Review Fix chats with the Ataris bassist Mike Davenport, who discusses the band’s reunion tour, in addition to his new album with Versus The World. Known for several hit in the late ‘90s and ‘00s, The Ataris are back and according to Davenport, ready to have some fun.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be back together?
Mike Davenport: Really awesome. We are like brothers so as soon as we see one another it’s like no time has passed. And to make new memories with my brothers is gonna be amazing.
Review Fix: What’s your favorite part about touring with the guys?
Davenport: Being on stage. I have spent the better part of my adult life rocking with these men and after 10 years apart to get a chance to do it one more time is a dream come true.
Review Fix: Any cool tour stories?
Davenport: Well we all like pranking one another and once when I was asleep in my hotel room in Houston, Kris discharged a fire extinguisher under my door into my room and yelled fire. John and I woke thinking the building was on fire and rushed out to the balcony in our underwear to be rescued. But really the joke was on all of us when that got us kicked out of the hotel.
Review Fix: What’s changed in your lives since you were last a band?
Davenport: The one thing that has changed in all 4 of us is that we have all mellowed. The first 10 years we were in The Ataris were very hectic from our early touring days, to our rise as a major label band. It was 300 shows a year go go go. 10 years away has given us all a great appreciation for what we accomplished together and a greater respect for each other.
Review Fix: What are your goals as a band for 2014?
Davenport: To have some fun. We are doing 25 shows across the US and that’s it. This tour is about celebrating what we accomplished 10 years ago. We all have other projects, businesses, and other bands that we do full time. My band Versus The World just finished 2 years of touring around the world on our second album. As soon as The Ataris tour is over I will be recording a new Versus album.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself during the band’s hiatus?
Davenport: It’s hard to say aloud but really I learned that me personally, I am not defined by The Ataris. For the first couple years after we went our separate ways that was very hard, I was essentially married to these guys. Spent 10 years with them everyday. I guess that’s why we have flub it impossible not to rock together again. So long identity?
Review Fix: Has the band’s sound changed?
Davenport: Sounds better but the same. We are all better musicians now. That’s the beauty of music unlike sports. We get better. Look at The Rolling Stones. And by the same I mean we are only playing old songs so nothing new just a celebration of our past.
Review Fix: How have fans reacted to the news of the band’s reunion?
Davenport: Incredible. We were not sure if anyone would care u know that always creeps in but tickets are selling fast and online response has been amazing. Our fans are so great and dedicated I love them all.
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