The BIZARRE History of THE ATARIS (THE BOYS OF SUMMER) & Why Don Henley Hates Them
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ม.ค. 2024
- The bizarre history of the band The Ataris, best known for their cover of the Don Henley song Boys of Summer.
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The Ataris, known for hits like "Boys of Summer" and "So Long, Astoria," have a tumultuous history. Originating in Anderson, Indiana, the band's classic lineup dissolved, leaving only frontman Kris Roe. Kris, a high school dropout, immersed himself in music, drawing inspiration from his father's eclectic taste. The band's break came when their demo caught the attention of Joe Escalante from Kung Fu Records, leading to their debut album, "Anywhere but Here."
Relocating to Santa Barbara, The Ataris faced challenges, with Kris even experiencing homelessness. The lineup changed, but they continued touring and gained traction with albums like "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts, Next 12 Exits" and "End is Forever." Despite indie success, they signed with Columbia Records for "So Long, Astoria," inspired by Richard Hell's book, "Go Now." The album featured the chart-topping cover of "Boys of Summer."
Their major-label journey brought complications, including lineup changes and artistic compromises. Post-"So Long, Astoria," internal conflicts and label issues led to departures, impacting the band's dynamic. Kris Roe's divorce and anxiety further strained the situation. The band left Columbia, releasing "Welcome the Night" independently on Sanctuary Records, which unfortunately flopped.
Facing uncertainty, the band saw member changes, a reunion tour, and eventually, Kris Roe remained as the sole original member. The Ataris transformed into a solo project, touring with varying lineups. In 2012, a video surfaced of Kris attacking the drummer during a show, citing alcohol as the cause.
Despite internal tensions, the band occasionally reunited, notably in 2023 for two shows. However, ex-member John Collura criticized the ongoing use of The Ataris' name as a "brand," urging Kris to pursue solo work. Collura shifted to a consultant role and owns a recording studio. Mike Davenport, another ex-member, faced legal troubles in 2018, charged with fraud related to his telemarketing company.
Kris Roe, still under The Ataris, faced numerous near-death experiences, including surviving, pneumonia, and a high-speed chase. The band marked the 20th anniversary of "So Long, Astoria" with two reunion shows in 2023, showcasing a complex journey of success, internal conflicts, legal issues, and personal struggles. - เพลง
Personally I thought their cover of The Boys of Summer was better than the original. Who agrees? Also did anyone hear Richard Christy’s parody of the song about KC?
Definitely
For sure
Hahaha crazy
definitely not me
Yup!!
I think Nintendo had a lot to do with the Atari’s downfall.
They did it to themselves. What with the whole Video Game Crash.
I got to see the Ataris, Adolescents, Vandals, and Pennywise on May 17th, 2002 at the Long Beach Arena...one of the best "Punk" shows that I've ever seen!
Good lineup minus the ataris. Saw them on warped thought they sucked and the San dimes football song is cheesy and just blows I feel
I was there!
Felt really old when my guitar student came in and asked to learn a song from "The At-a-rye-ahs." I was like, The "At-a-rye-ahs?" She pulled out the CD and I read the name and said, "Oh the ATARIS!" She looked at me funny and said, "Um....no." haha.
Love your channel man 👍
I love how your student is telling YOU how it's really pronounced. That's so funny.
Glad she is still listening to cd
Don Henley: I hate The Ataris.
Also Don Henley: I'd like to thank The Ataris for the royalty of my song.
There was one interview the ataris gave where they claimed the royalties from the cover bought him a new house
@@rnrtruestoriesdo cover songs in the industry mean you split money with the original artist or band of the song
Don Henley does not hate the Atari. This guy is just lying.
jimpryor99
Hi. Let me introduce myself.
The name's Sherlock.
Noshit Sherlock.
Don Henley: The most bitter rock star in the universe
Agreed. He’s a complete ass-hat
Roger Waters, Ritchie Blackmore and Aaron Lewis have entered the chat
Gene is up there, too 😂
For reals. Ego… kills everything that vibes.
@@Spedly Johnny Rotten & Morrissey have also come to join
San dimas high school football rules!
Derrick Plourde was one of the sickest drummers ever. RIP.
Marko is a great dude too.
They had two Bad Astronauts and were on Kung-Fu so they got to record with mutant boy.
They should have been so much more.
There’s no way they should have gone to Columbia.
Kung fu records was amazing. Bigwig. Useless id. The ataris. All great bands. I kinda lost interest in the ataris after broken hearts tho.
Welcome The Night is a rare gem, IMO. The first time I put that record on my player I had a lot of mixed feelings, but when I heard Whatever Lies Will Help You Rest, it brought me a little back to the old Ataris era. I saw them live once in my hometown and they played a few songs from that record. It's such an amazing memory. By the way, I met Kris in person in a show in Buffalo NY back in 2016 and he was nice and friendly. We crossed a few words and he agreed to take a small video for a friend who was a big fan as well and couldn't attend, of Kris himself saying "Hi" and sending regards to my friend
I saw these guys live in 1999 in Pamona Ca. I thought they were ok. 4 years later I heard them on the radio. 21 years later I watched and commented on this video.
Epic comment 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I used to see these guys in Pomona (and surrounding) around 99.
I saw them a lot…but never on purpose.
And weirder
I met Chris once. He was wearing a Domino's Pizza jacket. I traded him a copy of my ska band's album for an Ataris album "Anywhere but Here" in the basement of the now defunct but legendary club Fitzgerald's in Houston. Their album "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts" was in heavy rotation for me when I was in high school. I remember when they played the song Boys of Summer at the 2003 MLB All-Star game. I think that may have been the last time I ever listened to them. It's weird to say, but sometimes you simply grow up and out of bands like that.
I saw them a couple times at Fitz. Somewhere I have a photo of Kris and me in the photo booth there.
Its because its bubblegum music for children. Its what these bands are made for, easily understood and discarded.
That’s GREEN DAY for me
Was 8 years old . Done with them by 11.
Too cringe for me at 39
I keep hoping Kris will get the long overdue Graveyard of the Atlantic album out. The songs he's put out so far are some of his best work and I want more Ataris!
These guys were my favorite band from 2000-2004. I was flat out obsessed with them, to the point I bought a Victrola just so I could listen to the original release of "Anywhere But Here" that I could only buy on vinyl.
I was working with an online music retailer in 2016 and Kris called needing a replacement pedal. I had to call around a bit but I was able to find one in a store along their tour route. He was super thankful and humble about everuthing. We talked about music for a bit before my supervisor said I had to go. Real cool dude.
I unapologetically love The Ataris
Good video. I’ve been a die hard Ataris fan since 2003. Fast Times at Dropout High is my all time favorite song of theirs.
I love all of their albums but my favorite (unpopular opinion) is Welcome The Night. It was different but still sounded amazing.
I loved and still love Blue Skies and End Is Forever. Interesting stuff I didn't know here. Nicely done
I still listen to end is forever. Great album. After that I just lost interest
I actually like the ataris version of boys of Summer alot more than the original. It's fun. Upbeat. It's great.
Did they even change the tempo?
I love the ataris. I have a lot of fond and sad memories attached to their songs. Saw them a few years ago with new found glory. They sounded great, just wish they played more of their songs and less covers. And kris was working their merch table. they are playing with everclear now.
There at one point existed a picture of myself and the lead singer of The Ataris back in 2002 when they played a show at UCLA. I really loved this band back then.
I'm from Anderson. I remember in 6th grade my substitute teacher was Kris uncle. He let me and my buddy borrow a VHS tape of their warp tour set. I ran into Kris at the VIP in Anderson and we hung out for a bit.
We opened for them in Miami back in 2008-2009. Seemed like a nice guy, did a lot of Misfit covers.
Saw him play in Anderson Indiana playing all misfits covers.
The Ataris' current drummer was a groomsman in my sister's wedding. He was in a band with my now bro-in-law back in the day. Dustin was really excited to get this gig with The Ataris, because he got it mostly off of covering one of their songs on TH-cam.
Man I just saw them on Apr 13th in CA and he sounded just as clear as his early days. Glad to see my childhood still alive and well.
Just wanna say I haven’t watched your videos in a while (my own fault being busy etc) but your production and research effort seems to have gone from strength to strength. I love watching these videos, even about bands and artists I’m not that interested in. Keep up the good work!
I never understood the hate for welcome the night, that album got me through my tour in Iraq in '07. Best and favorite ataris album.
I still listen to them almost every day. The passion that comes through in their songs is something a lot of artists don't capture. They deserve to be more known than they are.
The absurdity of every sentence written in this comment has me cringing from the embarrassment I feel for you then swings to me rolling my eyes at you being so corny
@@FURTHER_ADO first off, music is subjective, just because you don't like it doesn't mean it is objectively "bad" or "embarrassing."
Second, recordings are supposed to be made as a way of capturing a performance. Some people make records to get their songs recorded. And others make them to preserve the emotion they put into their songs. The Ataris do the latter, and it comes through the recording.
Lastly, thanks for your comment, but try to remember humans are on the other side of their comments, and being a dick in a response doesn't actually reflect on the original comment, but on yourself. "It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." -Mark Twain
They absolutely don't. There is a recording of Rowe taking to Joe Escalante from the vandals and owner of kung fu records with Rowe talking about how Rowe sold out for the money and thought him of all people could save punk. Lmao! Their music is weak soulless crap as far as I'm concerned. Warren fitzgerald did their album thats the best thing about anything they ever did
@@FURTHER_ADOwhat you write it for then
Shame that this band didn't have any staying power. This is the quintessential summer song, and transports me back to my youth.
Agreed. So Long Astoria was great
I use to digg the Ataris, Mr. Roe killed that easily.
My Goonies mad friend turned me onto So long Astoria and I remember that that CD rarely came out of my car stereo all summer.
Great memories of surfing, driving up the coast listening to it with our friends, camp fires and girls
Definitely a nostalgia band for me and I still have that CD albeit very scratched.
I listened to it a few months back but the relatively simple line of "Being grown up, isn't half as fun as growing up" really hits hard in your 40's
I remember being brought to a new years party by an ex girlfriend that was hosted by one of the many former Ataris drummers. When I asked him what that was like, he simply said "it really wasn't good." Nice enough guy, though. Also, I'm not sure how it was on the 90s, but Anderson, Indiana is the most depressing place I've ever been.
please tell me it was one of the Whitley House parties.... that would be epic.
Great video! I was such a big Atari’s fan growing up, I loved the first four albums and then for whatever reason I dropped off and never really listed to them again.
Thanks
Man those were so good days. I loved playing Pitfall, Hide N Seek, and E.T. . Good times with Entelevison and Atari.
Intellivision had some interesting games. I hated the controller though.
Atari is also just a Japanese word that means "hit a target", so it's possible the company Atari did not feel like ti was worth it getting into a legal battle with a small band over ownership of the word. It'd be like is there was a band called The Apples and Apple computers tried taking them to court.
Apple probably would do that though.
Apple Computers and the Beatles Apple Records label had a feud over the name that ran for years, from the 1970s to the mid-2000s. Though that one was mostly Apple Computers being sued, not doing the suing.
@@ElwoodPDowd1970 oh ho, that's a new story to me. Had not heard that happened. I'm guessing they settled or something since they're both still using the name.
San Dimas High School football rules is my favorite love song, forever.
I was a huge fan of the Ataris when the Boys of Summer cover was released. I knew that was the end of the band when it came out. It's a great cover, one of the best covers ever but I knew that the sudden fame was going to end the band. Those first couple albums on Kung Fu records were great.
It’s weird how many different ways that one huge hit is the end of a band/ artist.
@geraldfriend256 yeah, I kind of understand it most of the time though. A lot of times it's a sudden unexpected kind of thing and it changes everything, your entire fan base changes from a small diehard fan base to a huge group of casual fans that like your hit, the label will start pressuring the band because they want more hits, it can mess with your creativity, causes a lot of conflicts about creative control and disagreements between members, some bands just can't keep it together.
I still love this band so incredibly much
I fondly remember, Boys of Summer, Don and Mike wrote such an amazing sing and I though what the , Ataris done for the song was amazing too. I was 6 when that song g hit the radio, fond memories as a child of radio music and MTV
I love the song they did on Short Music for Short People it was called The Radio Still Sucks.
Every now and then, I turn it on again, but it's plain to see that the radio still sucks
I loved that album. Had it the day it came out back then. I still know the order of the songs. "Why dont people understand... i got a short attention span..."
They rewrote the song for an album which was interesting but the 30 second version hits hard, fat mikes greatest sampler of all time, so many artists i never heard of but thanks to 30 seconds of each not one bad band on it.
Love this channel❤
Thank you
Santa Barbara punk band Sickshift we’re the 1st to cover Boys of Summer in 98 and that’s where Kris and the Ataris took that idea from
I still listen to look forward to failure, blue skies and anywhere but here
So much more in this video than I expected!
My band opened for them back in 2011 or 2012. The vocalist was a complete diva. Everyone else was very kind and even hung out and talked to us.
My band played with them multiple times in the same era. Kris was super humble, friendly, and generous with his time. He made a point to watch us play each time, and spend time talking with me after each show.
I like The Saddest Song
And AGAIN...... I find myself acquiring a plethora of knowledge about a band that I had LITERALLY forgotten had even existed. The question is..... what do I do with this newly obtained knowledge? Hmmm.... the possibilities are ENDLESS!!!. Thanx, my guy!!
🤘😎🤘
You’re welcome!
Great video. Do the vandals!
Would love to see you do a video on no use for a name as it was mentioned here. There is so much to be said about Tony sly.
1942 was my favorite atari game and the F-1 racing game the name escapes me at the moment Grand Prix Racing maybe
Welcome the Night, their last album, is simply brillant and totally underrated
I used to like the cover a ton, in the end i ended up liking the original much better. It gives an amazing vibe especially during the summer
Im a big fan of these guys. Love all the albums but So Long, Astoria was a massive part of my teenage years. Massive. My Reply is the first song i learnt to play on guitar. Seen them a few times and spoke to Kris on a couple of occasions. Really cool dude and has time for his fans. I do wish we'd get some more new material. All Souls Day and The Graveyard of the Atlantic are exactly the kind of songs youd want from a new Ataris album.
I can attest to their devotion to personally responding to each fan. I once got a full page hand written letter from them in response to a mail in merch order. Still love Blue Skies….
You should look into and think about doing one of these videos on the band "Student Rick".
Thanks!
Great job on these videos, keep em coming! 👏
Thanks
I used to talk to all the Student rick dudes via Email in the early 2000s. We did a show together too once I started a band. Good times.
Was just thinking of them. Didnt know anyone really knew of them. Yeah they were on victory but really didnt take off. They were an indiana band.. from.. lafeyette maybe.. 🤷
@@travisedwards3543 yup
I used to work for one of the guitarists at the Hangout in Alabama. Was a super chill dude.
A girl gave me blue skies when I was maybe 13 years old and so it holds a special place in my ❤
This is wild considering I have loved their Don Henley cover for years
I live in Indianapolis which is about 40 min from Anderson.. My PopPunk band played in Several Punk Rock Basement Shows in Anderson.. Always a blast!!
This comment doesn't really have anything to do with the Ataris lol.. 🤘
I knew something was up when I reconnected with a high school buddy of mine and his band was opening locally for the Ataris, and he was NOT looking forward to it.
I have never heard of this band. Worth looking into
Best cover of all time
People don’t really how good the years 1998-2001 were for them plus the caper was a kickass producer
I was obsessed with The Ataris growing up, saw them live in Old Bridge,, NJ in 2002. “So Long Astoria” was the soundtrack to the carefree peak of my teenage years. Sucks to see how far they dropped off.
I was at that show. It was at birch hill right? Great time
@@SpiralDownRock Yep! That was a great night,
Forgot to mention I caught them at Warped Tour 2001 too
I love every Ataris album but Welcome The Night is by far the best one.
I love this- thank you
You are so welcome!
I saw the ataris in 1997.
They opened for Save Ferris in Hollywood, CA.
They were punk and much harder, before their first single.
Could never find their music since all we had was Napster and Kazaa.
Welcome the Night is one of my favorite rock albums.
I was shocked when Welcome the Night came out, it didn't even sound like the Ataris... also I got to see Versus the World opening for No Use for a Name and they were awesome!
We had them perform at one of the venues I work at last September with Everclear
Technology is always evolving. Ataris were cool and groundbreaking in their day but modern, better gaming technology quickly surpassed their gaming system. Fact.
Wh…. What?!
Still rocking Blue Skies…
San Dimas High School Football Rules > The Boys of Summer.
100%
I remember these guys!! I had been wondering for years, what happened to them. I was one of those who had no idea that "the boys of summer" was a cover, & in the years since, i've heard Don Henley's original version, & it's ok, but i think the Atari's version is better. Sad to say, that i was only introduced to the Ataris through "so long Astoria". I hate that they didn't go on to have lots more success. I really liked 'In this Diary", too. In fact, i think it was the superior single. Fun fact about Don Henley. He's originally from Linden, Texas, a small town, not far from where i live.
I live in Santa Barbara
Love it !
I was into this band. I have their first few albums still and that EP "Look Forward to Failure." I did get So Long Astoria too but at the time I also I was feeling that whole they kinda sold out vibe though I do like Kris' thoughts (as displayed here) behind that album and I did think 'Boys of Summer' was a great cover. I had more confidence in myself back then too, but I digress. After that I just never really thought about them much again as for wondering if they were even still a band. I do still play the first few albums from time to time for nostalgia.
Only song I ever actively listened was their cover of Boys Of Summer. If anyone can recommend some original material of theirs for me to listen to, I’d very much appreciate it!
I tend to lean towards pop punk sound I liked a lot of so long Astoria
San Dimas football is probably their best but the lyrics are super cheesy
Well, *In This Diary.....*
Oh man, I remember running into them at a 2003 (ish) warped tour in San Diego and they were so rude to us and I was totally bummed about it. Fell off a bit with them after that. Chris was so pompous.
My band u and what army played a show with them at a local firehouse in 1999 they were cool and we drank beer with them
Good times over 20 years ago now
I love Welcome The Night ♥️
I still listen to them
I’m seeing them live in Philly in a few weeks! Playing to 3000 people venue Co Heading with MxPx.
Don Henley is so tetchy because he knows how much better the Ataris' version is.
Can we get a "Boys of Summer" cover from Atari Teenage Riot?
I would die for peanut butter. Lmao!! I loved them before the ataris. Lmao
I'm a big fan of The Ataris. I'm influenced heavily by this band and Kris Roe in terms of songwriting. In my opinion, The Boys Of Summer hardly in my top 5 favorite songs from So Long Astoria. Despite all the shit Kris has to go through, The Ataris seem to be doing pretty well for themselves. They had a pretty good show at When We Were Young 2023, and are on tour with MxPx, selling out shows.
Great band. And remember, folks- never drink and drive, never text and drive.
Shoutout to Anderson! My hometown!
They were overrun by the Nintendo's
I saw them here in K.C. in 2015 on the Blue Skies Broken Hearts tour. It was a good, very small show. It was weird seeing such a once big act play such a small venue.
They were never a big act
@@adamclark9004 My bad.
Couple notes... Kris actually recorded all guitar and bass on anywhere but here... I never got the full story of why. Jasin does play on the remix,though. Also, the Vandals show was in Cincinnat, not Indy. When Kris moved out to Cali, Jasin stayed in Indiana and Marko (of Sugarcult) actually played bass for them. Jasin never played bass, Kris actually did when they first formed. Jasin and Kris were both living in Franklin, Indiana when they formed... Kris worked at a local movie theater.
So a ton of articles said Anderson, one said Franklin. All my sources were based on old interviews they have back in the day around the 90s and 2000:
@@rnrtruestories It’s my understanding that Kris wrote most of the songs that make up “Anywhere But Here” before Jasin came into the picture and was living in Anderson (which is where he grew up). The first actual formation of a band named “The Ataris” would be when he was living in Franklin with his first wife Angie, though. So, a little bit of both. :)
I liked them a lot❤ wow memories....
Nothing against Don Henley but The Ataris are great songwriters. I am grateful to have been there with them since the early days. I had fun going on tour with them and filling in for Mark Hoppus from Blink-182 when he was late to sing back up on “That Special Girl.” Davenport & Knapp were definitely my boys and we had a blast together. Roe was usually super serious and focused on expanding the band’s reach. Davenport suggested me to try out for guitar since Knapp and I were already jamming on my songs that I wrote but Roe already had specific players in mind already. I would have loved to join the band but I was destined to be a house music producer and DJ. Always good times on the road with them from Vegas to Anaheim to Corona back to Santa Barbara again. I appreciated all the shout outs in the liner notes. I am happy to see them back together again. If I still lived in America I would have definitely been at the Wiltern recently. Wishing them much success moving forward. A new album maybe…
Welcome The Night is my favorite album of all time.
I stopped listening to them when so long astoria came out. Blue Skies, and End is Forever are very solid.
I loved that song when it came out around 2005. Boys of summer
I think boys of summer is a good cover
Kris Roe gives hope to the rest of us mediocre musicians.
I'll always appreciate the Ataris, anywhere but here is a great album
they're touring with mxpx soon.