Singer-songwriter and bassist behind Weezer's iconic blue album, crafting catchy hooks and melodies that defined 90s geek rock. Known for his distinctive bass sound and songwriting skills.
As the founding bassist of the iconic rock band Weezer, Matt Sharp's contributions to the music world are undeniable. From his work on the band's first two albums, including the self-titled Blue Album and Pinkerton, to his own successful projects with Rentals and as a solo artist, Sharp's songwriting skills have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Born on September 22, 1969, in Bangkok, Thailand, to American parents, Sharp's early life was marked by change and exploration. His family moved to Arlington, Virginia, when he was just a year old, and later to San Diego, California, when he was 16. It was during this period that Sharp developed a passion for music, with his first musical purchase being a 45 rpm single of Chic's "Le Freak" at the age of nine.
In 1991, Sharp moved to Berkeley, California, to pursue his music career, eventually joining forces with Rivers Cuomo, Jason Cropper, and Patrick Wilson to form Weezer in 1992. As the band's bassist and de facto manager, Sharp played a crucial role in shaping their early sound and securing their first record deal. Sharp's work with Weezer resulted in two critically acclaimed albums, the Blue Album (1994) and Pinkerton (1996), which have since become cult classics.
In 1994, Sharp also founded Rentals, a new wave and power pop-inspired band that has released five albums to date. His solo work has been marked by a more experimental and introspective approach, with the release of an EP and an album.
Throughout his career, Sharp has been known for his introspective and often experimental approach to songwriting. His music often explores themes of identity, relationships, and social commentary, showcasing his ability to craft narratives that are both personal and universally relatable.
Sharp's work with Weezer has had a significant impact on the music industry, influencing a generation of musicians and fans alike. His contributions to the power pop and geek rock genres have helped shape the sound of the 1990s and beyond, with bands like Green Day and Foo Fighters citing Weezer as an inspiration.
"I think the biggest misconception about Weezer is that we're just a bunch of nerds who can't play our instruments. But we're actually a bunch of nerds who can play our instruments really well." - Matt Sharp
Matt Sharp's contributions to the music world are undeniable, with his work with Weezer and Rentals cementing his place as one of the most influential songwriters of the 1990s. His music has inspired a generation of musicians and fans, and continues to be celebrated for its catchy hooks, introspective lyrics, and genre-bending approach.
Weezer's debut album, the Blue Album, has been certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA, and has been named one of the greatest albums of all time by publications like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.
Rentals' debut album, Return of the Rentals, has been praised by critics for its innovative approach to new wave and power pop.
Matt Sharp's solo work has been lauded for its introspective and experimental approach, showcasing his continued growth as a songwriter and musician.
55 Years Old
Lead vocalist and guitarist of the alternative rock band Weezer, known for catchy, geeky, and introspective songs that resonated with a generation of music fans.
57 Years Old
Rhythm guitarist and founding member of the alternative rock band Weezer, known for catchy power pop hooks and geeky, pop culture-infused lyrics.
58 Years Old
Lead vocalist of Stone Temple Pilots, known for his distinctive voice and hit songs like "Plush" and "Vasoline".
59 Years Old
A founding member of Pearl Jam, he's a highly influential grunge musician and songwriter, penning hits like "Even Flow" and "Alive".
60 Years Old
Lead guitarist and songwriter for the iconic rock band Pearl Jam, known for his soaring solos and intricate playing style.
61 Years Old
Lead vocalist and guitarist of the iconic grunge band Pearl Jam, known for powerful vocals and socially conscious songwriting. 82
61 Years Old
Lead vocalist of iconic bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, known for powerful, wide-ranging vocals and songwriting that blended grunge and heavy metal.
61 Years Old
A legendary musician and activist, known for his innovative guitar playing and socially conscious lyrics, as the co-founder of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.
