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Band Timeline
1996
Formation of The Ataris
The Ataris, an American punk rock band, was formed on November 1, 1996, in Anderson, Indiana, by Kristopher "Kris" Roe and Jasin Thomason. The band's name is a reference to Roe's large collection of Atari video game cartridges. Roe initially wrote and recorded demos using a drum machine, searching for a full-time drummer. A demo tape reached Kung Fu Records, leading to a record deal. Derrick Plourde joined as drummer, and the band quickly recorded their debut album shortly after.
1997
Debut Album and Lineup Changes
The Ataris released their debut album, "Anywhere but Here," on April 29, 1997. A release party was held shortly after. Kristopher Roe moved to Santa Barbara, California, and the band underwent lineup changes with Marko Desantis briefly joining on bass and Jasin Thomason leaving. Mike Davenport joined on bass, Chris Knapp on drums, and Marco Peña briefly on guitar before being replaced by Patrick Riley. The band toured extensively despite the shifting lineup.
1998
Release of EP "Look Forward to Failure" and Growing Popularity
In 1998, The Ataris released the EP "Look Forward to Failure" on Fat Wreck Chords, a notable San Francisco punk label. This release helped the band gain more traction in the punk underground scene. Their extensive touring and personal, DIY approach to music cultivation contributed to a growing fanbase and increased recognition.
1999
Breakthrough with "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits"
The band's album "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits" was released in 1999, gaining them widespread critical acclaim. The album title references a local mobile home park and a nearby highway sign. It featured storytelling lyrics that became a hallmark of The Ataris' style. After the album, Patrick Riley left the band for school, and Marco Peña rejoined, maintaining the band's lineup stability.
2001
Participation in Vans Warped Tour and New Album "End Is Forever"
The Ataris took part in the renowned Vans Warped Tour in 2001, solidifying their presence in the punk rock scene. That year, they released their third studio album, "End Is Forever," which continued to build their fanbase and increase their presence in nationwide tours. These efforts helped cement The Ataris as a staple in early 2000s punk rock.
2003
Release of "So Long, Astoria" and Commercial Success
The Ataris released their best-selling album "So Long, Astoria" in 2003. The album was certified gold and featured their highest-charting single, a cover of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer." This release marked the band's peak in commercial success and wide recognition beyond the punk rock community. The album's success led to major tours and greater media exposure.
2007
Release of Fifth Studio Album
The Ataris released their fifth studio album in 2007, continuing their legacy in the punk rock genre. Although this album did not match the commercial success of their earlier work, it represented the band's sustained commitment to releasing new music and maintaining their fanbase through evolving musical styles and themes.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Thomas Holst
N/A
Rob Felicetti
N/A
Chris Knapp
1997
Bob Hoag
2005
Piano
Keyboard
John Collura
2001
Sean Hansen
N/A
Mike Davenport
1997
Kristopher Roe
1996
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Derrick Plourde
1996
1997
Story of The Ataris
The Ataris, a punk rock band hailing from Anderson, Indiana, exploded onto the scene in 1996. Their distinctive sound, forged in Kris Roes bedroom using a four-track and drum machine, landed them a record deal with Kung Fu Records—a stroke of luck facilitated by a demo tape making its way to Joe Escalante of The Vandals. Between 1997 and 2007, they released five studio albums, achieving mainstream success with their 2003 gold-certified album, *So Long, Astoria*. This albums standout track, a high-charting cover of Don Henleys "The Boys of Summer," catapulted them to a wider audience. While the bands lineup fluctuated, the sole constant throughout their history was the singer, songwriter, and guitarist Kris Roe. Their humble beginnings, from bedroom demos to a Kung Fu Records deal, is a classic underdog story in the punk rock pantheon.
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