. Then you get signed and you're playing radio festivals, but at noon, and it's like, 'Who cares? This is still fucking great.' 'If that had been the peak, I would've happily looked back telling people, 'I was in a band, we had a good run and it was fun.' It still just feels fun. When you're looking ahead trying to figure out [something to be] or that destination to get to, you're not looking at your feet and appreciating the moment you're in — and the little wonders.' It's a lesson for his son from a previous relationship, Maison Thomas-Eudy, who's 27 and carving out his own musical path. While A Great Big World is joining Thomas on tour, Maison's L.A. pop rock trio The Lucky will also open select shows, including one at Fountainebleau Las Vegas on album release day. Maison — who played guitar on several All Night Days songs, including the snappy standout title track — is also Thomas' new guitarist, thanks to previous guitarist Frank Romano suggesting the Berklee graduate as his replacement. For Thomas, it's a 'weird' adjustment hugging Maison goodbye as he heads off with the band each night, instead of sticking with him. It was a different story during Matchbox Twenty's 2024 Australian tour, when the two bonded during shopping trips, movies and poolside lunches. 'We solidified the friendship part of our relationship in Australia,' says Thomas. 'We got to know each other and who we are now. He's one of the closest people in the world to me and one of the best humans I know — so kind and thoughtful. I couldn't ask for anything more.' Maison, meanwhile, credits Thomas for instilling key lessons in building a fruitful music career. 'He's taught me a lot about effort, what it takes to succeed, to always work on being better and never say you can't do something,' Maison tells THR. 'I almost said 'No' to filling in for Frankie because I thought his shoes were too big to fill, but I'm glad I said 'Yes' because I'm having a blast.' After wrapping the U.S. leg of the tour at L.A.'s YouTube Theater on Sept. 6, Thomas will tour Australia and New Zealand. He's also preparing to mark 30 years since Matchbox Twenty's 1996 debut, Yourself or Someone Like You. In a newly resurfaced interview clip, a 25-year-old Thomas credited 'penis size' for setting Matchbox Twenty apart from other new rock bands. But ultimately, it's chart-toppers like '3AM,' 'Long Day' and 'Push' that laid the foundation for the group's legacy, fanbase and subsequent records. With Doucette admirably encouraging Thomas to dedicate ample time to All Night Days, Thomas doesn't anticipate anniversary celebrations commencing until mid-late 2026. 'End of next year is when we'll really start things, then the next year we're going out properly and doing special things,' he says. 'We're not interested in making another album right now because we might kill each other, but maybe we'll come up with a song or two. We also want to have some fun with old live recordings.' However, there's one recording that still needs to go down. After Ryan Gosling repeatedly belted out 'Push' in 2023's Barbie, fans remain eager to see Gosling perform the song with Thomas. 'Listen, if I could've done that, I would've already left Mari and be with him right now,' laughs Thomas. 'He's an attractive man. 'Let's see about getting Ryan Gosling to the show to sing with us,' Thomas then instructs his manager, who promptly takes note ahead of the tour hitting California, where Gosling resides. 'If that happened, you'd be witnessing the bromance of the ages. He would eclipse my love of Taylor Kitsch. Sorry Taylor!' Kitsch may drop in Thomas' man crush rankings, but one thing's for sure — a Rob x Ryan collab wouldn't make it hard to be happy for fans. 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