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Authority Zero is an American punk rock band from
Mesa, Arizona Mesa ( ) is a city in Maricopa County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It is the most populous city in the East Valley section of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It is bordered by Tempe on the west, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Communit ...
, United States, formed in 1994.Blueskye, Brian (2014)
Indie-Punk Veterans: Reggae/Skate-Punk Pioneers Authority Zero Head for the Hood
, ''Coachella Valley Independent'', September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2014
The band's style is rooted in
reggae Reggae () is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, " Do the Reggay" was the first popular song to use ...
and
skate punk Skate punk (also known as skatecore and skate rock) is a skater subculture and punk rock subgenre that developed in the 1980s. Originally a form of hardcore punk that had been closely associated with skate culture, skate punk evolved into a mo ...
, with Spanish/Portuguese influences. They have released seven albums to date, two DVDs and nine singles. The band regularly tours North America, Europe and Japan.


History


Formation and early days (1994–1999)

Authority Zero was started in 1994 and consisted of two guitarists Bill Marcks, Jerry Douglas (also performing vocals) and drummer J.W. Gordon, all from Westwood High School. This trio put a few songs together without lyrics or basslines until the summer of 1995. When that summer rolled around, Douglas was expecting the yearly visit of his friend Jason DeVore, from Wyoming. Douglas introduced his long-time friend to Marcks who was asked if he wanted to be their singer. Marcks was impressed with DeVore's ability to "write catchy songs in fifteen minutes with really sticky hooks". The two quickly enlisted Jeremy Wood on bass, who actually taught Marcks and Douglas how to play the guitar. His experience with lead guitar and musical theory separated his bass playing from others'. Not just a "follow along," his baselines were independent and yet fluid with the music. However, because of Gordon's commitment to the air force, his position as drummer soon had to be replaced. Classmate, skateboarder, and drummer Daniel Garcia fit this empty stool like a missing puzzle piece. He brought a new charge and tempo that evolved Authority Zero's music into a faster, more complex, punk rock style. Eventually, however, differences and family obligations led to Garcia's exit from the group. Marcks, Douglas, DeVore, and Wood finally came upon
Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world ...
native Jim Wilcox formerly of Welter/The New Militia and he completed the Authority Zero's lineup. Douglas also left the group and joined the air force.


Early success (1999–2004)

After releasing a local EP that sold very well, Authority Zero released their debut album '' A Passage In Time'' in 2002 on
Lava Records Lava Records (Lava Music, LLC) is an American record label owned by Jason Flom in partnership with Universal Music Group. Company history In 1995, Flom launched Lava Records in partnership with Atlantic Records. For the next decade, he continu ...
. The album featured a blend of genres including punk rock and
reggae Reggae () is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, " Do the Reggay" was the first popular song to use ...
, with obvious Spanish and Portuguese influences. '' A Passage In Time'' included the hits "One More Minute" and "Over Seasons”. The success of '' A Passage In Time'' propelled the band into new popularity. Authority Zero appeared on many tours, such as Warped Tour, the
No Use for a Name No Use for a Name (sometimes abbreviated NUFAN or No Use) was an American punk rock band from Sunnyvale, California, United States formed in 1986 by Chris Dodge (guitar), Steve Papoutsis (bass) and Rory Koff (drums). The band's sound evolved cons ...
/ The Starting Line tour, and
Sum 41 Sum 41 is a Canadian rock band from Ajax, Ontario. Originally called Kaspir, the band was formed in 1996 and currently consists of Deryck Whibley (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards), Dave Baksh (lead guitar, backing vocals), Jason "Cone" Mc ...
's "Sum on Your Face". The band has also toured with the likes of Everclear, Guttermouth and H2O.


''Andiamo'' (2004–2007)

In 2004, Authority Zero released '' Andiamo'', again on
Lava Records Lava Records (Lava Music, LLC) is an American record label owned by Jason Flom in partnership with Universal Music Group. Company history In 1995, Flom launched Lava Records in partnership with Atlantic Records. For the next decade, he continu ...
. "Andiamo" means literally "We go" in
Italian Italian(s) may refer to: * Anything of, from, or related to the people of Italy over the centuries ** Italians, an ethnic group or simply a citizen of the Italian Republic or Italian Kingdom ** Italian language, a Romance language *** Regional Ita ...
, but can also be read as "And I am Zero", the title of their live DVD released following ''Andiamo''. The album again featured a blend of genres and Spanish/Portuguese influences. ''Andiamo'' is somewhat politically charged, evident in the songs "Revolution", "A Thousand Years of War", and the cover of the song "
Mexican Radio "Mexican Radio" is a song by American new wave band Wall of Voodoo. Produced by Richard Mazda, the track was initially released on their 1982 album '' Call of the West'' and was released as a single. With regular airplay on MTV in the United ...
", originally written by
Wall of Voodoo Wall of Voodoo was an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, United States. Though largely an underground act for the majority of its existence, the band came to prominence when its 1982 single "Mexican Radio" became a hit on MTV an ...
(the version that appears on ''Andiamo'' has lyric changes in order to make a statement against the
2003 invasion of Iraq The 2003 invasion of Iraq was a United States-led invasion of the Republic of Iraq and the first stage of the Iraq War. The invasion phase began on 19 March 2003 (air) and 20 March 2003 (ground) and lasted just over one month, including ...
). In the summer of 2006, Authority Zero released a live acoustic compilation album titled Rhythm and Booze on
Suburban Noize Records Suburban Noize Records, also known as "Subnoize", is an independent record label based in Burbank, California that specializes in punk rock and hip hop music. The label was founded in 1997 by the Kottonmouth Kings' vocalist Daddy X and Kevin Zi ...
.


''12:34'', Marcks Departure (2007–2009)

The band's next album, entitled ''12:34'' was released on January 30, 2007. The track "Courage" was released as a single. The band toured with Rehab on the "Lack of Luxury" 2007 tour. On December 30, 2008, Bill Marcks left the band to spend more time with his family. Bill Marcks currently plays guitar in the band Cero Viejo with former Authority Zero bassist Jeremy Wood.


''Stories of Survival'', and changing line up (2009–2012)

Authority Zero released its fourth studio album titled ''Stories of Survival'' on June 22, 2010, under management by Hardline Entertainment. Authority Zero set out in 2011 on the "Swan" tour in support of a new album by
Unwritten Law Unwritten Law is an American punk rock band formed in 1990 in Poway, California. They have released seven full-length studio albums and have toured internationally, including performances on the Warped Tour. They are notable for their singles ...
. According to sources within the band, they parted ways with Zach Vogel. He was replaced, by Brandon Landelius, a guitar player from The Mag Seven. Authority Zero's veteran drummer Jim Wilcox left the band in January 2012 to focus on Blue Collar Prophet his D.J. outfit. On March 1, 2012, the band announced Sean Sellers of Good Riddance and The Real McKenzies would be their full-time replacement behind the drums.


''The Tipping Point'' (2013–2014)

Authority Zero released their album titled ''The Tipping Point'' on April 2, 2013, on Hardline Entertainment. On Tuesday March 5, 2013, Jeremy Wood announced via Facebook that he has stepped down as bassist for the band again, citing personal differences, and the urge to spend more time with family, as well as explore his roots in the local music scene. Jeremy Wood now plays bass with his new band Cero Viejo ('Old Zero' in Spanish) with former Authority Zero guitarist Bill Marcks. During the band's March 7 listening party with Phoenix area online radio station KUKQ, Jason DeVore announced that Mike Spero will be taking over on bass full-time for the band. The band released ''
The Tipping Point ''The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference'' is the debut book by Malcolm Gladwell, first published by Little, Brown in 2000. Gladwell defines a tipping point as "the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling po ...
'' on April 2, 2013. Authority Zero embarked on a European tour April 4, starting with dates in Russia before playing more conventional dates in Europe.


Tour van theft and Brandon Landelius's departure (2015)

In May 2015, the band recorded a live record as a 20th anniversary event at Club Red in Mesa, Arizona. The band included songs that spanned over the length of its 20-year history. It will be the band's first full band live album. On July 21 while headlining The Summer Sickness tour with CounterPunch and Rubedo, Authority Zero's tour van and trailer were stolen in San Antonio, Texas. The van and trailer were recovered a few days later, but was damaged and the trailer had been emptied – more than $50,000 dollars of music equipment and merchandise was stolen. Authority Zero pushed on and decided to finish the tour with help from CounterPunch lending them their gear. During 2015, updates from DeVore hinted at a new Authority Zero record. On his Instagram he included pictures of the band in a rehearsal space demoing songs, and writing. After joining the band in 2011, Brandon Landelius announced on November 4, 2015, that following the Canadian tour he will no longer be continuing with the band. However, due to travel issues caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identi ...
, he has filled in for Dan Aid during
live-streamed Livestreaming is streaming media simultaneously recorded and broadcast in real-time over the internet. It is often referred to simply as streaming. Non-live media such as video-on-demand, vlogs, and YouTube videos are technically streamed, but no ...
shows.


''Broadcasting to the Nations'' (2016 – present)

On December 2, 2016, the band announced on their Facebook page that they have entered the Blasting Room to complete their sixth record. In April 2017, album art and title, ''Broadcasting to the Nations'', was announced on the official Authority Zero website. Along with the release of the album art, the band released the first single "Bayside." Then on June 2, 2017, it was officially released. On January 13, 2021, Jason Devore announced the departure of guitarist Dan Aid to pursue other endeavors. Eric Walsh became their new guitarist. In April 2021, the band announced a new EP entitled ''The Back Nine''. The following month, they announced an album entitled ''Ollie Ollie Oxen Free'', which was released on June 18, 2021.


Band members

Current * Jason DeVore – lead vocals (1994–present) * Mike Spero – bass (2013–present) * Chris Dalley – drums (2015–present) * Brandon Landelius – guitar (2011–2015, 2022 to present) Former * Sean Sellers – drums (2012–2015) * Bill Marcks – guitar (1994–2008) * Jerry Douglas – guitar (1994–1999) * Zach Vogel – guitar (2008–2011) * Jeremy Wood – bass (1995–2006, 2009–2013) * Dean "DJ" Farmer – bass (2006–2009) * J. W. Gordon – drums (1994–1996) * Daniel Garcia – drums (1996–1999) * Jim Wilcox – drums (1999–2012) * * Dan Aid – guitar (2016–2020) * Bryan Sandell – guitar (2006–2008) * Chris Bartholomew – drums (2012) * Josh "Ralphie" Schneider – bass (2007) * Chad Martin – drums (2015) * Eric Walsh – guitar (2021–2022) Timeline


Discography


Studio albums


Live-acoustic albums


Singles

* "One More Minute" (2002) * "Over Seasons" (2003) * "Revolution" (2004) * "Get It Right" (2010) * "Big Bad World" (2011) * "Bayside" (2017) * "Atom Bomb" (2018) * "Ah Hell" (2018)


DVDs

* 2005: ''(And) I Am Zero'' (2005)


Music videos

* "Over Seasons" (2002) * "One More Minute" (2002) * "Revolution" (2004) * "Painted Windows" (2004) * "The Bravery" (2007) * "No Regrets" (2007) * "Sirens" (2008) * "Get It Right" (2010) * "Big Bad World" (2011) * "Today We Heard The News" (2013) * "No Other Place" (2014) * "Lift One Up" (2014) * "When We Rule The World" (2017) * "First One In The Pit" (2017) * "Ah Hell" (2019) * "Ollie Ollie Oxen Free" (2021) * "Destiny and Demise" (2022) * "Fire Off Another" (2022)


Demos

* 1999: ''Live Your Life'' * 2001: ''Patches in Time''


Appearances in other media

* The song "A Passage in Time" appeared on the video game ''
Project Gotham Racing 2 ''Project Gotham Racing 2'' is a racing video game developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It was released exclusively for the Xbox in November 2003. As in 2001's ''Project Gotham Racing'', the route to advancemen ...
'' * The song "A Passage in Time" has been professional wrestler Takeshi Rikio's theme song since 2005. * The song "Everyday" appeared on the video game ''
Tony Hawk's Underground ''Tony Hawk's Underground'' is a skateboarding video game and the fifth entry in the ''Tony Hawk's'' series after '' Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4''. It was developed by Neversoft and published by Activision in 2003 for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, ...
''. * The song "Revolution" appeared on
Fat Wreck Chords Fat Wreck Chords (pronounced "Fat Records") is a San Francisco, California-based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by NOFX lead singer Michael Burkett (better known as Fat Mike) in 1990. The label has released mater ...
'' Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1'' compilation and in the game '' MX vs. ATV Unleashed''. * The song "Revolution" appeared on an episode of "Smallville" in season 4. * A demo version of the song "Solitude" appeared on the 2003 Vans Warped Tour Compilation. * The songs "12:34" and "On Edge" appeared on the video game '' MX vs. ATV Untamed''. * The song "La Surf" appeared in the movie "
Grind A blade's grind is its cross-sectional shape in a plane normal to the edge. Grind differs from blade profile, which is the blade's cross-sectional shape in the plane containing the blade's edge and the centre contour of the blade's back ( ...
" * The song "No Regrets" appeared on the "Supporting Radical Habits, vol 2" CD. * "No Regrets" is featured as one of the 20 songs of free downloadable content on Rock Band 2. * The song "Sirens" appears in the Athertons' section in the mountain bike film New World Disorder 9. * The songs "Taking on the World" and "Madman" are featured in Season 1 of the mountain bike show Stund. * An acoustic version of the song "Big Bad World" appears on "The Edge 103.9 – Acoustic Live and Rare 2008". "Big Bad World" is a previously unreleased song.


References


External links

*
Authority Zero
at purevolume.com
Authority Zero
Billboard {{Authority control 1994 establishments in Arizona Punk rock groups from Arizona Musical groups established in 1994 Reggae rock groups Suburban Noize Records artists Articles which contain graphical timelines Musicians from Mesa, Arizona