Photo credit: Aaron Ehinger
Fresh off Chicago’s Riot Fest earlier this month, The Ataris hit Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, CA, at Discovery Park, on Thursday, October 2. Earlier this year, the band released their first new single in 15 years, “Car Song,” accompanied by a cinematic, Breaking Bad–inspired music video. Watch it below and read more.
Stream “Car Song” here: https://theataris.ffm.to/carsong
“We had a great time filming the video for “Car Song,”” says frontman Kristopher Roe. “It was a really fun day with old friends and lots of great memories were made.”
The video pays homage to Breaking Bad, kicking off with Roe arriving at an Airbnb hosted by none other than Walter White’s family. A sign reads, “Make yourself at home, but whatever you do, don’t go in the garage!” Naturally, Roe ignores the warning, makes off with the original Volvo driven by Walter White in the final episode of Breaking Bad, and takes it on a chaotic joyride. The story escalates with a traffic stop by a cop—played by longtime Ataris producer Bob Hoag—and a surprise discovery of blue meth in the trunk. Just as things seem lost, a shadowy Walter White lookalike swoops in, stealing back the Volvo and disappearing into the desert.
The inspiration for the song and the video’s surreal concept came from a real-life piece of Breaking Bad history: Roe purchased Walter White’s actual Volvo from the show’s assistant director and later traded it to producer Bob Hoag in exchange for studio time. “I like to say that Walter White’s Volvo was the catalyst for ‘Car Song’ and the new album,” Roe laughs. “It all just came together from there, and now, here we are.”
Amid the nostalgia and playful storytelling, “Car Song” carries a deeply personal meaning—it’s dedicated to Roe’s late father, William Roe, who passed away in 2014 from complications related to alcoholism.
“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,” Roe says. “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.”
That connection inspired a profoundly unique tribute: Roe had some of his father’s ashes embedded in a limited-edition vinyl pressing of “Car Song.”
“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.”
In honor of William Roe, a portion of proceeds from the “Car Song” 7-inch vinyl will benefit Shatterproof, a nonprofit dedicated to ending addiction. Funds raised will support Shatterproof’s work through 2025 and 2026. Fans can donate or learn more at https://shatterproof.org/
The “Car Song” 7-inch is available in several exclusive variants:
A limited edition incorporating William Roe’s ashes, pressed at Hellbender Vinyl in Pittsburgh, PA.
A turquoise and silver variant, reflecting the color of a ring Roe’s father wore throughout his life.
A rust-red splatter edition, echoing the raw emotion of the song and the band’s enduring aesthetic.
“Car Song” also marks the first release from The Ataris’ upcoming, untitled album, recorded with vintage gear and analog warmth. It represents a new chapter for the band, rooted in their past but driven by renewed purpose. In addition, fans will hear reimagined versions of their beloved 2003 anthem “In This Diary”—including a newly recorded 2025 studio take and an intimate acoustic version that offers fresh emotional depth.
The Ataris first broke onto the scene in 1996, achieving major success with their 2003 release So Long, Astoria, featuring hits like “The Saddest Song”, “In This Diary”, and their gold-certified cover of “The Boys of Summer.” Over the years, the band has built a legacy defined by emotional authenticity and a passionate fanbase. With “Car Song”, Roe and The Ataris are not just returning—they’re evolving, honoring the past while creating something deeply personal and profoundly resonant.
See The Ataris live this summer at select tour dates, including a KNDD radio show in Seattle with Sublime, plus major festivals like Aftershock Festival in October.
Upcoming Shows:
10/2 Aftershock (Discovery Park) Sacramento, CA
10/24 Theatre Caitole, Quebec (w/ MXPX)
10/25 Mtelus, Montreal (w/ MXPX)
11/8 New Rock Brew Rock Fresno, CA
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