Authority Zero - Punk, Ska, Reggae - Mystic Theatre & Music Hall

Living through chaotic times and trying to make sense of it is nothing new to Authority Zero, the mythic Mesa, AZ, band that has combined punk, ska, reggae, surf-rock, prog-metal and even jazz into a musical melting pot that goes back a quarter-century to their roots on the local club scene. Authority Zero’s story goes back to playing five for $5 shows at local Mesa clubs like the Niles Theater, where several self-released demos and EPs caught the attention of local influencer radio station, KEDJ the Edge, which led to signing with Lava/Atlantic. That 2002 debut, A Passage In Time, was a success, selling more than a quarter million copies worldwide on airplay hits like “One More Minute,” which set the template for the Authority Zero approach – a dubwise reggae beat set over frenetic punk choruses and an art-metal interlude. Seven more studio albums – the last four self-released – followed along with three live acoustic albums and last year’s career-defining Live at the Rebel Lounge. The band’s audience has been remarkably loyal over the years, as the band has established itself in the still-vibrant ska-punk community which includes management stablemates like The Expendables and Ballyhoo! For Authority Zero, “One More Minute” has lasted for 26 years of great music, crazy times and plenty of fun along the way. “It’s very important to keep growing creatively,” concludes Jason DeVore, the band’s sole original member. “We don’t like to stay comfortable doing what we’ve always done. We’re always looking to expand, reach new audiences. You have to stay excited about making music. remain honest and surround yourself with the right people.”