The Ataris have just released ‘Car Song,’ the lead single from their long-awaited upcoming album, marking the band’s first full-length release since 2007. Recorded using vintage tones and brought to life with the warmth of analog tape, this heartfelt track is dedicated to frontman Kristopher Roe’s late father, a lifelong supporter and integral part of the band’s journey.
In addition to ‘Car Song,’ The Ataris are revisiting their beloved hit ‘In This Diary’ with two fresh versions — a newly re-recorded 2025 studio version and a brand-new acoustic rendition. These reimagined takes offer fans a fresh, emotional perspective on the track that helped define a generation of fans.
“I’ve always been so lucky to have my dad’s unwavering support for The Ataris. He wasn’t just a fan—he was a fixture of our community. He would often interact with fans on the band’s message board, film live sets, and share them with everyone—everyone knew him. He was a huge part of the band’s journey,” Roe says.
“When I read about a service that would press a loved one’s ashes into vinyl, it instantly hit me. What better way to honor my dad than making him a permanent part of the music he always loved? It felt like the most meaningful tribute I could give him.”
Kristopher’s father, William Roe, passed away in 2014 due to complications related to alcoholism. In honor of his father’s memory, a portion of the profits from the ‘Car Song’ 7-inch release will be donated to Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending addiction. Donations from the 7-inch release will benefit Shatterproof through 2025 and 2026, supporting their mission to help individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders. Fans can learn more or donate directly at Shatterproof.org.
“For anyone who knew my dad, they all agree this would be the biggest honor for him.” In addition to the ashes variant (which will be pressed at Hellbender Vinyl in Pittsburgh, PA), special turquoise and silver and turquoise with black smoke vinyl variants—color-matched to the ring Kristopher’s father wore his entire life—will also be available, along with a rust red splatter variant.
‘Car Song’ is the first track from the band’s upcoming, as-yet-untitled album. Another iconic vehicle—literally—inspired the band’s return to the studio. Roe, a longtime fan of Breaking Bad, was given the opportunity to purchase the Volvo driven by Bryan Cranston’s character, Walter White, in the series finale.
“I like to say that Walter White’s Volvo was the key to recording ‘Car Song’ and starting this album,” Roe says with a laugh. “A friend who worked on the show wanted to sell the Volvo to a fan. Since Breaking Bad is one of my favorites, I bought it. There was even a receipt left in the glovebox signed by Bryan Cranston as Walter White!”
Roe later traded the Volvo to his producer and close friend, Bob Hoag, in exchange for studio time. From that unlikely exchange, ‘Car Song’ was born—and with it, the start of a new era for The Ataris.
Formed in 1996, The Ataris built a devoted following through tireless touring and raw, emotionally driven songs. After gaining momentum with indie label Kung Fu Records, the band signed with Columbia and released their major label debut, ‘So Long, Astoria’, in 2003. Featuring hits like ‘In This Diary’, ‘The Saddest Song’, and their gold-certified cover of ‘The Boys of Summer’ the album sold over a million copies and cemented their place in early-2000s alternative rock.
Now, with new music, special releases, and a highly anticipated full-length album on the horizon, The Ataris are proving their story is far from over.
Fans can catch The Ataris on tour this summer, including several festival dates, at Riot Fest in September, and on the main stage at Aftershock Festival in October.
Upcoming tour dates:
May 10th – Team Real Racing Experience (Commerce Casino & Hotel) – Commerce, CA
May 24th – Slam Dunk Festival (Hatfield Park) – Hatfield, UK
May 25th – Slam Dunk Festival (Temple Newsam) – Leeds, UK
May 27th – O2 Academy Islington – London, UK
May 29th – Slam Dunk Festival (TivoliVredenburg) – Utrecht, Netherlands
May 31st – SBAM Festival (Alter Schlachthof Wels) – Wels, Austria
June 1st – Slam Dunk Festival (Komplex 457) – Zürich, Switzerland
June 2nd – Slam Dunk Festival (Carraponte) – Milan, Italy
June 13th – Phasefest (Sioux Falls Stadium) – Sioux Falls, SD
August 23rd – Yaamava’ Resort and Casino Highland – CA (w/ Alien Ant Farm)
September 19th – 23rd – Riot Fest – Chicago, IL
October 2nd – Aftershock (Discovery Park) – Sacramento, CA