The 11-city, cross-country itinerary coincides with the April 19 release of Thomas’ debut solo album, Something To Be. The tour starts April 15 at The Fillmore in San Francisco and wraps April 30 at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. The shows will mark the first time Thomas has played venues of this size since matchbox twenty’s first national trek eight years ago.

Matchbox’s last tour ended in December 2003 after a stunningly successful run that really took off in 1997. After selling over more than 25 million albums and logging hundreds of concert performance, the group disbanded.

Since he had made a name for himself away from the band (who doesn’t remember “Smooth,” his inescapable hit with Carlos Santana?), there was little doubt that Thomas would resurface.

But life as a solo artist has its challenges. While watching his first solo single, “Lonely No More,” climb the charts, the singer has been auditioning musicians for his band. He said a tour of larger venues will likely follow the club tour.

It’s been 10 years since he’s searched for a band, and hundreds have turned out for the opportunity to hit the road with Thomas. He’s enlisted a member of the matchbox crew to check out the talent.

“He goes through the first really bad 100 guitar players and then he sends me five to check out,” Thomas said. “I can’t go through the ‘American Idol’ audition process. This is not a rock record. It’s not about how fast you play. This record is about the drummer and the best player.”

And, of course, the guy with the voice.