Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Kyle Cook

David Kyle Cook (born August 29, 1975) is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist, banjo player, and backing and occasional lead vocalist of the rock band Matchbox Twenty. Born in Frankfort, Indiana, Cook graduated from Frankfort High School before relocating to Orlando, Florida, where he joined Matchbox Twenty in the mid-1990s as the band formed from the ashes of earlier local groups like Tabitha's Secret. Over nearly three decades with the band, Cook has contributed significantly to their sound, co-writing tracks and shaping the instrumental arrangements on albums including their debut Yourself or Someone Like You (1996), which featured hits like "Push" and "3AM," as well as later releases such as North (2012) and Where the Light Goes (2023). Beyond , Cook has pursued solo endeavors and side projects, including managing the rock band The New Left, which he co-founded in high school, and forming the duo Rivers and Rust with vocalist Sheila Marshall. His debut solo album, Wolves (2018), co-produced with Lincoln Parish and released via his own Recording Company label, explores themes of personal turmoil, including his divorce, through a mix of pop-rock and heavier, orchestral elements. Cook briefly left in 2016 amid personal challenges but rejoined the following year, continuing to tour and record with the group while maintaining an active solo career.

Early life

Upbringing

David Kyle Cook was born on August 29, 1975, in Frankfort, Indiana. Cook grew up in the small town of Frankfort, a rural community in central Indiana known for its agricultural roots and close-knit environment. His early years were shaped by this Midwestern setting, which provided a modest, isolated backdrop far removed from the music industry hubs he would later enter. He attended Frankfort High School, graduating in 1994 as part of the Class of Hot Dogs, the school's mascot-themed alumni group. During his pre-fame years, Cook held typical entry-level jobs, including a stint working for (), reflecting the everyday challenges of young adulthood in a working-class town. After high school, Cook moved to , , at age 19 to begin formal musical training.

Musical beginnings

Cook's initial foray into music occurred during his childhood in , where he received five years of classical violin training starting in junior high school. This early exposure to classical techniques laid a foundational discipline in his musical development, though he later transitioned away from the instrument. During high school, Cook switched to guitar, acquiring his first instrument—an acoustic model from his stepfather—and incorporating it into the school orchestra while drawing inspiration from rock acts like . He joined the local covers band Downpour, performing at events such as proms and parties alongside future collaborators Chris Borges on bass and Matt Kibler on drums, which allowed him to hone his skills in a group setting focused on repertoire. Following his high school graduation, Cook relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to enroll at the Atlanta Institute of Music, discovered through an advertisement in Guitar World magazine. There, he studied guitar, musicianship, and vocals, gaining exposure to a broad array of musical styles through coursework and coffeehouse performances, though he has described the experience as providing limited formal insight into his craft. His early influences, drawn from classic rock bands such as Bad Company and The Beatles, profoundly shaped his guitar style, emphasizing melodic phrasing and tasteful solos over technical flash.

Career

Matchbox Twenty

Kyle Cook joined Matchbox Twenty as an original member and lead guitarist in 1995, shortly after the band formed in Orlando, Florida, by vocalist Rob Thomas, bassist Brian Yale, and drummer Paul Doucette. In addition to his primary role on lead guitar, Cook contributes banjo parts and backing vocals, adding distinctive textures to the band's pop-rock sound. His instrumental riffs became integral to early hits like "Real World" from the debut album. Cook played a key role in the band's five studio albums, providing guitar arrangements, solos, and co-writing contributions that shaped their commercial trajectory. The debut, Yourself or Someone Like You (1996), achieved diamond certification (12x platinum) and propelled Matchbox Twenty to global success with singles like "Push" and "3 A.M.," where Cook's guitar work underscored the album's raw energy. Follow-up Mad Season (2000, 4x platinum) featured his prominent solos and backing vocals, including on tracks like "Bent," while he contributed to the live album Mad Season by Matchbox Twenty (2001), capturing performances from the supporting tour. On More Than You Think You Are (2002, 2x platinum), Cook co-wrote "How Far We've Come," blending his melodic guitar lines with the band's introspective themes. The hiatus from 2004 to 2011 saw Cook's return for North (2012, gold-certified, #1 on Billboard 200), where he co-wrote "She's So Mean" and sang lead on "The Way," showcasing his vocal range in live settings. Most recently, on Where the Light Goes (2023), Cook co-produced alongside bandmates and sparked the album's development, integrating banjo and guitar innovations into songs like "Don't Get Me Wrong." Matchbox Twenty's breakthrough came with extensive touring and awards recognition, including multiple and Grammy nominations, where Cook's dynamic guitar solos—often highlighted in live renditions of "Unwell" and "Bright Lights"—became a favorite for their emotional depth and technical flair. The band sold over 30 million albums worldwide, with Cook's integrations adding folk-rock elements to their arena-filling performances across global tours. In April 2016, Cook temporarily departed amid personal challenges involving communication breakdowns within . He rejoined in 2017 for a co-headlining tour with , reaffirming his commitment. Cook continued as a core member through the Slow Dream Tour (2023–2024), co-headlining with and delivering standout guitar and moments in sets spanning their catalog. As of 2025, reflecting on the band's 30th anniversary since formation, Cook has emphasized the enduring connection and his instrumental evolution in interviews.

The New Left

During Matchbox Twenty's hiatus following the release of their 2002 album More Than You Think You Are, guitarist reunited with high school friends to form the band in 2004. The group originated from Cook's teenage years in , where he, bassist John Kibler, and drummer Brett Borges had previously played together in the mostly covers band Downpour, performing at local proms and parties. Joining them were guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Eamon Ryland on , , and , as well as keyboardist Joshua Chiet. The New Left's sound drew from 1970s rock influences such as and , reflecting the covers repertoire from Cook's high school days, while incorporating elements suited to Cook's evolving style. Cook served as the band's lead guitarist and co-writer, contributing to the songwriting process alongside his performance duties. The band self-released their debut EP Let Go on October 29, 2004, a six-track project recorded at Cook's Swamptone studio in ; notable tracks included "Lose Your Head" and the title song "Let Go." The toured in support of the EP, including shows in , but the project remained short-lived as Cook shifted focus back to Matchbox Twenty's reunion and subsequent activities around 2005–2006. In the years following, Cook continued to manage the band while pursuing other endeavors.

Solo work and other projects

Cook released his debut solo , Wolves, on October 12, 2018, through his own label, The Recording Company. As of September 2025, this music has been removed from streaming platforms. The 's creation spanned the 2016–2018 period, during which Cook drew inspiration from the personal upheaval of his , channeling themes of heartbreak and healing into cathartic tracks like the title song "Wolves." To promote the record, Cook embarked on a solo tour in 2019, performing selections from Wolves alongside covers and Matchbox Twenty material at venues including The Wayfarer in , on April 17 and Lola's Room in , on April 25. A edition of Wolves followed later that year, capitalizing on renewed interest in the format. In 2017, Cook formed the side project Rivers and Rust, a collective blending , , and Americana with an emphasis on male-female vocal interplay. The group released the single "What a Waste" featuring vocalist Maye in January 2021, marking their first output in three years. As of September 2025, this music has been removed from streaming platforms. Beyond these endeavors, Cook has pursued production work and guest appearances, including co-producing and co-writing Jaden Hamilton's 2024 single "Johnny McGee" and sharing stages with singer-songwriter Paul McDonald during his 2019 solo outings. In 2025, Cook joined for performances on his solo tour dates. These independent projects emerged during a hiatus from , allowing Cook to explore personal artistic expressions.

Personal life

Marriage and divorce

Cook married Sabrina in July 1999. Their marriage lasted 17 years. The divorce was finalized around 2016–2017, coinciding with a hiatus in Matchbox Twenty's activities following their 2012 album North and the creation of Cook's debut solo album Wolves. Cook has described this period as emotionally challenging, marked by personal turmoil that tested his resilience. The dissolution significantly impacted Cook's career, leading to his temporary departure from in April 2016 amid reported communication breakdowns within the band; he rejoined the group in 2017 for a co-headlining tour with . Throughout the separation, music provided a therapeutic outlet, with Cook noting that the process of songwriting helped him navigate the emotional strain. This experience briefly influenced the introspective themes in his solo album Wolves.

Family

Kyle Cook is the father of two daughters, Mackenzie and Ava, from his previous to Sabrina. The , finalized around 2017, marked a significant transition in his family life, after which Cook prioritized spending time with his daughters, temporarily setting aside aspects of his music career to support them through the change. Cook resides in . In subsequent years, he has occasionally shared insights into fatherhood via interviews, describing the challenges of co-parenting while managing his commitments to Matchbox Twenty's tours and solo projects.

References

  1. [1]
    Musicians born on August 29 - Music History Events November 3
    1975 Kyle Cook (lead guitarist for Matchbox Twenty) is born in Frankfort, Indiana. 1970 R&B singer Carl Martin (of Shai) is born in Lafayette, Louisiana. Known ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    https://www.abilenebarandlounge.com/calendar/2018/3/15/kyle-cook
  3. [3]
    Matchbox Twenty guitarist Kyle Cook returns to Indiana for Vogue ...
    Aug 15, 2019 · Matchbox Twenty took shape in Orlando, Florida, in the mid-1990s, less than two years after Cook graduated from Frankfort High School and ...Missing: biography - | Show results with:biography -
  4. [4]
    Matchbox 20 and then some… with Kyle Cook - Thinkin' & Drinkin'
    Jun 29, 2020 · Kyle Cook spent the bulk of his musical life as the lead guitarist of matchbox twenty. He co-wrote some of the songs and invented many of the instrumental ...
  5. [5]
    About - Matchbox Twenty
    ... Kyle Cook —simply did what they do best and wrote another great batch of ... Rob Thomas has proven one of the most highly decorated artists of recent years – ...
  6. [6]
    Kyle Cook - Biography - IMDb
    Once worked for UPS · Lead guitarist for Matchbox Twenty · Has 2 daughters: Mackenzie and Ava · When not with Matchbox Twenty, he manages his own band The New Left.
  7. [7]
    Kyle Cook runs with 'Wolves' in Bend | The Bulletin
    Apr 18, 2019 · Matchbox Twenty lead guitarist Kyle Cook spent at least four years working on his debut solo album, “Wolves.” In that time frame, Cook ...
  8. [8]
    Nettwerk One Music Signs Matchbox 20's Kyle Cook - MusicRow.com
    May 14, 2015 · In addition to Matchbox 20, Cook is also the lead guitarist and vocalist for The New Left and has credits as a writer, performer and producer ...Missing: work | Show results with:work
  9. [9]
    Matchbox 20 Biography - InfoPlease
    In 1996, the trio added guitarists Adam Gaynor and Kyle Cook and christened the new configuration Matchbox 20. Soon after, radio and MTV hits like the Grammy- ...Missing: life | Show results with:life
  10. [10]
    Matchbox 20 guitarist Kyle Cook (Full Band) + special guest Paul ...
    Mar 31, 2019 · Most widely known as lead guitarist for Matchbox 20, Kyle Cook brings his solo tour to the historic Cactus Theater, Sunday, March 31!
  11. [11]
    Frankfort Hot Dogs Alumni Hall of Fame Inducts First Class
    alumni, Class of 1994, lead guitarist for Matchbox 20.
  12. [12]
    Kyle Cook (of Matchbox Twenty) - Supreme Entertainment Artists
    Kyle enrolled at the Atlanta Institute of Music where he was exposed to various styles of music. There he was able to expand his knowledge of classical ...Missing: family background upbringing Indiana high
  13. [13]
    Indiana Music Makers - Kyle Cook (Matchbox Twenty) - Google Sites
    After high school, he studied guitar at the Atlanta Institute of Music and in 1996 joined Matchbox Twenty, with whom he is the lead guitarist and a back-up ...Missing: biography early
  14. [14]
    The New Left to release 'Let Go' October 29; Tour to kick off on ...
    NEW YORK (www.newleftmusic.com) - Having toured the globe with Matchbox Twenty, guitarist KYLE COOK ... KYLE COOK ... THE NEW LEFT began as DOWNPOUR - a mostly ...
  15. [15]
    Matchbox Twenty's Kyle Cook picks 10 essential guitar albums
    Jun 6, 2013 · Matchbox Twenty's Kyle Cook picks 10 essential guitar albums · Bad Company - Bad Company (1974) · The Beatles - Rubber Soul (1965) · Booker T & The ...Missing: Atlanta Institute Downpour
  16. [16]
    Matchbox Twenty: How '3AM' Became Their Breakout Hit
    Sep 10, 2025 · That same year, the other members of Tabitha's Secret, Thomas, Yale, and Paul Doucette, formed Matchbox Twenty along with guitarist Kyle Cook.
  17. [17]
    Matchbox Twenty Biography, Discography, Chart History
    Kyle Cook - lead guitar, backing and occasional lead vocals, mandolin, banjo (1995 - 2004, 2007 - 2016, 2017 - present), keyboards (2003, 2012). Discography:
  18. [18]
    MATCHBOX TWENTY - M Music & Musicians Magazine
    ... writing—and lead vocal—contributions from bandmates Kyle Cook and Paul Doucette on more than half the album. During the 10-year hiatus, both Cook and ...
  19. [19]
    Matchbox Twenty Talks Songwriting Process Behind Their ...
    May 25, 2023 · After working in the studio, lead guitarist Kyle Cook sparked the idea around an LP and encouraged his bandmates to keep their creative wheels ...
  20. [20]
    Q&A with Matchbox Twenty - Music Connection Magazine
    Oct 15, 2012 · This time, we understand that the other members of the band made significant contributions to the songwriting. How did this variety of writers ...
  21. [21]
    Matchbox Twenty Returns With 'Where the Light Goes' Album - Variety
    Apr 24, 2023 · Throw in Kyle Cook's solo ventures and brief departure from the group and Thomas' hesitations around losing the autonomy of his solo career ...
  22. [22]
    Staying In Balance: Matchbox 20's Sonic Evolution Unfolds On The ...
    Aug 14, 2023 · In more than a casual sense, Matchbox 20's 2023 Slow Dream Tour ... The lead guitarist, Kyle Cook, does everything through pedals and amps.
  23. [23]
    30 Years of Matchbox Twenty: Part one - Facebook
    Oct 4, 2024 · Joining fifty-two year old Rob Thomas is rhythm guitarist Paul Doucet fifty-one and forty-eight year old lead guitarist Kyle Cook. When you ...
  24. [24]
    NEW LEFT FEELS JUST RIGHT TO HIM - Orlando Sentinel
    Mar 11, 2005 · Such is the reality for matchbox guitarist Kyle Cook, who plays Saturday at the Social with the New Left, the group that consumes his attention ...
  25. [25]
    Matchbox Twenty Guitarist Goes Solo - Billboard
    Oct 12, 2004 · Matchbox twenty guitarist Kyle Cook will on Oct. 29 self-release the debut EP from his side band, the New Left. The six-track “Let Go” finds ...
  26. [26]
    Kyle Cook - Wolves (Official Video) - YouTube
    Sep 12, 2018 · Wolves album available on 10/12/18 on all streaming outlets Connect with Kyle: https://www.facebook.com/stalkingkyle ...
  27. [27]
    Kyle Cook // Akron, OH // 10.13.2018 - Stitched Sound
    Oct 13, 2018 · Some of the inspiration, he said, came from divorcing his wife and the dark times that followed. This is an album about heartbreak and healing.
  28. [28]
    Kyle Cook Setlist at The Wayfarer, Costa Mesa
    Apr 17, 2019 · Get the Kyle Cook Setlist of the concert at The Wayfarer, Costa Mesa, CA, USA on April 17, 2019 and other Kyle Cook Setlists for free on setlist
  29. [29]
    Kyle Cook - “Wolves” - April 25, 2019 - Portland, OR - Lola's Room
    Jun 16, 2019 · Kyle Cook of Matchbox Twenty performs the title track from his debut solo album "Wolves" live at Lola's Room on April 25, 2019 in Portland, ...
  30. [30]
    https://rivers-and-rust.squarespace.com/
  31. [31]
    Rivers and Rust
    A side project of Matchbox Twenty guitarist Kyle Cook, the versatile, adaptable collective is a heated mix of roots rock, soul and Americana.
  32. [32]
    ‎Rivers and Rust - Apple Music
    Rivers and Rust. Top Songs. What A Waste (feat. Maye). What A Waste (feat. Maye) - Single · 2021. Similar Artists. Kyle Cook · JayDaYoungan · Quando Rondo ...
  33. [33]
    Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas on solo album and tour, coming to ...
    Jul 24, 2025 · Matchbox Twenty guitarist Kyle Cook lives in Nashville and Thomas jokes that he has "resisted the pull" to move here himself. " When I was ...