MATCHBOX 20 YEARS

“I’ve got a great idea,” exclaims Sony/ATV SVP, Head of East Coast A&R Rich Christina to chartbusting artist/songwriter Rob Thomas. “Let’s celebrate the deal extending your 20-year relationship with our company by posing here next to the elevator. It’s a perfect expression of permanence.” Later, during the ride down, Rob wrote seven more hits. Seen making a mental note not to send this photo to us are (l-r) manager Michael Lippman, Christina, Thomas and EVP, Worldwide Head of Advertising, Film & TV Brian Monaco.

By the by, Sony/ATV ruler Marty Bandier (not pictured) declared: “I am so pleased that Rob has agreed to stay with Sony/ATV for the foreseeable future. I was fortunate enough to have been running the company when he signed his first publishing deal in 1996 and he and his songs have been part of my life ever since then as well as those of all his fans the world over.”