Our favorite reader submissions. Fri Oct 28, 2011 more galleries 15

Snoop Nominates Wiz for HIGH TIMES Stoner of the Year

Who will be the HIGH TIMES Stoner of the Year? Snoop Dogg - who won the prestigious award in 2002 - …

Fri Jan 20, 2012 more videos 51

LONELY NO MORE

With a No. 1 solo debut under his belt, Matchbox Twenty lead singer Rob Thomas comes out of the cannabis closet.

by Brian Jahn

Thu, Jul 14, 2005 12:24 pm

more: music

By Shirley Halperin
Photos by Brian Jahn

The year is 2002, and the multi-platinum Matchbox Twenty are about to release their third album, More Than You Think You Are. As the record’s getting its final touches, I’m invited to listen to some of the tracks at New York’s Hit Factory studio. Coming in, I expect to hear hits—as in hit singles. The engineer blasts songs like “Disease” (co-written by Mick Jagger) and “Bright Lights,” both future radio smashes, through the monitors. What I don’t expect to hear is the sound of bong hit after bong hit of the kindest New York nugs packed into a little plastic red Graffix. Frontman Rob Thomas is in the studio lounge waiting for feedback.

“Want a hit?” the singer-songwriter asks with a courteous gesture of the bong.

The smoke clears, and what transpires next is two hours of the most insightful, witty and intelligent conversation that I’d had in a long time, not to mention an absurd amount of pot consumed throughout. Admittedly, I had come with a certain perception of Thomas as the author of countless lite-rock staples, which automatically deemed him uncool. The closest Thomas had come to being cool was the 1999 Grammy he received for collaborating with Carlos Santana on the ridiculously catchy “Smooth.” The general consensus was that Matchbox Twenty were for suburban secretaries, not stoners. After hanging out and getting high with Thomas, though, I was ready to change that tune about him.

The more I ran into Thomas over the next few years—sneaking a joint at a black-tie music-industry function, being followed by the camera of Gillian Grisman (Grateful Dawg, Press On), who’s documenting his maiden solo voyage, Something to Be...—the more I came to like him. And the more I learned about his past—which includes a long and sometimes dark history with recreational drugs—the more convinced I became that he might be one of the coolest rock-star potheads alive.

But the moment that clinched my eternal fondness for Rob Thomas came on the day of his HIGH TIMES photo shoot, when he received a goodie bag as a parting gift and ended up immediately misplacing it. Classic space-out move, right? But here’s the kicker: Five minutes later, in the midst of his interview-packed schedule, Thomas returned to the photo studio inquiring about the lost bag. Now that’s a true, dedicated stoner. “If it was a watch, I wouldn’t have come back. But for weed….” He was given a replacement goodie bag. (The lost bag ended up on the street near the studio and, luckily, was found by a HIGH TIMES employee.)

READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE SEPTEMBER 2005 ISSUE OF HIGH TIMES

» add a comment

Tonya

Feb 25 2011, 8:19 pm

Rob Thomas couldn't sing a bad song if he tried. What he does in his personal life is his business. I can understand why some of you guys are haters though. He's a freaking hot dude with the voice of an angel. Sorry guys everybody can't look like that. I don't smoke pot but he can fire it up and sing to me anytime.

Jbug

Sep 11 2006, 4:08 am

smoking pot doesnt make anyone cool...if you are cool...your cool whatever Cool means. Rob is a fucking great musician. HE smokes it up a bit, and writes f-ing great music. Why are people being so negative, adn opinionated? I dont get it!
Geez, cant we all just get along?

Jenny H.

Sep 3 2005, 3:37 pm

I have been a fan since his first album with matchbox20 and I am also an artist and and must say being an artist it doesn't hurt to have a little insperation from natures plant, it's helped me created beautiful art and funny thing is I always listened to Robs music while painting. I had a feeling he was lit when writing some of his lyrics. He's way cool and talented in my book .Thank god for bud.. like the saying god made dirt and dirt don't hurt..bud takes you to another level ..peace!!

CHIZNIZ

Aug 22 2005, 1:16 am

I KNEW ROB WHAT A SMOKER ALL ALONG WITH VIDEOS LIKE UNWELL AND 3AM. HE HAS ALWAYZ BEEN MY FAVORITE ARTIST. I WOULD RATHER HIM NOT CONFESS BUT I SAPOSE ITS GOOD FOR EVERYONE TO KNOW FOR SURE BESIDES ME. ROB IS THE MAN AND HAS THE BEST MUSIC EVER.

senatedestroyer

Aug 21 2005, 6:15 am

hey #1 pot snob. platnum fucking sucks. use some sense when advertising. They'd be lucky to get played on a shitty college indie station. oh, and all the songs blow balls.

DebsterM11

Aug 18 2005, 2:01 pm

Always have loved Rob, even more so now... His voice just does for me, you know?!!
His writing is inspired, now I know why.

some unknown person

Aug 16 2005, 8:36 pm

Yea Rob Thomas gets laid more than I do...by Tom Cruise.

Scooter

Aug 16 2005, 5:57 pm

Hey i never had a beef about the dude...never really got into his music but the ex really did and now to tell her hes a stoner hehe... really gonna make my day

i get blazed

Aug 16 2005, 5:45 pm

haha, all you people are talkin shit about rob thomas. but at the end of the day, that guy gets laid way way way more than you ever will. and he can afford way more weed than you. so shut the fuck up

#1 pot snob

Aug 16 2005, 10:43 am

hey stoned in texas, its not true that all artists have some songs that suck. look out for the band PLATNUM. they will be out by next summer and will definitely be appearing in high times. their album is full of nothing but #1 hits. PLATNUM's about to take over the music industry!!! www.platnumonline.com

wiseguy

Aug 15 2005, 11:13 pm

MATCHBOX 20 SUCKS. AND THEY ALWAYS WILL. NO MATTER HOW MUCH WEED THEY SMOKE

some unknown person

Aug 15 2005, 10:48 pm

damn, I diddnt know that gay people smoked pot now. Way to be on the cutting edge of journalism HT.

Shell0420

Aug 12 2005, 4:06 pm

Jesus Guy,

Gotta' tell ya you are a moron. You need to pray tonight that Jesus teaches you how to spell.

Pot

Aug 10 2005, 10:04 pm

This article is just a lesson, that despite opinions of people, cultures, and political and musical groups, pot is the one thing that unites all pot smokers. From Rush, to 50 cent, to matchbox 20, this wonderful plant is something we all share, and all relate to. Rock on, Rob!

theloa

Aug 10 2005, 9:42 pm

never would've thought in one hundred and million years that ol' rob thomas smokes. still doesn't makem cool to me. Still a pansy ass. Thinkin about cutting back a lil now...

NOT!

necro

Aug 10 2005, 8:54 pm

hey rob... sell me a h/p of that shit

Snake Roberts

Aug 10 2005, 4:34 am

he's got a pretty good voice that's what I've always thought. Yeah the hit with Santana was cool, I used to think that's the coolest thing he ever did but it's neat to read that he stones too.

Smooth1

Aug 9 2005, 8:59 pm

My wife just about shit when she found out Rob smoked weed..thanks for making my life easier dude..she loves the band and now leaves my ass alone...

Purple Haze...

Aug 9 2005, 8:00 pm

Can't believe this cat smokes weed!!!Neva would have though that in a million years...He's a down a-- brother though, now that I know he smokes up the Herb...The music is aight!!!some good stuff to blaze up on!!
Peace!!!

Stoned_In_Texas

Aug 8 2005, 4:48 pm

that fact he smokes is kinda funny, but his music is ok. like with all artists some songs are good and others, well suck

L-R-G Rep.

Aug 8 2005, 12:49 am

yeah all u green goblins kno that the freshest LRG gear is coming just in time for back to school. So Rep ur steez wit LRG Cuz yall KNOw what we stand for L.oving R.effer and G.irls

ROB LOVER!!

Aug 7 2005, 12:36 am

Everyone who is talking smack......Sounds like JEALOUSY!I don't care what people have to say he is rich,hot,and smokes the best weed. YOU ROCK ROB!

steve

Aug 6 2005, 12:43 am

women love they're music.

gyork

Aug 5 2005, 4:52 pm

omg you people, how can you think someone is cool just because they smoke pot, you idiots, thats prolly why you all stated smoking cause its "cool " grow up. He may be a chill dude, but his music sucks

mario

Aug 5 2005, 12:09 am

C'mon the guy hung out with Santana for God's sakes. I definately think Thomas is way cooler after reading this articel and seeing his mug on High Times. From musician to musician thanks for keeping it real. MP

getanewwriter

Aug 4 2005, 8:17 pm

man, this guy is burnt

c rizzle

Aug 4 2005, 8:15 pm

I second the notion that pot doesn't negate "cool". Rob's music is for secretaries, dental fillings, & many a elevator ride...

Katie

Aug 3 2005, 6:49 pm

I've Listened to his music for years without knowing how much cooler rob is!!! omg hes so wicked...i think i might listen to matchbox 20 tonight! :)

fuck that shit

Aug 3 2005, 6:09 pm

matchbox 20 was the worst thing to ever come on the radio....him smokin pot doesnt make him any cooler...it doesnt make their lame ass music any better.....even getting high wouldnt help their music sound a lick better

susiebutterfly

Aug 3 2005, 4:32 pm

I can't wait to go buy this issue! All my pothead friends had no clue Rob smoked up. Now, they think he is cool. I've know Rob smoked for years and I already knew he was cool. Rock on Rob!

jasonware

Aug 3 2005, 1:53 am

hey guys aboutthe whole jesuspot argument, why not do both. jesus taught to love and respect and help one another, and pot increases those instincts. so, smoke pot, chill out, have fun, and love jesus.

Slammybagzz

Aug 2 2005, 4:54 pm

eat it Rob, eat it you filthy little boy

Chillum

Aug 2 2005, 3:11 pm

Rob Thomas, I love your music (especially your lyrics), I love your voice (spoken and singing), I love your live concerts, I love your attitude and your courage to stand up and speak out. Just as I think you couldn't go up any further in my estimation you openly admit to being a spliff-head.
You are my hero !

maryjanetree

Aug 2 2005, 4:30 am

Lota drivel in these comments!
Really like Rob's voice, it's unique; when I first heard 'Lonely No More' knew it was his voice. The fact that he has 'come out of the closet!!??' (don't you hate that expression) makes him more real and more cool from where I stand, looking. Go Rob. Peace, love and brown rice from down under, Oz.

Chris420

Aug 2 2005, 12:26 am

Rob keep smokin buddy, but just stay away from the red bright lights behind you. Im gonna go take a bong rip for you.

Ganja Jane

Aug 1 2005, 3:29 pm

Hey guys, Rob could be doing much worse things. I think he got a few cool points for this effort.

ummm ok

Jul 31 2005, 10:28 pm

thx 4 doin pot rob. keep up the excellence.

Dawn

Jul 31 2005, 3:50 am

Rob Thomas and match Box Twenty are exceptional artists weather or not they indulge in an occasional joint is beside the point.Their music and stage pressence is intertaining and tasteful.

laughing my ass off

Jul 30 2005, 9:10 pm

to; pot sucks go with Jesus- ha, ha,ha Ha, ho.ho. hee! hee!Hee!

highly Pothead

Jul 30 2005, 3:09 pm

ABOUT ROB........DEAR ROB..... IT'S COOL YOU ENJOY ONE OF GODS GREATEST CREATIONS BUT DUDE YOUR MUSIC SUCKS..............

highly Pothead

Jul 30 2005, 3:07 pm

SMOKE THE GOOD STUFF!!!!
ENJOY LIFE AND LOVE JESUS!!!!
THAT DOESN'T SOUND SO BAD!!!
BUT..........................
LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL!!!!!
i AM SO sTONED IT'S BAEUTIFUL!!
SLIPKNOT!!!

cobrajet

Jul 29 2005, 1:04 pm

Dude... Jesus and his followers snoked the healing herb, aka Calamus. See Bible. I am a weed loving christian follower. God created it, nothing wrong with it so far... they even found medical uses for it, stop condemming people for their choice of herbs..!

ScrewRehab420

Jul 29 2005, 12:42 pm

Good day to everyone anyone of you guys know how to beat and lower the cannabinoid count? I'm gonna be placed under quantitative testing every month.. no access to quick flush products because i'm still proffesionally unemployed :(

You'reAllMorons

Jul 28 2005, 3:42 pm

Great -- a lot of the people here say they like Thomas'/Matchbox 20's music more now that they know that he smokes pot.

Now we know exactly why music these days sucks -- it's not about the actual sounds they produce but what the lead singer does in his free time that makes them liked and disliked.

Lemme get this straight -- you like his bands more now that you know he smokes? What kind of musical taste is that?

VictimOfProhibiton

Jul 27 2005, 12:11 pm

to that jesus as fucker.... Pot is Jesus.... so fuck u... we got now rights as it is... Looked down upon for smoking up, so let us have our community and don't fuck with us...

Ronny Simms

Jul 26 2005, 11:43 am

Matchbox 20 sucks, Rob Thomas is a blower as well. Big Deal, he smokes pot. That doesnt dismiss the fact that his music is shit. If I was a recording artist I'd be stoned as well, but only after screwing the groupies.

seattle buds

Jul 26 2005, 9:57 am

pass it.

Gargoyle

Jul 26 2005, 12:22 am

I just hope it is'nt a publicity stunt aimed at trying to ingratiate Matchbox 20 to the rocker crowd who otherwise can't stand them. Hopefully he won't end up like that tard vanilla ice and be sayin 5 years from now that he made a mistake and all cleaned up and pretty boy now...

tanner frm tx

Jul 25 2005, 9:31 pm

defenatly like 2 or 3 points cooler in my book.....good work rob

im so high right noew

Jul 25 2005, 1:26 pm

i just smoky 5
blunty baby

conehead

Jul 25 2005, 1:17 am

this, guy acts like pot is the worst substance anywhere.
I f this retard would try it instead of being a turd he could realize that THC is the best thing to ever grace the earth second only to women.

roblove!

Jul 24 2005, 11:26 pm

why is it that your on HIGHTIMES? Are you fighting sin via the internet? why don't you try it before you knock it, it'll get you closer to GOD you'll be flying so high. Isn't this hell enough already? watch the news...chill man we only live once.

trance

Jul 24 2005, 3:20 pm

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! WOW WHAT A DICK...THIS IS WHY I CONSIDER CHRISTIANS SOME KIND OF MUTATION OF SOCIETY.GO AND READ YOUR BOOK PAL...BY THE WAY,SOMEBODY WROTE IT 200 YEARS AFTER JESUS DEATH.BE HAPPY WHILE YOU CAN.

pot sucks go with Jesus

Jul 24 2005, 2:05 pm

man how can u al like weed.... it sucks all its doing is illing u slowely....i get high off worshipping Jesus...try it its better then pot

jokes

Jul 23 2005, 5:13 pm

american local joints

true

Jul 23 2005, 3:12 am

thats not a surprise. he always had that shaggy haired stoner look

Harmon6932

Jul 22 2005, 10:43 pm

I've always known Rob was a True Cronic Smokin kinda guy.
Just check out his song lyrics. Anyone that writes songs so deep and full of meaning, has to be cool. Hell, Ibelieve I heard word that on his song, UNWELL, that unwell was referring to being HIGH!!!! WAY TO GO ROB!! KEEP ON SMOKING AND KEEP ON WRITING

Bomboclat!

Jul 22 2005, 6:20 pm

One thing, if you want to get out of the Pot closet remember you need to be rich otherwise the police will grab your ass and rip it out of place. Peace

interesting guy

Jul 22 2005, 12:51 am

Hey High Times interview me...I know I've got just as many cool things to say as Rob Thomas...I heard his new song and it sounds like he's gettin' produced by N'sync'...We'll hang out, I'll tell you some funny ass jokes, and tell you how George Bush and all his cronies are fukin' crazy nazi's who are using fear to scare the countries citizens into a panic of religious fervor and then I'll smoke you up with the big ass bag of dank you give me for the interview...come on...AWWW Come on!!??!!

smoking in sc 2

Jul 21 2005, 5:49 pm

word

PTomblin

Jul 21 2005, 5:18 pm

I love M-20 but now I am not too sure about Rob.........

pothead

Jul 21 2005, 2:33 pm

I always have liked Matchbox Twenty and thought that there music was pretty sweet, but now knowing that Rob Thomas is a big fan of pot I like the band even more :)
*smoke till ya croak*

pothead

Jul 21 2005, 2:33 pm

I always have liked Matchbox Twenty and thought that there music was pretty sweet, but now knowing that Rob Thomas is a big fan of pot I like the band even more :)
*smoke till ya croak*

Downer1 702

Jul 21 2005, 1:13 pm

Wassup 2 every 1 down wit downer fuk all tha haters wassup all yall all tha way 4rm tha east side of las vegas.

daRms

Jul 21 2005, 5:08 am

c Rob thomas stoner???????????????ambot lang,basta,, LONG LIVE the CANNABIS SOCIETY sa davao,PHILLIPINES....

CHOi420

Jul 21 2005, 5:04 am

rob the fuckin thomas????!!!!yeah right,,,keep stoned brO...

RobLove!

Jul 20 2005, 2:01 pm

he's talented, cute and he smokes? is he married? ONE LOVE!

Stoned_in-Milwaukee

Jul 19 2005, 9:33 pm

MAn,

Fuk dat. Matchboxxxx twenty can lick my nutzzzz. Rob Thomas be smoking shwag outta a foiley. Word

dangle

Jul 19 2005, 7:33 pm

me and old rob ride around in the cop unit all the time and get ripped ive known for years hes the shit ahmen brother toke a dutchi for me

schmokin in da MP

Jul 19 2005, 10:09 am

u know it ...

keep burnin'

smoking in sc

Jul 18 2005, 7:44 am

man ohh man...... its been awhile since i got on tihs site. matchbox20 still is known for droppin' one of only honestly a few c-ds that was great from first song to last say what ya want, but the first 20 c-d fuckin rocked, toke a fatty and listen to the boys jam. hey rob it would be nice to catch a mathcbox 20 concert in amsterdam!! seems like no american bands ever fuck up amsterdeezy.....you know we smoking in south carolina.........GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EP TX pot head

Jul 18 2005, 3:42 am

Good job on your music and dont stop smoking pot and get out there and endorse legalization and promote the use of marijuana.

tst4twenty

Jul 17 2005, 5:44 pm

Till the Day I Die Rob....Till the Day I Die!! how bout you?? i'll bet you feel the same. watches?!? Rob don't need no stinking watches. they're a dime a dozen. a good dime is not as easy to procure and therefore, most definately worth going back for. Rob...if people don't like you cuz of your choice of recreational consumptive products...fall back on your other "vice" and tell them to go --ck themselves. a pot toking potty mouth...that's our Rob!!!

marijane ;) !

Jul 17 2005, 5:04 pm

"Pssssst! Pass it this way Rob!"

bent

Jul 17 2005, 1:51 am

I'm proud of Rob for being so open about his choices!! It is his choice, and it's my choice to accept him for who he is! Rock on Rob!! From a fan for life

R-E Crisologo

Jul 16 2005, 11:21 pm

The pot is almost use for disaline digestion even your almost using prohibited drugs it is most herbal of our body even they they are saying Dangerous drugs but that not is true,We use almost anytime we going or doing someone our life.I love it ever!!!

Rob-too

Jul 16 2005, 10:31 pm

You ROCK Rob!!!!!!!!

hashinator

Jul 16 2005, 9:59 pm

anyone who smokes pot is pretty much okay in my book.....unless your that guy that killed a buch of mounties and gave all potheads a bad name. other than that guy, everyone else is okay...i think.

Kristal

Jul 16 2005, 6:07 pm

hey rob keep on dong what you do. keep up the good work

Elena

Jul 16 2005, 10:33 am

lmfao! you just rock Rob!

Becca

Jul 15 2005, 11:40 pm

LMAO! YOU GO ROB!

co genton

Jul 15 2005, 10:40 pm

thats the last thing we nee is more sneeky stoners sneeking around

j03bert

Jul 15 2005, 9:49 pm

Word up Rob!! Never had a single clue you were one of us 2;) Keep up and stay STONED:-P

Jul 14 2005, 10:25 pm

WHAT YEAH ROB!!!

hahahahahahhaha

Jul 14 2005, 6:58 pm

hahahahahaha i gota show this to my mom. ill be like he does it too mom.

» add a comment

headlines