Authority Zero

Latest Release: Thirty Years: Speaking to the Youth

Release Date: October. 04. 2024

Home Town: Chelmsford, Essex 

Members:  Jordan Cardy

Discography: 

• A Passage in Time – September 10, 2002
• Andiamo – June 29, 2004
• 12:34 – January 30, 2007
• Stories of Survival – June 22, 2010
• The Tipping Point – April 2, 2013
• Broadcasting to the Nations –  June 2, 2017
• Persona Non Grata – December 7, 2018
• Ollie Ollie Oxen Free – June 18, 2021

In The Know:  

Authority Zero, the influential punk band from Mesa, Arizona, is marking its 30th anniversary this year with a new EP titled “Talking to the Youth.” Known for their high-energy sound that seamlessly combines melodic punk with reggae and Latin influences, Authority Zero has remained a powerful force in punk music since its formation in 1994. The new release promises to deliver the band’s signature blend of anthemic tracks that speak directly to new generations of fans, celebrating their journey and impact on punk rock.

Authority Zero began as a trio in 1994, with guitarists Bill Marcks and Jerry Douglas and drummer J.W. Gordon, all from Westwood High School. However, the group’s lineup only solidified in 1995 when Marcks’ longtime friend Jason DeVore joined as the lead vocalist. DeVore’s talent for crafting catchy hooks and memorable lyrics quickly set Authority Zero apart. Bassist Jeremy Wood soon joined, and his distinct bass lines added depth and complexity to the band’s evolving punk style.

The band’s unique sound was honed over the years as they experienced numerous lineup changes. Jim Wilcox, a Los Angeles native and former member of Welter/The New Militia, became the group’s drummer, bringing fresh energy to their performances. Over the years, members like Sean Sellers of Good Riddance and Eric Walsh on guitar have contributed to the band’s distinctive punk-reggae fusion, maintaining its iconic sound even as new musicians joined the ranks.

Their 2002 debut album, A Passage in Time, was a game-changer, introducing Authority Zero’s style to a broader audience with hits like “One More Minute” and “Over Seasons.” The success of A Passage in Time led to tours alongside acts like Everclear, Guttermouth, and H2O, as well as appearances on the Warped Tour and other major stages. The release of Andiamo in 2004 further solidified their place in punk rock history, featuring politically charged songs like “Revolution” and a powerful cover of “Mexican Radio.”

Over the decades, Authority Zero has built a loyal fan base, weathered countless challenges, and maintained an impressive catalog that includes Stories of Survival, The Tipping Point, and Broadcasting to the Nations. Their persistence and commitment to the punk ethos have earned them respect across the music industry, especially for their resilience in the face of hardships like the theft of their tour equipment in 2015.

This month, with “Talking to the Youth,” Authority Zero reflects on three decades of impact and evolution. Frontman Jason DeVore describes the EP as both a celebration of their legacy and a call to action for future punk generations. Each track is packed with the band’s trademark energy and heartfelt lyrics that tackle societal issues, staying true to the band’s mission to empower listeners.

As Authority Zero continues to tour and create, “Talking to the Youth” stands as a testament to their enduring spirit and a reminder of punk’s transformative power. Thirty years in, Authority Zero shows no signs of slowing down, carrying forward the flame of melodic punk rock for generations to come.