Mark McGrath, the charismatic frontman of Sugar Ray, has been a staple of the music scene since the 90s. With hits like Fly and Every Morning, he captured the essence of a generation.
“The fact we created songs that people associate wonderful memories with means the world to me,” says the sentimental performer.
As admitted 90s groupies, we were stoked to speak with Mark about all the things especially as he embarks on playing at Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding fundraiser this month.
“Alice is one of the most incredible people I've ever met. When I finally got the call to partake in the Pudding, I was honored. It’s refreshing when your heroes are better than advertised,” says Mark.
With a long history of performing in Arizona, Mark has graced stages at multiple area fundraisers and even at a Diamondbacks game.
“The Valley feels like a second home to me.”
His affection for Arizona is palpable; he loves the weather, the landscape, and the sense of community that embraces his every visit.
“What’s not to love?” he reflects.
When it comes to performing, Mark holds a deep appreciation for the memories his music evokes in fans.
“Nostalgia is a beautiful word. If you look it up, it’s all positive adjectives.”
Mark understands the power of music connecting people to their history, knowing fans often associate his songs with treasured experiences.
“I never get bored playing our songs. It feels like the first time every time. It’s like a rollercoaster ride of memories.”
Our curious minds wanted something juicy, so we asked the 90s sensation to give us the scoop on a wild backstage story. However, Mark’s response did not divulge any secrets.
“None of them are worth printing,” he answered teasingly.
However, Mark did share some pre-concert rituals like blasting 70s disco before hitting the stage, cracking a beer, and dancing.
“It’s the worst dancing you’ve ever seen, but it gets us in the mood!”
Reflecting on Sugar Ray’s big break, Mark pays full tribute to a video his buddy curated and got in the hands of a big-time exec.
“In the early 90s, everybody made demo tapes on cassettes. My best friend made us a video that made its way randomly to the president of Atlantic Records. He loved the video, and the rest is history. My buddy was the guy who made many of the videos you saw on MTV for artists like Sublime, Korn, Offspring, and more.”
Speaking of friends, Mark prioritizes fostering his longtime friendships.
“We try to do dinner twice a month. I've been in a band with Rodney, our guitar player, for 36 years now. We’ve gone through life together. Hanging with friends is what life is about… and it's so underrated.”
Mark considers himself more of a fan than a musician. He loves The Beach Boys, Slayer, The Beatles, Beastie Boys and Sex Pistols.”
“The Sex Pistols gave me the courage to step on stage. They simply said, ‘If you act like you’re entertaining, you can do it.’”
And that ethos of authenticity has guided Mark throughout his career.
“I am blessed traveling the world and giving everybody their 90s needs. If this is my trajectory for the rest of my life, I've had the best life ever. I still pinch myself every time I get to perform.”
Despite his rockstar persona, family remains at the forefront of Mark's life.
“Like most parents, I act as a professional Uber driver when I’m home,” he quipped, revealing balancing touring with fatherhood.
With 14-year-old twins, Mark savors family time and enjoys simple pleasures, especially when it comes to being the typical dad.
“I embarrass my kids more than anything, but that's my job. But sometimes I'll hear them in their rooms, and they'll have a playlist going and Sugar Ray will come on. Surely it gives me a sense of pride knowing they kind of like my music.”
As for what the future holds, Mark remains optimistic.
“It's just not Sugar Ray… I've got another band called Ezra Ray Hart and we're playing at the Tortuga Festival in the spring.”
We couldn’t let our convo end without asking Mark a burning question… his thoughts on becoming a fashion icon when it comes to bleached tips.
“Speaking of that hairdo, I had seen a picture of Scott Weiland in Rolling Stone, and he was always the epitome of cool stylized. So, the night before we were going to shoot the Fly video, I called my friend who was in beauty school requesting a Scott Weiland hairdo. Well, over a case of beer, the burner was left on too long and turned my hair orange. It was horrid. I thought everyone would hate it, but it ended up leaving quite a statement.”
And speaking of statements, Mark has also hit the big screen.
“I love doing movies. But if you see the movies I've done like Joe Dirt, Sharknado and Scooby Doo… let’s just say you know Daniel Day Lewis's position is safe amongst actors. Not everybody can transform from Marky Mark into Mark Wahlberg.”
The 90s heartthrob still prefers Ice Ice Baby as a karaoke song and even made a tall request from Santa this Christmas.
“I want a Wimbledon Rolex. I’ve been leaving hints all over my house.”
With his infectious enthusiasm and genuine warmth, Mark is a reminder that while trends may change, the heart of music will always remain.
“Just give me a time,” he said, eager to keep the music alive. “I’ll be there with bells on.”
Mark McGrath is performing at Alice Cooper’s annual Christmas Pudding on December 7th.
IG @therealmarkmcgrath