David Kyle Cook (born August 29, 1975) is an American musician best known as a member of the band Matchbox Twenty, serving as the lead guitarist, banjo player, backing and occasional lead vocalist.
Career
Matchbox Twenty
Kyle Cook joined Matchbox Twenty on lead guitar right as the band's other members transitioned from their previous work as Tabitha's Secret, in 1995. He has remained a stable member of the band to this day. Apart from playing guitar, he also sings backing vocals. He plays piano on the song "Hand Me Down" from the album More Than You Think You Are and sings lead vocals on the track "The Way" from North.[citation needed]
In an Instagram post from April 9, 2016, Cook announced his departure from Matchbox Twenty, citing "deterioration of communication, disagreements on when, where and how we tour and a general breakdown of democracy within the group."[1] However, less than a year later on March 27, 2017, Cook announced Matchbox Twenty's North American co-headlining summer tour with Counting Crows, and that his side project Rivers and Rust would be the opening act.[2] Regarding Cook's status in the band, Matchbox Twenty member Paul Doucette replied, "Kyle is back!" in response to a fan's question on Twitter.[3]
After releasing their third album, More Than You Think You Are, in 2002, and spending the next year touring the globe, the members of Matchbox Twenty began to work on separate musical projects. Guitarist Cook reconnected with his former bandmates—drummer Brett Borges and bassist John Kibler. The three had met during high school in rural Indiana. Under the name Downpour, the group had played proms and parties, but had parted ways once graduation came around. After Cook became part of Matchbox Twenty, the trio had kept in touch and recorded demos during Cook's time off from touring. Adopting the name the New Left, they added guitarist and singer-songwriter Eamon Ryland.
The group's only release was the EP Let Go, released in 2004 during Cook's hiatus from Matchbox Twenty. It was recorded at Cook's studio in Orlando, Florida, and it includes six original blues-tinged rock tracks.
