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The Ataris are an American punk rock band from Anderson, Indiana. Formed in 1996, they released five studio albums between 1997 and 2007. Their best-selling album is So Long, Astoria (2003), which was certified gold. Their high-charting single is their cover of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer" from So Long, Astoria. The only constant member throughout their history has been singer/songwriter/guitarist Kristopher "Kris" Roe.

Key Information

The staff of Consequence ranked the band at number 37 on their list of "The 100 Best Pop Punk Bands" in 2019.[1] In 2025, Terry Bezer of Screen Rant stated the opinion that the band was underrated, referring to "In This Diary" as "one of the best pop-punk songs ever written."[2]

History

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Kung Fu Records (1996–2001)

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Formed on November 1, 1996, and with the band's name a reference to the large collection of Atari video game cartridges of Roe,[3] the band originally consisted of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Kristopher Roe and guitarist Jasin Thomason. Using a 4-track, Roe wrote and recorded demos in his bedroom, using a drum machine while he searched for a full-time drummer. The band's first big break came in 1996 when Roe attended a show at the club Bogart's in Cincinnati, where Thomason passed one of the band's demo tapes to a roadie from the band. The roadie gave the tape to Joe Escalante, bassist from the band the Vandals who owned their own label, Kung Fu Records. A few weeks later, Roe received a call from Kung Fu Records, who told him they were interested in putting out their record, even though he was really only searching for a drummer. The Ataris signed to Kung Fu and the label passed the tape along to various drummers. Eventually, Roe decided upon ex-Lagwagon drummer Derrick Plourde. The band then proceeded to record their debut album Anywhere but Here, tracking the whole thing in less than a week. The album was released on April 29, 1997, and the band held a release show party at Missing Link Records in Indianapolis on May 2.

In June 1997, Roe moved from Anderson, Indiana to Santa Barbara, California. Shortly afterward, Marko Desantis joined the band on bass for a short time. Thomason decided to leave the band to stay in Indiana, and the group toured as a three-piece for a short while. After a brief tour in October 1997, this lineup disbanded. Roe, out of money and living in a van, contemplated moving back to Indiana. But the band still had an upcoming tour booked with Dance Hall Crashers and Unwritten Law, so Roe decided to give the band one more shot. He got his friend from Santa Barbara, Mike Davenport, to play bass. Davenport shared a small rehearsal space on East Haley Street with his friend Marco Peña, who was in a different band. One day at the rehearsal space, Roe and Davenport heard the drummer of Peña's band, Chris Knapp, playing and immediately asked him to join the Ataris. While Roe and Davenport joked that Peña would be upset over them "stealing" his band's drummer, Peña surprised them by showing up at their practice the next day, strapping on his guitar, and playing along. It turned out Peña had learned all the songs from Anywhere But Here. He joined the band as a second guitarist and the foursome went on their scheduled tour. However, Peña soon left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by Patrick Riley.

From there, the band gradually increased in popularity in the underground rock scene due to their consistent touring and personal, DIY approach to the band. They then found more success with their 1998 EP Look Forward to Failure, released on San Francisco punk label Fat Wreck Chords. However, it wasn't until the release of Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits in 1999 that they started to gain widespread acclaim. The album's name comes from the name of a mobile home park along Highway 101 in Santa Barbara. Also, "...next 12 exits" refers to a nearby sign on Highway 101 North that reads "Santa Barbara, Next 12 Exits". The album contained personal, storytelling lyrics. After this album, Riley left the band to go back to school, and Marco Peña re-joined the band. In 2001 the band took part in the Vans Warped Tour.[4] The band's third full-length studio album, End Is Forever, was also released in 2001.

So Long, Astoria (2002–2004)

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In 2002, the lineup changed again, with John Collura replacing Peña on guitar. Prior to this, Collura had played in his own band Beefcake who'd toured with the Ataris. He'd also done time on tour as a guitar tech for the Ataris just prior to Peña's departure.

During this same period, the Ataris' contract with Kung Fu Records expired, and the band chose to sign with Columbia Records. Later that year, they began recording their fourth full-length album and major label debut, So Long, Astoria, released on March 4, 2003. Produced by Lou Giordano, the album's production served as a stark contrast to any of the band's past releases, as previous efforts were recorded in short time spans between tours.

So Long, Astoria was widely credited for introducing the Ataris to a larger mainstream audience and generating several successful singles, including "In This Diary" and "The Saddest Song". Musically, the album showcased very personal, encrypted and slightly more optimistic songwriting with a more refined, straightforward rock sound, not unlike Jimmy Eat World. This album also included their hit cover song, originally recorded by Don Henley, "The Boys of Summer", which much to the dismay of the band became their "accidental" second single after the radio station KROQ in Los Angeles started playing it, even though the band had already chosen the song "My Reply" as their second single.[5] The single is their highest-charting single to date, reaching No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The band toured behind this record for most of 2003 and into early 2004 adding another guitarist (Joseph A. Farriella) to the band. That year also saw the release of a low-key live album, Live At The Metro, along with a track on the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack. So Long, Astoria sold well in excess of 700,000 copies and was certified gold. After a number of personal, financial and artistic differences, this line-up decided to go its separate ways over the summer and fall of 2004.

Davenport, interested in playing heavier music, became a founding member of the band Versus the World, while Knapp stopped playing music altogether and stayed in Santa Barbara. Details regarding the departures of Knapp and Davenport have been kept quiet for sometime, and neither camp has appeared interested in fueling any public debate or ill-will. Looking for some time off, Roe headed back to Indiana while Collura and Farriella moved back to New York, though they would later regroup to begin the recordings of the band's next album.

Welcome the Night (2005–2007)

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After some time off, Roe and Collura later moved forward and began writing songs that would become part of the follow-up to So Long, Astoria titled Welcome the Night. They held some informal practices with some friends from New York, who played in the band Park Ranger. These sessions led to three members of Park Ranger joining the Ataris: Sean Hansen on bass, Shane Chickeles on drums, and Paul Carabello on third guitar. To round out the lineup they added longtime friends Bob Hoag, formerly of Pollen and the Go Reflex (which was managed by Roe), on piano and keyboards, and Angus Cooke on cello. Cooke played cello on past Ataris records, and helped with production as well. Starting in 2005, the band began recording Welcome the Night at Seedy Underbelly in California, with producer Nick Launay. Writing and recording eventually took the better part of two years and was extended to multiple studios. The album was routinely delayed by Columbia.

On June 10, 2006, the band announced that it had left Columbia Records due to the label's internal disintegration.[6] In November 2006, the Ataris started their own imprint, Isola Recordings, through Sanctuary Records and RED Distribution, and simultaneously announced the official release date of their fifth album Welcome the Night as February 20, 2007. Welcome the Night debuted at number 85 on the Billboard charts with over 12,000 copies sold. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a tour of the United States and Europe.

Upcoming sixth studio album (2008–present)

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Kris Roe performing at an acoustic session at Groezrock 2013

In June 2008, the band began demoing at The Gallows Recording Studio in Muncie, Indiana in preparation for recording in late summer, with the aim of releasing a new album in 2009.[7] In November, the band posted a clip of a demo online. The following month, the band entered the studio to record their next album.[8] On December 29, it was mentioned that drums had been completed and that guitars were next.[9] In January 2009, the band went on a tour of the UK.[10] On April 12, a demo titled "All Souls' Day" was posted on the group's Myspace. In addition, it was mentioned that their next album would be released in the summer.[11] Between April and June 2009, the band toured the US, with shows in South Africa in the middle of this trek. After this, they appeared on the 2009 Warped Tour.[12] The finished version of "All Souls' Day" was posted online in June 2009.[13] On August 17, 2009, the band announced they had nearly finished recording their next album, tentatively titled Graveyard of the Atlantic.[14] They went on a short Midwest tour in November 2009.[15]

Between February and April 2010, the Ataris went on a cross-country US tour with Don't Panic, and then performed at the Windy City Sound Clash festival.[16] Following this, they went on another US tour between July and September 2010.[17] That same year, a two track songs, All Souls' Day & the Graveyard of the Atlantic containing just its title tracks was released under the Paper + Plastick label. In 2012, the band released a four track EP entitled The Graveyard of the Atlantic. From 2013, the Ataris began a North American tour with Kris Roe as singer and the former members John Collura, Mike Davenport and Chris Knapp to celebrate the 10 years of their most successful album So Long, Astoria. In 2015, the band release an acoustic album, titled Hang Your Head in Hope.[18] In 2016, the band released a six-song EP entitled October in This Railroad Earth through Bandcamp.

In 2017, Warped Tour announced that the Ataris was going to play on the 2017 tour. On June 18, 2017, the band released a compilation titled Silver Turns to Rust on Bandcamp.[19] This compilation featured four previously released tracks from The Graveyard of the Atlantic and six from the previously released EP October in this Railroad Earth.

In 2024, Kris Roe posted via the Ataris' Facebook page that the band is currently in the studio with producer and former drummer Bob Hoag to record the next album. Roe also confirmed that the band will most likely not use The Graveyard of the Atlantic as the album title. Roe also confirmed Bob Hoag recorded drums on the upcoming record.[20] On February 9, 2025, Roe confirmed bass and drums for the new record are officially recorded and is currently in the process of recording remaining guitars and vocals.[20] On February 14, 2025, Roe confirmed Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams as one of the songs confirmed for the new album.[21]

On May 2, 2025, the Ataris released a new single, "Car Song". The song was previously available as a demo via the band's bandcamp profile.[22] In January 2026, the band announced that their new album will be released in March or April.[23]

Musical style and influences

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The Ataris has been described as pop-punk,[24][25][26][27][28][29] emo,[30][31][32] punk rock[33] and alternative rock.[34] Terry Bezer of Screen Rant stated that the band retained its sound "as trends began to change in the early 2000s."[35] Their lyrics are said to be optimistic in tone.[36]

The band's influences include Descendents, Jawbreaker, All, Fugazi, Avail, the Ramones, and the Replacements.[37][38]

Controversy

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While performing in Asbury Park, New Jersey on October 7, 2012, frontman Kris Roe acted hostile towards then-drummer Rob Felicetti on stage - throwing his guitar at him, then breaking the drum kit apart throwing various drum stands and the kick drum at Rob.[39] Kris said he had "had enough" and "could not take it anymore" as the drummer was performing "off-time" throughout their set (a claim refuted by various professional drummers).[citation needed] A fan had captured the incident on camera, and was subsequently uploaded to social media. Roe claimed in a follow-up video regarding the incident that Felicetti was drunk during the performance, a claim Felicetti later denied.[40] This incident led Felicetti to exit the band.[41]

Band members

[edit]

Timeline

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Discography

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Main article: The Ataris discography

Studio albums

EPs

  • Hawaii 1985 (with Junglefish) (1996)
  • Look Forward to Failure (1998)
  • Wrists of Fury (with Douglas) (2000)
  • Let It Burn (with Useless ID) (2000)
  • All You Can Ever Learn Is What You Already Know (2002)
  • The Graveyard of the Atlantic (2012)
  • October in This Railroad Earth (2016)

Compilation albums

  • Hang Your Head in Hope (2015)
  • Silver Turns to Rust (2017)

Live albums

  • Live at Capitol Milling (2003)
  • Live at the Metro (2004)
  • Live in Chicago 2019 (2020)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Ataris

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Ataris are an American band formed in 1996 in , originally as a demo-recording project by singer-songwriter and guitarist Kris Roe alongside guitarist Jasin Thomason. The band built a following in the punk scene through early independent releases on labels like and before signing with , where they achieved commercial breakthrough with their 2003 major-label debut , certified gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States. The album featured their highest-charting single, a high-energy cover of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer," which peaked at number 20 on the and number 2 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, alongside originals like "In This Diary" and "The Saddest Song" that captured themes of youth, nostalgia, and introspection. Following , The Ataris released Welcome the Night in 2007, blending with influences, but internal changes led to a hiatus around 2008 as Roe pursued solo projects and other members formed side bands like Versus the World. The group reunited in 2013, reuniting the classic So Long, Astoria lineup of Kris Roe (vocals/guitar), John Collura (guitar), Mike Davenport (bass), and Chris Knapp (drums) for tours and anniversary celebrations of their breakthrough era. As of 2025, they remain active, headlining festivals like , performing sold-out retrospective shows drawing over 2,500 fans each, and releasing new material including the single "," with a full album slated for early 2026.

History

Formation and indie beginnings (1996–2001)

The Ataris were formed in 1996 in , by vocalist and guitarist Kristopher Roe and guitarist Jasin Thomason as a home demo-recording project utilizing a 4-track recorder. The duo's initial efforts caught the attention of co-founder , leading to the band's signing with the label later that year. In 1997, the lineup expanded with the addition of drummer , formerly of , and bassist Michael "Mike" Davenport, solidifying the group for their early recordings. This configuration supported the release of their debut album, Anywhere but Here, on April 29, 1997, via . Recorded in under a week, the 20-track effort delivered a raw, lo-fi punk sound characterized by short, energetic bursts, exemplified by songs like "Bite My Tongue" and "Clara." Following a brief tour and subsequent lineup adjustments, including Thomason's departure, the band bridged their early catalog with the EP Look Forward to Failure, released on November 10, 1998, through . The six-track release previewed evolving material, such as an early full-band version of "San Dimas High School Football Rules," and highlighted Roe's growing focus on melodic hooks. The Ataris' second studio album, Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits, arrived on April 13, 1999, again on , expanding their sound with emo-infused introspection amid drive. Tracks like "11596" and "Losing Streak" reflected personal storytelling, and the album's promotion included tours alongside prominent acts such as Blink-182, boosting their visibility in the scene. Their third full-length, End Is Forever, was released on February 20, 2001, by , produced by and Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room studios. The record delved into themes of relationships and emotional maturity through songs like "Bad Case of " and " Was Always Our Song," showcasing refined songcraft and broader musical textures. Sustained touring and critical reception within the community elevated the band's profile, culminating in their departure from upon contract expiration and signing with in 2001.

Breakthrough with (2002–2004)

In 2001, following the expiration of their contract with independent label , The Ataris signed with major label , marking a significant shift toward mainstream exposure. The band recorded their major-label debut album, , which was released on March 4, 2003, and produced by Lou Giordano. By this period, the lineup had stabilized around frontman Kris Roe on vocals and guitar, John Collura on guitar, Mike Davenport on bass, and Chris Knapp on drums, providing a consistent foundation for their pop-punk sound. The album explored themes of nostalgia, youth, and personal loss, drawing from Roe's reflections on growing up and pivotal life moments, as evident in tracks like "In This Diary," which captures diary-like entries on maturation and relationships. A pivotal element was the band's cover of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer," which peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, propelling album sales beyond 500,000 copies and earning RIAA gold certification. The single's music video received heavy rotation on MTV, amplifying the band's visibility and contributing to So Long, Astoria's debut at No. 24 on the Billboard 200 with 33,000 first-week sales. This breakthrough fueled extensive touring, including a slot on the 2003 Vans Warped Tour from June to August and international dates in and , where the single also charted successfully, such as reaching No. 17 in . Additional media appearances, like a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on July 11, 2003, and festival bookings, solidified this era as the height of The Ataris' mainstream appeal, with the album ultimately selling over 700,000 copies in the .

Welcome the Night and major label challenges (2005–2007)

In early 2005, The Ataris experienced significant lineup changes, with longtime bassist Mike Davenport and drummer Chris Knapp departing the band. These exits occurred amid the start of recording sessions for the group's follow-up to , marking a period of transition as frontman Kris Roe assembled a new configuration including bassist Sean Hansen, rhythm guitarist Paul Carabello, and drummer Shane Chikeles. The sessions, held at Seedy Underbelly Studios in Valley Glen, California, began in February 2005 and emphasized a deliberate evolution in sound, shifting from the band's established roots toward a more atmospheric style influenced by acts like and Catherine Wheel. Producers and Thom Flowers oversaw the project, incorporating layered guitars, harmonized vocals, and introspective themes of loss and redemption across tracks such as "Not Capable of Love," "Cardiff-by-the-Sea," and "Secret Handshakes." This creative pivot reflected Roe's desire to explore deeper emotional territory, diverging from the upbeat, radio-friendly anthems that had propelled their prior major-label success. The album's development was hampered by mounting challenges with Columbia Records, the band's label since 2002. Columbia repeatedly delayed the project starting in 2005, citing dissatisfaction with its artistic direction and demanding revisions for greater commercial viability, including the removal of two original songs and the addition of three new ones. Internal band tensions arose over these interventions, as Roe and his collaborators resisted pressure to prioritize market-driven elements over their evolving vision, exacerbating frustrations from the label's broader instability. By mid-2006, amid rumors of a merger with Epic Records and the departure of key executives—including the president, head of marketing, and A&R representative—The Ataris formally requested and received their release from the contract on June 10, 2006. This split returned the band to independent status, with Sanctuary Records acquiring distribution rights and issuing the album as Welcome the Night on February 20, 2007. Despite the hurdles, Welcome the Night represented a bold artistic statement, though it underperformed commercially compared to , which had sold in excess of 700,000 copies. Limited promotion from the unstable major-label environment contributed to its muted reception, failing to replicate the crossover appeal of earlier hits like the "Boys of Summer" cover. In support of the release, The Ataris undertook extensive touring throughout 2007, including U.S. dates in cities like , New York, and , as well as European shows to reconnect with fans amid the band's dissatisfaction with major-label constraints. These performances highlighted the new material's intensity but underscored growing weariness with the industry's demands, solidifying the decision to embrace independence moving forward.

Independent revival and recent developments (2008–present)

Following their departure from Columbia Records in 2007, The Ataris returned to independent operations, focusing on self-managed touring and releases through platforms like to connect directly with fans. The band maintained a steady schedule of live performances, emphasizing their roots and catalog from earlier albums. In October 2012, during a concert at Asbury Lanes in , frontman Kris Roe confronted drummer Rob Felicetti onstage amid frustration over Felicetti's performance, which Roe attributed to excessive drinking; Roe threw his guitar at the drum kit, kicked over the drums, and scattered pieces toward Felicetti, leading to an abrupt end to the set and Felicetti's immediate departure from the band. Roe later issued a public apology via video, expressing regret for his handling of the situation while defending the need to address ongoing issues with Felicetti's reliability during the tour. The band marked the 10-year anniversary of their breakthrough album So Long, Astoria with a dedicated U.S. tour in early 2014, featuring original members Kris Roe on vocals and guitar, John Collura on guitar, Mike Davenport on bass, and Chris Knapp on drums, performing the full album alongside other hits across 25 dates from February to April. In 2015, Roe released the acoustic album Hang Your Head in Hope under The Ataris name via , featuring stripped-down versions of tracks like "12.15.10" and "Can't Hardly Wait," recorded to highlight introspective songwriting. The band rejoined the Vans Warped Tour in 2017 for multiple dates, including performances at in , where they played fan favorites such as "The Boys of Summer." From 2024 into 2025, The Ataris entered recording sessions at Flying Blanket Recording in , with longtime Bob Hoag for their first full-length studio album since 2007, incorporating analog tape for a vintage punk sound. The project includes a cover of ' "," inspired by persistent audience requests, and the lead single "," released on May 2, 2025, via Regime Music Group, which originated from trading a -prop for studio time. Amid these efforts, the band has navigated ongoing lineup adjustments, with as the constant, prioritizing fan-supported releases and tours through and independent labels.

Artistry

Musical style

The Ataris' music is primarily rooted in , incorporating elements of and , characterized by fast tempos, power chord-driven riffs, and catchy melodic hooks that emphasize energetic, anthemic choruses. This sound draws from the raw urgency of punk while infusing pop sensibilities for broader accessibility, often featuring driving bass lines and layered guitars that create a sense of youthful propulsion. Their early work, such as the lo-fi debut album Anywhere but Here (), exemplifies a DIY punk aesthetic with unpolished production and straightforward aggression. Lyrically, The Ataris focus on personal experiences, including relationships, , and the of youth, delivered through frontman Roe's emotive and sincere vocals that convey and introspection. Songs like "San Dimas High School Football Rules" capture themes of heartbreak and fleeting adolescence with raw honesty, blending confessional influences with pop-punk's directness. Roe's vocal style, often soaring and impassioned, adds emotional depth, turning personal narratives into relatable anthems of longing and reflection. Over time, the band's sound evolved from the raw, energetic punk of their indie beginnings to a more polished production in later releases, incorporating orchestral touches and expanses. Albums like Welcome the Night (2007) shift toward mature, experimental arrangements with darker indie and elements, moving away from pure toward broader rock textures while retaining melodic hooks. This progression reflects a refinement in songcraft, balancing punk's intensity with sophisticated layers. In their 2025 revival, the single "" continues this trajectory, combining classic drive with introspective storytelling reminiscent of their earlier work, as described in contemporary reviews. The band's use of cover songs further highlights their style, blending punk energy with accessibility, as seen in their rendition of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer," which infuses the original's melancholy with fast-paced, emotive punk drive. This approach allows them to reinterpret familiar material through their signature lens of youthful urgency and melodic flair.

Influences

The Ataris' musical foundation is rooted in punk and pioneers, with frontman Kris Roe frequently citing the as a core influence for their melodic punk structures and heartfelt songwriting. Roe has described the as defining for him, crediting early tracks like "Clean Sheets" and "Pep Talk" with shaping his life and creative approach. Jawbreaker's emotional lyricism and dynamic rock elements also profoundly impacted Roe, inspiring the introspective depth and textural breakdowns in The Ataris' work. He has highlighted Jawbreaker's ability to blend raw emotion with ambient intensity as a model for evolving beyond straightforward punk. The Ramones further influenced the band's energetic, riff-driven style, with Roe recalling that witnessing their live performance transformed his understanding of punk's simplicity and power. The 1990s skate punk scene, particularly through early releases on like the 1998 EP Look Forward to Failure, embedded The Ataris in a community of DIY-driven acts such as and , fostering their rigorous touring ethic and independent spirit. Roe's personal influences from and alternative music, including for intimate storytelling and for innovative soundscapes, additionally inform his songwriting, adding layers of vulnerability and experimentation.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of The Ataris as of 2025 consists of founding member and frontman Kristopher Roe on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, alongside longtime bassist Mike Davenport, guitarist John Collura, and drummer Chris Knapp. This core group reunited in 2021 for tours and has been stable for recent activities, including the 2025 single "Car Song" and an upcoming album. Kristopher Roe serves as lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter, having founded the band in 1996 and remaining its sole constant member throughout its history. Mike Davenport has played since 1997, with intermittent breaks during the band's periods of inactivity, and rejoined full-time in 2023 after contributing to recent recordings and tours. John Collura joined as guitarist in 2002, during the recording and promotion of the band's breakthrough album , and has been a key part of the core lineup for live performances and new material since rejoining in 2021. Chris Knapp has been the primary drummer since rejoining in 2021, following lineup changes in the , and played on the band's 2025 single "" as part of their first album in 18 years.

Former members

Jasin Thomason served as the lead guitarist and for The Ataris from the band's formation in 1996 until 1998. As a co-founder alongside vocalist Kris Roe, Thomason contributed to the group's initial demo recordings using a four-track setup in Roe's parents' basement in . His tenure aligned with the band's early sound during their indie phase. Derrick Plourde joined The Ataris as drummer in 1997, playing on their debut album Anywhere But Here, which was recorded in less than two weeks and released on Kung Fu Records. Plourde, formerly of Lagwagon, brought a seasoned punk rhythm to the band after responding to Roe's search for a rhythm section. He departed in 1998 but remained influential in the punk scene until his death by suicide on March 30, 2005, following struggles with drug addiction. Mike Davenport played for The Ataris from 1998 to 2005, forming part of the core lineup that achieved breakthrough success with the 2003 album . During this period, Davenport contributed to the band's major-label era, including extensive touring and the hit cover of "The Boys of Summer." He left in 2005 as the group shifted musical directions amid internal changes, with brief returns in 2013–2014. Atom Willard briefly served as a temporary for The Ataris in 2005–2006, filling in after the departure of Chris Knapp during the recording and promotion of Welcome the Night. Known for his work with and other punk acts, Willard's stint helped stabilize the rhythm section during a transitional phase. Rob Felicetti joined The Ataris as in 2011, following a period of lineup flux, and performed on select tours until 2012. His exit followed an onstage altercation in , where vocalist Kris Roe expressed frustration with Felicetti's performance by dismantling and throwing parts of the during a show. Felicetti later denied any drinking issues but acknowledged performance shortcomings in the incident. Bob Hoag contributed as a , handling keyboards and percussion from 2005 to 2013, while also serving as the band's primary producer on several releases. Based in , Hoag's involvement extended to occasional drumming on recent recordings and production for albums like Welcome the Night. His work helped shape the band's sound during their independent revival. Brian Bonsall served as lead guitarist and backing vocalist from 2016 to 2018 and briefly in 2023, primarily for live performances. Dustin Phillips provided additional drums and percussion from 2016 to around 2021, contributing to tours during the late 2010s. Dale Nixon played lead guitar from 2018 to 2023.

Timeline

The Ataris have experienced numerous lineup changes since their formation, with Kristopher Roe as the sole constant member. The following timeline highlights key periods of stability and transitions in the band's roster, tied briefly to major album releases where relevant.
PeriodKey MembersNotes
1996–1997Kristopher Roe (vocals, guitar), Jasin Thomason (guitar, bass), Derrick Plourde (drums)Founding lineup for debut album Anywhere But Here (1997).
1998–2001Kristopher Roe (vocals, guitar), Mike Davenport (bass), Chris Knapp (drums), Marco Peña/Patrick Riley (guitar), Bob Hoag (keyboards)Core indie-era roster for Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits (1999).
2002–2004Kristopher Roe (vocals, guitar), Mike Davenport (bass), John Collura (guitar), Chris Knapp (drums)Stable lineup during breakthrough with So Long, Astoria (2003).
2005–2007Kristopher Roe (vocals, guitar), John Collura (guitar), Sean Hansen (bass), Shane Chikeles (drums)Shifts following departures, supporting Welcome the Night (2007).
2008–2012Kristopher Roe (vocals, guitar), various rotating members including Rob Felicetti (guitar/drums)Frequent changes, culminating in the 2012 onstage incident involving Felicetti.
2013–2020Kristopher Roe (vocals, guitar), Mike Davenport (bass, 2013–2014), Dustin Phillips (drums, 2016–2020), Brian Bonsall (guitar, 2016–2018), Dale Nixon (guitar, 2018–2020), Danny Duke (bass, 2018–2020)Rotating members during independent phase and hiatus periods.
2021–presentKristopher Roe (vocals, guitar), John Collura (guitar, 2021–present), Chris Knapp (drums, 2021–present), Mike Davenport (bass, 2023–present), Brian Bonsall (guitar, 2023)Reunion of core lineup in 2021; Davenport's return by 2023 for new music and tours including "Car Song" (2025).

Discography

Studio albums

The Ataris have released five studio albums, spanning their evolution from raw roots to more polished sounds. These records, primarily issued through independent labels early on before a brief major-label stint, showcase the band's consistent songwriting led by frontman Kris Roe, with themes of youth, heartbreak, and nostalgia. While early efforts built a in the punk scene, later albums achieved commercial breakthroughs, including chart success and certifications.
Album TitleRelease DateLabelProducer(s)Billboard 200 PeakCertification
...Anywhere But Here, 1997——
Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits, 1999——
End Is ForeverFebruary 20, 2001, Jason Livermore——
So Long, AstoriaMarch 4, 2003Lou Giordano#24
Welcome the NightFebruary 20, 2007#85—
The debut album, ...Anywhere But Here, marked the band's entry into the pop-punk landscape with 13 energetic tracks emphasizing fast-paced riffs and raw emotion. Recorded quickly in , it captured the youthful intensity of Roe's songwriting and established their punk foundation without major commercial push. The sophomore effort, Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits, expanded on the debut's sound across 14 tracks, incorporating more melodic elements and hooks that resonated in the late-1990s punk revival. Featuring standout tracks like "San Dimas High School Football Rules," it helped solidify the band's reputation through relentless touring and underground airplay. End Is Forever, the third , delivered 14 songs blending punk drive with introspective lyrics, produced at Kung Fu's facilities to maintain the band's independent ethos. It highlighted Roe's growth as a storyteller, with tracks exploring loss and resilience, and gained traction via festival appearances like the Vans Warped Tour. The also charted at No. 42 on the chart. Transitioning to a major label, represented a polished production across 14 tracks, featuring radio-friendly anthems and a cover of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer" that propelled its success. Debuting strongly, it sold over 700,000 copies in the and earned RIAA gold status for shipments exceeding 500,000 units. The final studio album to date, Welcome the Night, shifted toward with 13 tracks incorporating atmospheric layers and emotional depth, recorded over an extended period amid label transitions. It debuted with 10,000 first-week sales, reflecting a maturing sound but facing challenges from industry shifts.

Other releases

The Ataris released their debut EP, Look Forward to Failure, on November 10, 1998, through . The six-track release featured early fan favorites such as "San Dimas High School Football Rules," which became a staple in the band's live sets and helped establish their sound. Another notable EP was the split Let It Burn with Useless I.D., issued on April 11, 2000, by , containing demos and B-sides like "The Radio Still Sucks" from The Ataris' side. In addition to studio efforts, the band issued several live recordings, including Live at the , captured during a 2003 performance in and released in 2004 by . This album showcased energetic renditions of tracks like "The Boys of Summer" and "In This Diary." A limited-edition bootleg, The Hi-Fi Live Official Bootleg Series, documented a 2009 show at The Hi-Fi venue in , , featuring songs such as "" and an early version of "The ." The Ataris also appeared on various punk compilations, contributing covers like "I Remember You" () to in 2000 and "Science Fiction/Double Feature" to Rocky Horror Punk Rock in 2003. On the acoustic front, frontman Kris Roe released Hang Your Head in Hope, an independent collection of stripped-down versions of Ataris classics, on November 24, 2011, via Bandcamp. The 17-track album reimagined songs like "My Hotel Year" and "Can't Hardly Wait" in a more introspective style, reflecting on the band's two-decade career. It was later reissued as Hang Your Head in Hope: The Acoustic Sessions in 2019 by Cleopatra Records. In 2016, the band released the EP October in This Railroad Earth on June 25 via , featuring six original tracks blending punk and alternative influences. In recent years, the band has embraced independent digital releases through , including the single "Car Song" on May 2, 2025, marking the first preview of their forthcoming full-length —their first since 2007. This track, dedicated to Roe's late father, appeared in a limited 7-inch vinyl edition with his incorporated into the pressing. The upcoming also includes a cover of ' "," recorded as a nod to frequent audience requests during live shows.

References

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