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The All-American Rejects

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Upcoming Events

Aftershock Festival 2025
Aftershock Festival 2025

2025 10-02 on stage

Get ready to witness the West Coast's ultimate rock, punk, and metal pilgrimage as Aftershock Festival returns to Sacramento's iconic Discovery Park from October 2nd to 5th, 2025. Now in its 13th year, Aftershock has cemented its reputation as a must-attend event, drawing over 160,000 music fans from all 50 states and over 30 countries in previous years. This four-day destination festival consistently delivers a powerhouse lineup of genre titans and rising stars, promising an unparalleled experience for every headbanger and music enthusiast. Aftershock 2025 is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, featuring an impressive roster of over 115 bands performing across four stages. Headliners like Blink-182, Deftones (playing a special hometown show), Korn, and Bring Me The Horizon are poised to ignite the crowds with their electrifying performances. Beyond the main acts, the festival boasts an incredible depth of talent, including highly anticipated reunions like The Dillinger Escape Plan and Chiodos, rare performances, and a strong showing of California's own vibrant rock and metal scene. Whether you're a die-hard fan of classic anthems, the raw power of nu-metal, or the cutting edge of genre-blending rock, Aftershock's meticulously curated lineup ensures there's something to fuel every passion. Beyond the stages, Aftershock Festival offers a complete immersive experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of Discovery Park where the American River meets the Sacramento River, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with a diverse array of food and drink options, engaging art installations, and various other entertainment. The festival has become a significant cultural and economic driver for Sacramento, bringing an estimated $30 million economic impact to the region. With its commitment to showcasing the best in rock, punk, and metal, Aftershock 2025 is not just a festival; it's a celebration of a vibrant global community and a testament to the enduring power of heavy music.

Band Timeline

1999

Formation of The All-American Rejects in Stillwater, Oklahoma

The All-American Rejects were formed in 1999 by Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter while they were still attending high school in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Initially, Nick Wheeler played multiple roles including drums, but as the band solidified its lineup, Ritter took on bass duties and lead vocals. The duo wrote songs together, establishing the foundation for the band’s sound and identity. The band’s name, chosen somewhat at random, later came to embody their early experiences and music style.
2000-2001

Early Demos and Lineup Changes

During 2000 and 2001, the band created several demos showcasing their early rock style, including the demo known as The Blue Disc or The Blue Album. Original member Jesse Tabish, who contributed guitar and vocals on these recordings, departed the group. Wheeler and Ritter continued as the core songwriting team. Their demo eventually reached Doghouse Records, which signed them to a record deal, setting the stage for their professional debut. This period was crucial in gaining initial momentum and crafting the songs that would later define their early career.
2002

Release of Debut Album 'The All-American Rejects' and Breakthrough with 'Swing, Swing'

In 2002, The All-American Rejects released their self-titled debut album. The album, initially issued through independent Doghouse Records and later reissued by DreamWorks Records, featured the successful single "Swing, Swing," which helped propel the band into the mainstream. The album was certified platinum in the United States, illustrating strong sales and broad appeal. This debut laid the groundwork for the band’s blend of catchy pop-rock and emo influences, winning them a dedicated fan base and industry recognition.
2005

Mainstream Success with 'Move Along' Album

The band’s second studio album, "Move Along," was released in 2005 and marked a significant step forward in their career. It featured hit singles "Dirty Little Secret," "Move Along," and "It Ends Tonight," all of which charted in the Billboard Hot 100's top fifteen. The album itself achieved triple platinum certification, reflecting multi-million sales and widespread popularity. This period included extensive touring and media appearances, cementing the band as one of the defining rock groups of the mid-2000s. The songs from this album remain fan favorites and staples of their live performances.
2008

Release of 'When the World Comes Down' and 'Gives You Hell' Single Success

Their third album, "When the World Comes Down," was released in 2008 and achieved platinum certification. The lead single, "Gives You Hell," became the band's most commercially successful song, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving nine-times multi-platinum certification. The album and single saw considerable international success, including strong chart performances in Australia and New Zealand, expanding the band’s global reach. This era demonstrated their ability to maintain relevance and create anthems that resonated with a broad audience.
2012

Fourth Album 'Kids in the Street' Released

In 2012, The All-American Rejects released their fourth studio album, "Kids in the Street." Although it debuted at number 18 on the Billboard 200, the album saw more modest commercial success compared to their earlier work. The lead single, "Beekeeper's Daughter," charted on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 but did not break into the main Hot 100 chart. Nevertheless, the album showcased the band’s continued evolution in sound and willingness to explore new musical directions, maintaining a loyal fan base and garnering positive critical reception for its mature themes.
2015

Release of Single 'There's a Place'

In 2015, The All-American Rejects released the single "There's a Place," marking one of their first releases after a few years without new material. The single demonstrated the group's ongoing creative activity despite the changing landscape of the music industry and their lower profile in mainstream charts. This release helped maintain engagement with longtime fans and signaled that the band was still active and producing new music while balancing other career and life pursuits.
2017

Release of Single 'Sweat' and Continued Touring

The band released the single "Sweat" in 2017, which marked their first entry on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart. The release was accompanied by continued touring and engagement with fans through live performances. This single represented the group's sustained presence in the rock music scene despite changes in popular music trends, showcasing their ability to adapt and remain relevant. The band’s ongoing touring helped solidify their reputation as a dynamic live act with a dedicated fan following.
2019

Release of Single 'Send Her to Heaven' with Epitaph Records

In 2019, The All-American Rejects released the single "Send Her to Heaven" on their new label Epitaph Records. This marked a new phase in their career with a change of label, possibly indicating shifts in artistic direction or industry positioning. The single continued to reflect the band’s signature sound while also highlighting their willingness to evolve. This period was also marked by sporadic releases and maintenance of their fanbase through performances and selective new music.
2025

Announcement and Pre-release of Fifth Studio Album 'Sandbox'

In 2025, The All-American Rejects announced their long-awaited fifth studio album, titled "Sandbox," slated for release in January 2026. Preceding the album, singles including the title track "Sandbox" and "Easy Come, Easy Go" were released, showcasing fresh material after a significant gap since their previous album. This announcement signaled a major upcoming milestone for the band, suggesting a revitalization of their creative output and a return to a more active recording and touring schedule in the near future.

Albums

the-all-american-rejects_1st_album
The All‐American Rejects
11 tracks
2002
the-all-american-rejects_2nd_album
Move Along
15 tracks
2005
the-all-american-rejects_3rd_album
When the World Comes Down
12 tracks
2008
the-all-american-rejects_5th_album
Kids in the Street
11 tracks
2012
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Mike Kennerty

N/A

Chris Gaylor

N/A

Nick Wheeler

N/A

Nickolas Wheeler

N/A

Guitar

Tyson Ritter

1999

Bass guitar

Piano

Keyboard

Lead vocals

Story of The All-American Rejects

The All-American Rejects: From Oklahoma to the Charts

The All-American Rejects (AAR), hailing from the heartland of Stillwater, Oklahoma, burst onto the music scene in 1999. This rock quartet, spearheaded by the songwriting duo of Tyson Ritter (vocals, bass) and Nick Wheeler (guitar), became known for their infectious energy and catchy tunes. With Mike Kennerty (rhythm guitar) and Chris Gaylor (drums) rounding out the lineup, they've become a staple of the pop-punk scene, leaving their mark on the musical landscape.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, propelled them into the spotlight with the hit single "Swing, Swing." This platinum-selling album established their signature sound, a mix of pop sensibilities and rock attitude. Their 2005 follow-up, Move Along, solidified their mainstream success, producing chart-topping hits like "Dirty Little Secret," "Move Along," and "It Ends Tonight," all reaching the top fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself went double platinum, cementing their place as a force to be reckoned with.

Their third album, When the World Comes Down, came out in 2008 and saw the release of their biggest hit to date, "Gives You Hell." This track became an anthem, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts globally. "Gives You Hell" alone has sold over 4 million copies in the US, earning a 4x multi-platinum certification.

Their fourth album, Kids in the Street, landed in 2012, showcasing their continued evolution. After a five-year hiatus, they returned in 2015 with the single "There's a Place," reminding fans of their undeniable presence.

The All-American Rejects have sold over 10 million albums worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on rock music with their unique blend of pop-punk melodies and relatable lyrics. They remain a testament to the power of songwriting and performance, captivating audiences with their energy and undeniable talent.

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