Smash Mouth to rock the Midland on Friday

NEWARK — This Friday, the Midland Theatre is hosting a band whose music might make you feel like an "All Star."

You might even feel like you're "Walkin' on the Sun."

The rock band Smash Mouth will take the stage in Newark and fans of their music will have the chance to hear all their hits, bass player Paul Delisle said.

"We might be a little bit older now, but we still rock like we did in our 20s," he said. "The band has never sounded better."

Formed in 1994, the rock group is known for songs such as "Then the Morning Comes" and "I'm a Believer." They recently added to their repertoire with a new album, "Magic."

Audience members who attend Friday's concert will hear a variety of music from the past few decades.

"The band is very strong right now," Delisle said. "We try to make sure we include songs from all five of our studio albums and emphasize very heavily on the first two."

Delisle joked that he's heard people describe Smash Mouth as an "oldies" band. But he said he's thankful for all the experiences he's had with the group. He's been able to travel the world and perform with musicians he admires, such as Tonic and Toad the Wet Sprocket.

"We feel lucky to be around this long," he said.

Delisle recently finished documenting the band's history in his book "Walkin' on the Sun: The Unofficial Biography."

He's also helped with the band's cookbook, "Recipes from the Road," which was inspired by some of the food the musicians have tried on tour.

Both those items will be available for purchase Friday at the Midland.

When Delisle performs, he always tries to play the type of concert that he would enjoy. That's the show audience members will see on Friday, he said.

"It will be nothing but hits the whole night," he said. "It might remind people of high school and that’s great. It’s an honor. We are really grateful and fortunate to be in this position."

ajeffries@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8544

Twitter: @amsjeffries 

IF YOU GO

What: Smash Mouth with special guests Plaid Brixx

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: The Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Place, Newark

Cost: $30-$50

More info: Call 740-345-5483 or go to midlandtheatre.org.