Allen, Texas, and I\u2019m brought face to face with the tour manager for Rob Thomas. \u201cTwo songs\u201d, he says, referring to the amount I\u2019m allowed to shoot. I\u2019m one song shy of standard concert protocol, but I recall in my research that Rob is a little shy, and doesn\u2019t actually like to be photographed. I count myself lucky to be here at all and wait for the show to start. Recognition and realization are something I pride myself on.<\/p>\n
For as long as I can remember I\u2019ve had the ability to pause and take notice when in the presence of something truly great. Rob Thomas has always lingered for me. If something of his came on the radio I definitely wouldn\u2019t change it, but I wouldn\u2019t go out of my way to see a show or buy an album. With the invention of iTunes I think I had most of his popular library, but it wasn\u2019t until recently I truly stepped up to take notice of Rob.<\/p>\n
\u201cHer Diamonds\u201d came to be at a time in my life where everything just fell into place and made sense. Every lyric clicked, and then as I paid more attention to Rob\u2019s songs, I noticed that his voice rang true to that of every man. He is just a good person. He pulls in the little things and notices, and turns them into a dimension of song. Even before then, \u201cSmooth\u201d, a co-project with Carlo Santana, has been a favorite from the first time I heard it. It is just one of those songs you never get tired of. Also coined by me, \u201cThe sexiest song ever written\u201d.<\/p>\n
Sixteen years ago \u201cSmooth\u201d came to be and upon hearing the lyrics, Carlo turned to Rob and said \u201cYou must be married to a Mexican woman\u201d. Rob laughed in turn, and said \u201cAlmost\u201d. A few months later he married Marisol Maldonado, for whom the song was written. Rob put his career on hold while his wife fought a battle with an auto-immune disorder. Never leaving her side, but building his library in time. Even this 2016 tour was postponed just a few months as he faced surgery with her and helped her through recovery. That is what love and marriage looks like.<\/p>\n
Knowing all of this, \u201cHer Diamonds\u201d makes so much more sense. My level of respect for Rob lies in that of a songwriter, husband and humanitarian. I see myself as a fan in just a secondary level, and only hope that a fraction of those of us here can be as whole of a person as he is.<\/p>\n
And just like that, he runs onto the stage. At 44 the years have been good to him. His voice is immaculate as he begins with \u201cSomething to Be\u201d. The band is ON FIRE. His two back-up girls sound like a gospel choir. My eyes are a light and I am praising the light-Gods on this one. Everything is beautiful. Rob bounces around the stage, dancing, performing and making everyone fall in love with him in an effortless swoop. A quick change into \u201cMockingbird\u201d, and I\u2019m sold. Rob\u2019s in the moment and committed. I don\u2019t think I can even see a single drop of sweat.<\/p>\n
Alas my two songs are up, but I\u2019m grateful for my close seats. This show is one to see. Before I know it I\u2019m transformed back into college. Rob yells \u201cThis is for the 1997 you\u2026\u201d and rolls out with 3am. I can\u2019t help but sway and go exactly back to that place. He\u2019s flawless. Surely that wasn\u2019t 20 years ago\u2026.<\/p>\n
With an 18 song setlist, Rob nails each one with perfection. During \u201cStreetcorner Symphony\u201d he hits the crowd, dancing his way through the audience. The fans adore him. He has each of us wrapped around his finger. This excitement is why we buy concert tickets. I can\u2019t think of a song he doesn\u2019t play. I knew every lyric, and I haven\u2019t felt this amazing since I don\u2019t know when.<\/p>\n