It has been a decade since rock band The Ataris released their gold selling album So Long, Astoria (2003). The album provokes many fond memories for a generation of fans with songs that still hold strength today. Now to the excitement of their fans, the band reunites the line-up from that era with Kristopher Roe (vocals/guitar), Mike Davenport (bass), John Collura (guitar), and Chris Knapp (drums) to tour a list of dates playing the entire album start to finish. On Saturday March 1st the tour made its way to Backstage Bar & Billiards in Las Vegas, NV to play in front of a packed room.
Beginning the evening of fun-filled rock was local talent The Forget Me Nows from Henderson, NV. This band consists of Ryan Mercier (vocals/guitars), Paul Flores (bass), Bob Dickman (drums), and Brian Graf (guitars). Blending various forms of rock-n-roll, the band’s sound clearly takes influence from some of alternative and punk rocks best from the 1980’s and 1990’s. With a tight sound of guitar, drums, and bass, Mercier’s voice meshes nicely with catchy lyrical content.
Next up was TheCore., which were playing right in the comfort of their hometown in Las Vegas. Having played the town for nearly five years now, the band was extremely excited for the chance to open this show for The Ataris. Taking a more punk rock approach to their sound, the band is made up of Sal Giordano (vocals/guitar), Brock Frabielle (guitar/vocals), Brian Addeo (bass), and Chris Duggan (drums). Filled with energy and an edge, the band blasted through a set of fast-paced catchy punk tunes. The band is currently working on a new EP and will be announcing tour dates for this summer.
Following was direct tour support Versus The World from Santa Barbara, CA. The band was formed in 2005 when vocalist Donald Spence and bassist of The Ataris Mike Davenport joined their musical ideas. The line-up for the evening’s performance was rounded out by guitarist Tony Caraffa and drummer Bryan Charlson. Having toured extensively all over North America and Europe, the band built a strong following.
The band took the stage like a force of energy moving around and playing fast and loose. Their in your face approach excited the audience as they played tracks from both their albums. With strong guitar driven tunes, Spence’s voice bled loud and clear over the music. Their music exhibits a variety of raw rock and punk elements which shined bright in this live performance. Clearly all the time on the road has made Versus The World a well oiled machine proficient in rocking a crowd hard.
With fans packing tight and close to the stage, The Backstage was completely full by the time The Ataris hit the stage. Begun by Roe in 1995, The Ataris have seen a variety of different line-ups over the course of five studio albums. That is why when the announcement was made that Roe would be reuniting with the line-up which produced the magical So Long, Astoria album, a buzz was created immediately.
Taking the stage, completely pumped up for the performance, The Ataris blasted right into the title track “So Long, Astoria”. The audience became completely enthralled in the set right from the start, singing along and bouncing about the floor. Juggling through the entire album in chronological order proved to be fun, energizing, and crowd pleasing. Roe sang in inspired fashion as the rest of the band played with passion bringing So, Long Astoria to life right before the audience’s eyes. Adding to the full sound of the songs was Versus The World vocalist Donald Spence on guitar and providing back-up vocalists throughout the set.
After the thirteen track album concluded, The Ataris exited the stage only to have Roe return to play earlier tunes “San Dimas High School Football Rules” and “Your Boyfriend Sucks” solo on an electric guitar. Keeping the positive vibe flowing, Roe smiled and appreciated the audience’s enthusiasm. Concluding the encore was one last older song in “I Won’t Spend Another Night Alone”.
It is not often in life we get to relive special times in our lives over again. The concept of a reunion should be something that is cherished and not taken for granted. The Ataris made the most of that opportunity with a spectacular performance at Backstage Bar & Grill. With only a week left on this tenth anniversary tour, be sure to check The Ataris before it is too late.
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