We caught up with Mike Davenport of The Ataris at Riot Fest 2025. He shares why the band’s storytelling still hits—especially the timeless title track “So Long, Astoria”—and how their cover of “Boys of Summer” turned from a love-hate relationship into a nightly gratitude moment on stage.
Mike breaks down crafting a short festival set (nostalgia + energy + narrative), handling tour curveballs (he’s also the band’s tour manager), and the surprising live favorite “The Hero Dies in This One.” We also talk pop-punk’s new wave, non-musical influences (Kerouac, Douglas Coupland), and what’s ahead:
What’s Next
After Riot Fest: Aftershock (with Blink-182, Alkaline Trio)
Dates with MXPX (U.S. & Canada), Boston “So Long, Astoria” full-album show
New Ataris album in March — first in 17 years
🎥 Interview by Music Coast
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