Alien Ant Farm and The Ataris

Indiana-formed pop-punk band the Ataris, led by Kris Roe, gained fame in the late '90s. Known for 2003's *So Long, Astoria* and a hit cover of "Boys of Summer", they achieved chart success. Despite line-up changes, Roe continues to tour with alt-rock hooks. Notable collaborations include Vandals' Joe Escalante and members of Descendents.

Alien Ant Farm, from Riverside, CA, gained fame with their 2001 hit cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal." Known for their blend of nu-metal and punk-pop, their debut album ANThology went platinum. They faced challenges, like drummer injuries in a 2002 bus crash, but continued producing music. Hits include "These Days," and they received the Best Independent Album award in 1999. The band worked with labels such as DreamWorks and released albums like truANT and Up in the Attic. They've collaborated with musicians, reuniting for tours, and released their sixth album, Mantras, in 2024.