The Ataris are an American rock band that emerged from the vibrant underground punk scene of the mid-1990s. Over a career spanning several decades, they have navigated shifts in genre, lineup, and the music industry itself, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of alternative rock. From their early days as a raw, energetic pop-punk outfit to their breakthrough into the mainstream, The Ataris have crafted a catalog of songs defined by heartfelt introspection, melodic hooks, and a deep sense of nostalgia. Their work continues to resonate with audiences, finding a special place in the context of revival events like Emo Night Pittsburgh, where the band’s contributions to the genre are celebrated by a new generation of fans.
Formation and Early Era
The story of The Ataris is, in many ways, the story of its one constant member: singer, songwriter, and guitarist Kristopher Roe. The band’s journey began not in a bustling musical metropolis, but in the small city of Anderson, Indiana, where Roe’s passion for punk rock and knack for songwriting set the foundation for everything that would follow.
Origins and Formation
Formed on November 1, 1996, The Ataris began as a bedroom project for Kristopher Roe. The name itself is a nod to his youth, a reference to a large personal collection of Atari 2600 video game cartridges. Initially, the band consisted of Roe and guitarist Jasin Thomason. Using a simple 4-track recorder and a drum machine, Roe wrote and recorded the earliest Ataris demos, crafting songs that blended the speed and energy of punk with a keen sense of pop melody. The primary goal was to find a full-time drummer to bring the songs to life.
The band’s first significant break came through a stroke of luck and persistence. While attending a show in Cincinnati, Roe and Thomason passed one of their demo tapes to a roadie for the established punk band The Vandals. That tape made its way to Vandals bassist Joe Escalante, who also owned the independent label Kung Fu Records. Escalante was impressed by the raw potential in Roe’s songwriting and soon offered The Ataris a record deal. With the backing of a label, Roe relocated from Indiana to Santa Barbara, California, a move that would prove pivotal in the band’s development. The search for a permanent rhythm section led them to former Lagwagon drummer Derrick Plourde, who played on their debut album.
Early Discography
The Ataris’ debut studio album, Anywhere but Here, was released on April 29, 1997, via Kung Fu Records. Recorded in less than a week, the album was a raw, lo-fi collection of fast-paced punk rock songs. It captured the youthful angst and emotional sincerity that would become hallmarks of Roe’s songwriting. Following the album’s release, the lineup underwent significant changes. Thomason remained in Indiana, and a stable lineup eventually coalesced in Santa Barbara, featuring Mike Davenport on bass and Chris Knapp on drums, a rhythm section that would define the band’s classic sound.
Their sound began to truly crystallize with the release of their second album, Blue Skies, Broken Hearts…Next 12 Exits, on April 13, 1999. This record is widely regarded by longtime fans as a quintessential work of the late-90s emo and pop-punk scenes. Produced by Joey Cape of Lagwagon, the album showcased a more polished and dynamic sound. Roe’s lyrics were deeply personal, weaving narratives of love, heartbreak, and life on the road, exemplified by tracks like “San Dimas High School Football Rules” and “Your Boyfriend Sucks.” The album solidified their reputation within the punk community and expanded their fanbase considerably.
The band’s productivity continued with their third album, End Is Forever, released on February 20, 2001. This record continued to refine their blend of melodic punk and heartfelt alternative rock. Songs like “Teenage Riot” and “Song for a Mix Tape” became fan favorites, filled with pop culture references and the confessional lyrical style that set them apart. During this period, The Ataris were a formidable presence on the touring circuit, including memorable runs on the Vans Warped Tour, building a dedicated following through their energetic live performances and DIY ethos.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
After years of building a dedicated following on the independent circuit, The Ataris stood on the precipice of mainstream recognition. Their signing to a major label and the subsequent release of their fourth studio album would catapult them from punk rock mainstays to international stars, marking the most commercially successful period of their career.
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
The turning point for The Ataris came when they signed with Columbia Records. This move provided them with a larger platform and a significantly bigger recording budget. The result was their fourth studio album, So Long, Astoria, released on March 4, 2003. The album represented a significant evolution in their sound. While retaining the emotional core of their earlier work, the production was cleaner and more expansive, appealing to a broader audience beyond the punk scene. The album’s title and themes were heavily inspired by the classic 1985 film The Goonies, evoking a powerful sense of nostalgia and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
This era also saw a key lineup change. Guitarist Marco Peña, who had played on End Is Forever, was replaced by John Collura. Collura’s guitar work, combined with the solid foundation of Roe, Davenport, and Knapp, created the polished and powerful sound that defined So Long, Astoria. This lineup is often considered the band’s definitive “classic” lineup by fans who discovered them during their mainstream peak.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
So Long, Astoria was a massive commercial success. The album debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart and was eventually certified Gold by the RIAA. This success was driven by two major singles. The first, “In This Diary,” was a quintessential Ataris song—a heartfelt, melodic anthem about memory and friendship that resonated deeply with listeners. The song’s music video received heavy rotation on MTV, exposing the band to a massive new audience.
However, it was the album’s second single that truly launched them into the stratosphere: a cover of Don Henley’s 1984 classic, “The Boys of Summer.” The Ataris’ version transformed the song from a melancholic rock ballad into a driving, guitar-fueled pop-punk anthem. It became a worldwide hit, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of these singles turned The Ataris into a household name and made So Long, Astoria a landmark album of the early 2000s emo and alternative rock explosion. Their music became a staple at events, a legacy that continues at every Pittsburgh Emo Night where fans gather to celebrate the era.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
Following the immense success of So Long, Astoria, The Ataris faced the challenge of defining their future. Instead of replicating their breakthrough formula, Kristopher Roe led the band in a new artistic direction, a move that would prove divisive and mark the beginning of a new, more experimental chapter in their history.
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
The follow-up to a multi-platinum album is always a difficult task. For their fifth studio album, Welcome the Night, released on February 20, 2007, The Ataris deliberately moved away from the polished pop-punk of their predecessor. The album, released on their own Isola Records imprint after parting ways with Columbia, was a darker, more atmospheric, and sonically ambitious record. It incorporated elements of indie rock and post-punk, with longer, more complex song structures and a moodier aesthetic. Tracks like “Not Capable of Love” and “The Cheyenne Line” showcased a more mature, somber songwriting style.
This stylistic departure was a bold artistic statement, but it alienated a portion of the fanbase that had been drawn in by the accessible sound of So Long, Astoria. While the album was praised by some critics for its ambition, it did not achieve the same level of commercial success. This period marked a significant turning point, as The Ataris transitioned from mainstream stars back to a more independent, cult-status act.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
The years following Welcome the Night were characterized by frequent lineup changes and a long hiatus from releasing a new full-length album. The classic lineup of Roe, Collura, Davenport, and Knapp had disbanded. Kris Roe remained the sole original member and creative force, touring with a rotating cast of musicians. This constant state of flux contributed to the delay of new material.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the band’s sixth studio album, tentatively titled The Graveyard of the Atlantic, for over a decade. While several songs have been released online over the years, the full album has yet to materialize. Despite the lack of a new LP, Roe has kept The Ataris alive through consistent touring, including acoustic performances and full-band shows. In 2014, the classic So Long, Astoria lineup reunited for a successful anniversary tour, giving fans a chance to relive the band’s breakthrough era.
Modern Era
In the contemporary music landscape, The Ataris occupy a unique space. They are a legacy act with a rich history, yet they remain an active and evolving project under the stewardship of Kristopher Roe. Their modern era is defined by a connection to their past and a slow, deliberate path toward the future.
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
While the wait for The Graveyard of the Atlantic continues, The Ataris have not been entirely silent. They have released several EPs and standalone singles, giving listeners glimpses into their current creative direction. In 2017, they released the Silver Turns to Rust EP, and in May 2025, they released a new single titled “Car Song,” a poignant track dedicated to Roe’s late father. These releases show a continued commitment to the introspective songwriting and melodic rock that has always been at the band’s core.
The Ataris remain a consistent touring act, performing across the globe. Their live shows often feature a mix of material from their entire career, satisfying both longtime fans and newer listeners. Roe also frequently performs solo acoustic shows, offering more intimate interpretations of the band’s catalog. This ongoing activity ensures that the band remains a relevant and vital part of the alternative music scene.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
The Ataris’ legacy extends far beyond their record sales. They were a key band in the development of the emo and pop-punk genres in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and their influence can still be felt today. Their music serves as a touchstone for a specific generation, capturing the universal feelings of youth, love, and loss.
Influence on Their Primary Genres
In the landscape of emo and pop-punk, The Ataris carved out a niche with their diary-like lyrical honesty and melodic sensibilities. Alongside bands like Jimmy Eat World, Saves The Day, and The Get Up Kids, they helped define the “second wave” of emo, which brought the genre’s emotional vulnerability to a wider audience through more accessible, punk-influenced song structures. Albums like Blue Skies, Broken Hearts… became a blueprint for countless bands that followed, proving that punk rock could be both aggressive and deeply sentimental.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The enduring popularity of The Ataris is perhaps most evident in the success of nostalgia-fueled events that celebrate the music of their era. At gatherings like Emo Night Pittsburgh, songs like “In This Diary,” “The Boys of Summer,” and “San Dimas High School Football Rules” are not just playlist additions; they are anthems. These songs transport a generation of listeners back to a specific time in their lives, evoking powerful memories and emotions. The continued celebration of their music at a Pittsburgh Emo Night event underscores their lasting cultural impact and solidifies their status as one of the most important bands of their genre. Their sound is synonymous with the emotional release and communal spirit that these nights are built upon.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Ataris
What is The Ataris’ most famous song?
The Ataris’ most famous and highest-charting song is their 2003 cover of Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer.” Their original song “In This Diary” is also one of their most well-known and beloved tracks.
What was The Ataris’ most successful album?
Their most successful album is So Long, Astoria, released in 2003. It was certified Gold in the United States and remains their best-selling record.
What genre of music is The Ataris?
The Ataris are most commonly categorized as pop-punk and emo. Their sound also incorporates elements of alternative rock, punk rock, and, in their later work, indie rock.
Are The Ataris still a band?
Yes, The Ataris are still active. Fronted by founding member Kristopher Roe, the band continues to tour regularly and release new music periodically. They have tour dates scheduled for 2025.
Who are the original members of The Ataris?
The original lineup formed in 1996 consisted of Kristopher Roe (vocals, guitar) and Jasin Thomason (guitar). However, the “classic” and most commercially successful lineup consisted of Kristopher Roe, John Collura (guitar), Mike Davenport (bass), and Chris Knapp (drums).
Why is the band named The Ataris?
The band is named after frontman Kristopher Roe’s large collection of vintage Atari video game cartridges from his childhood, reflecting the nostalgic themes often found in his lyrics.
