Two Days, Two Stars Bob Dylan and Rob Thomas Highlight Week at the Patriot Center

By Patrick Wall, Style Editor

The coming week is one filled with musical superstars. Matchbox 20 frontman Rob Thomas takes the Patriot Center stage with OneRepublic on Nov. 10, followed by the incomparable Bob Dylan the day after.

Three-time Grammy winner Thomas burst into the spotlight in 1996 with the release of Matchbox 20’s freshman release, Yourself or Someone Like You. Anchored by five popular singles including “Push" and “3 A.M.,” the album went on to sell over 10 million copies. The band’s next two albums were also commercially successful and the band churned out several more radio hits.

After the release of their third record, Thomas left to work on a solo project. Already famous on his own, thanks in large part to his collaboration with Santana, Thomas released his first solo effort, ...Something to Be.

The album debuted at number one, based largely on the strength of hits like “Lonely No More” and “This is How a Heart Breaks.”

Thomas returned to Matchbox 20 after the group’s 5-year hiatus, culminating in 2007’s Exile on Mainstream. The band toured for a year before Thomas returned to his solo career.

In 2008, Thomas again returned to the solo scene with Cradlesong. For this album, Thomas worked to add more of a world music flavor, drawing inspiration from Paul Simon. Since its release, the album has sold nearly 300,000 copies.

On Nov. 11, the Patriot Center will welcome the iconic singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Affectionately known as the voice of his generation, Dylan has been a musical force for nearly a half-century.

He was heavily involved in the protests of the ‘60s, writing songs like “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” In 1965, Dylan released Highway 61 Revisited. The album is widely regarded as not only Dylan’s finest work, but as one of the best records ever made.

The album featured the song “Like a Rolling Stone,” which has inspired artists since its release. Dylan would go on to create decades worth of material, including “All Along The Watchtower,” later covered by Jimi Hendrix.

Dylan is recognized as one of the most important figures in recent history, making Time Magazine’s list of most influential people of the 20th century. He is the recipient of 11 Grammy awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and been awarded a Kennedy Center Honor.

Known for his relentless touring, Dylan has played over 2,000 shows in his career. Since 1988, he has been on what is known as “The Never Ending Tour.” Even at 68 years old, he continues to sell out stadiums and captivate audiences. His performance at the Patriot Center should be no different.

Tickets are available at the Patriot Center box office. Tickets for Rob Thomas are $56 and $41, while tickets for Bob Dylan are $57.50. The box office is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Tickets are also available at ticketmaster.com and by calling Ticketmaster Phonecharge at (703)-573-SEAT.