The Ataris made their big break into the mainstream with their album "So Long, Astoria", which generated many successful singles. Their cover of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer" did particularly well and was storming the airwaves when The Ataris pulled into town. Unfortunately their tour stop was on a day that both of us were busy, Sterling at work and I had a night class at college. We really wanted to meet this band, but it just didn't seem like it was going to be possible.

       But... things changed when I was on transition to get a better parking spot for my night class. The radio station I was listening to announced that lead singer Kris Roe and lead guitarist John Collura of The Ataris were going to be stopping by the station for a special acoustic set and interview. I had about two hours before my next class so I quickly headed in the direction of the radio station. Luckily I brought my camera, Ataris CD, and picture just in case something like this happened -it's always good to be prepared. I waited in my car outside the station for their interview to end and once it did, I rushed inside.

       After a long wait a group of station winner Ataris fans came down with signed poster flats and were all excited and giddy. I knew that the mini meet and greet was over and that I should be seeing them momentarily. Sure enough the elevator door opened and out came a large group of people, two of which were Kris and John. I jumped up and asked Kris if he would mind signing an autograph for me and he said, "what you got".

       After showing him my CD and cardboard he agreed to sign both of them, but seemed reluctant about doing it. On the radio he said he was a bit under the weather and he sure acted like it. Kris wasn't really that friendly and quickly signed and rushed off. I tried to ask if I could get a picture with him or an autograph for my friend Sterling, but he refused. So I just thanked him for stopping to sign.

       John in the meantime was quickly sneaking away from me but I spotted him and asked for an autograph as well. He hurriedly rushed over and quickly scribbled a few 'graphs for me. I tried to warm up John a little by asking a couple questions as he was exiting, but he was in such a rush that I barely got a response. I thanked him and was a little disappointed with my experience meeting them, but at least got some great autographs.