THE ATARIS IN CONCERT:
For nearly two decades, DIY pop punk favorites The Ataris have been one of the most reliably awesome live acts in the business. The group's heart-on-sleeve lyrics, anthemic guitars, and propulsive punk drumming have made them a staple on the festival circuit, where fans come out in droves to hear hard-charging, emotionally vulnerable tunes like "In This Diary" and "The Saddest Song". Whether they're tearing up the stage on the Vans Warped Tour or performing a headlining show at an intimate venue, The Ataris always bring their A-game to the stage, delivering amped-up performances that leave ticket buyers cheering for one of their legendary encores.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
The Ataris began in Anderson, IN as the home recording project of singer and guitarist Kristopher Roe. The 4-track demos Roe recorded in his bedroom with then-guitarist Jasin Thomason eventually found their way to Joe Escalante, bassist of legendary punk band The Vandals, and in 1997 The Ataris released their debut album Anywhere But Here on The Vandals' own Kung Fu Records. Shorty after the record's release the band relocated to Santa Barbara, CA, where several lineup changes threw their future in jeopardy. Roe pressed on unfazed, auditioning members until he found a stable lineup, and in 1999 the band released their sophomore album Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits. The group toured extensively in support of the album, building a strong regional following with their rip-roaring live shows. Following a moderately successful third album released in 2001, The Ataris finally broke through to mainstream success with 2003's So Long, Astoria. The record peaked at No. 24 on the US Billboard 200 -- a huge feat for an underground band -- and appeared on charts around the world. Since then The Ataris have remained a scene staple, thrilling fans year after year with career-spanning sets of their taut pop punk tunes on tour.
