Kyle Cook was a founding member of Matchbox Twenty, one of the most popular rock bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including “Push,” “3AM,” and “Bent.” In 2016, Cook announced that he was leaving Matchbox Twenty, citing “deterioration of communication, disagreements on when, where and how we tour and a general breakdown of democracy within the group.”
A brief introduction to Kyle Cook and Matchbox Twenty
Kyle Cook was born in Tampa, Florida, in 1970. He began playing guitar at a young age and started Matchbox Twenty in 1994 with lead singer Rob Thomas. The band released their debut album, Yourself or Someone Like You, in 1996, which was a commercial and critical success. The album sold over 12 million copies in the United States and spawned several hit singles, including “Push,” “3AM,” and “Long Day.”
Matchbox Twenty released their second album, Mad Season, in 2000. The album was also a commercial success, selling over 5 million copies in the United States. The album featured the hit singles “Bent,” “If You’re Gone,” and “Mad Season.”
Matchbox Twenty took a hiatus in 2002, during which time the members of the band pursued solo projects. Cook released his solo album, Wolves, in 2011. The album was well-received by critics but did not achieve commercial success.
Matchbox Twenty reunited in 2007 and released their third album, More Than You Think You Know, in 2012. The album was a commercial disappointment, selling less than 200,000 copies in the United States.
Reasons for Kyle Cook’s departure from Matchbox Twenty
In a 2016 interview, Cook said that he left Matchbox Twenty due to a “deterioration of communication,” “disagreements on when, where and how we tour,” and a “general breakdown of democracy within the group.”
Cook said that the communication within the band had become strained in recent years. He said that it was difficult to get everyone on the same page, both creatively and logistically.
Cook also said that there were disagreements within the band about touring. He said that he wanted to tour more than the other members of the band were willing to.
Finally, Cook said that there was a “general breakdown of democracy within the group.” He said that he felt like his voice was not being heard and that his ideas were not being respected.
Kyle Cook’s post-Matchbox Twenty career
Since leaving Matchbox Twenty, Cook has released two solo albums, Wolves (2011) and New World (2018). He has also toured with his side project, Rivers and Rust.
Cook has also worked as a producer for other artists, including Counting Crows, American Authors, and Neon Trees.
Conclusion
Kyle Cook’s departure from Matchbox Twenty was a major blow to the band. He was a key songwriter and guitarist, and his presence is sorely missed.
