1. GENERAL BAND BOOKING INFO

1.1 - How can a promoter contact the band for booking?

The band can be reached by e-mail, phone, or fax. Please visit the Contact/Booking page for more information.
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1.2 - Does the band have an available equipment rider?

Yes, the Punks' equipment/backline specifications can be viewed and printed online if you need it.
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1.3 - Does the band have a logo and photo that can be used for promotion?

Yes there are two logos and one phoot you can download. The files are big, so please be patient while they load. The logo measures 8" x 10" and can be downloaded HERE and/or HERE. The band photo can be downloaded HERE.
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1.4 - How many members are in the band?

The Atomic Punks consist of four members. They are: Vocals, Ralph Saenz; Guitar, Russ Parrish; Bass, Joe Lester; Drums/Percussion, Scott Patterson. More information on the band and its members is available in The Band section.
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2. GENERAL BAND QUESTIONS

2.1 - How long have the Punks been together?

The Punks have been together since May, 1994.
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2.2 - How many times a month do the Punks play?

The Punks play roughly 7-8 times per month. The band members all have other projects as well, so check out the Show Calendar for up-to-date show schedules.
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2.3 - Has anyone in the band ever met a member of Van Halen?

Yes. Van Halen bassist, Michael Anthony, got up on stage at the 20/20 Club in Pasadena, CA for an impromptu jam with the band on March 16, 1998. They have also met David Lee Roth. Also, founding Punks guitarist Bart Walsh toured with David Lee Roth from 1999-2001, and recently-departed guitarist Brian Young hit the road with Dave on his 2002 tour with Sammy Hagar. Most recently, Michael Anthony again jammed with the Punks at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA, on January 31, 2003. He played nine songs with the band, "Runnin' With The Devil," "Hot For Teacher," "Somebody Get Me A Doctor," "Light Up The Sky," "You Really Got Me," "Panama," "Bottoms Up!," "Mean Street," and "On Fire."
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2.4 - Did David Lee Roth really mention the Punks in his autiobiography?

Yes he did. In his 1997 autobiography, "Crazy From The Heat," Dave mentions the Punks on page 119 with the following quote, "There is no city on the face of the earth that does not play -religiously- classic old-school Van Halen, and have at least one band whose entire approach is to imitate that, right down to the clothing and the haircuts. The most popular one in LA is called Atomic Punk, and wherever they play it's sold out. I checked. I wanted to go see. Evidently it's hysteria."
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2.5 - Have the Punks ever won any awards?

Yes, they were voted the #1 tribute band in LA three years in a row, and Ralph Saenz was voted the #1 singer in LA four years in a row by "Rock City News Magazine." Also, founding guitarist Bart Walsh was voted "Best Guitarist" by the magazine in 1998.
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2.6 - Has any member of the band ever been on TV or in a movie?

Yes. Ralph Saenz and current guitarist Russ Parrish both appeared as part of the fictional "Danger Kitty" hair band in Discover Card commercials in 2001. "Danger Kitty" is actually Ralph and Russ' other side-project called Metal Shop. Ralph also had a role in 2001's "Rock Star" motion picture, that starred Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. Ralph played the role of a singer trying out for the fictional Steel Dragon band. Former guitarist Brian Young, while not actually in the movie, taught actress Piper Perabo to play guitar on the set of the movie "Coyote Ugly."
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2.7 - Has anyone done any songwriting for TV or movies?

Yes. Ralph Saenz has written for Warner Bros. Television, and bassist Joe Lester had some songs from his current album appear on the TNN TV show, "18 Wheels Of Justice."
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2.8 - What are some places the Punks have played?

The list is very long and always growing. They have played all over Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Sacramento, Seattle, Honolulu, Minnesota, Chicago, and most-recently, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City. Some familiar places they've played include, The Whisky, House of Blues, Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, The Cajun House, 20/20 Club, Paladino's, Canes Bar & Grill, UMB Bank Pavilion (St. Louis, MO), POV's Sports Bar & Grill (Andover, MN), and The Roadhouse (Sacramento, CA).
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2.9 - Does the band have any relation to the "Atomic Punks" credited on several Van Halen bootlegs?

None whatsoever.
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2.10 - How many different band members have the Punks had?

The band has had three different bass players, and three different guitar players, with Russ Parrish recently moving from bass to the vacant guitar spot after Brian Young's departure. Ralph Saenz, bassist Joe Lester, and drummer Scott Patterson are all original members of the Punks.
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2.11 - What day jobs do the band members have?

Ralph Saenz and Russ Parrish play in an 80's hair metal tribute act called Metal Shop. Ralph also plays in a 70's disco band. Scott Patterson is a full-time Atomic Punks booker and drummer. Scott and Russ also play in a Rush tribute band called Moving Pictures.
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2.12 - Does the band have any merchandise for sale?

Yes they do. Visit the Merchandise page to see what items they are selling, then come to a show to pick one up!
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2.13 - What kind of guitar does Russ play to get the classic Van Halen sound?

Russ plays a specially-built black and white striped Wayne Guitar, made by world-renowned guitar maker Wayne Charvel.
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3. DAVID LEE RALPH SAYS...

3.1 - Has Van Halen ever approached you to be their singer? Would you try out if you had the opportunity?

No, Van Halen has never asked me to sing for them. If they did I would say "yes." Who could pass up a chance to front the most amazing band in the last two decades? Not me! But I would have to bring my wife.
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3.2 - What was your most memorable Punks performance?

The most memorable performance for the band was when we played in Pasadena and Michael Anthony came on the stage and played with us. We were completely beside ourselves! The place was sold-out and he jumped up on the stage and played with us and the place went nuts! It was great! A dream come true!
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3.3 - Will you guys ever record and release your own original material?

We were in pre-production in early 1999. We had written five songs, and were getting ready to start rehearsals when Bart got the call for the Roth gig. For now, the record is on hold, maybe forever. Right now I am writing for Warner Television. Next is to put a band together and rock this nation. I think America needs to rock out man.
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3.4 - What is your favorite Van Halen record to perform and why?

I don't really have a favorite, but I like leaning towards the first record for live. We play most of the first record because that is what they played in the clubs, and it is just awesome!
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3.5 - How much longer will the Atomic Punks be a tribute to Van Halen?

When people stop filling up the venues we play, we'll quit.
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3.6 - Do you have a favorite Van Halen song that you can listen to over and over?

"Unchained" and "Atomic Punk."
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3.7 - What questions do you like Atomic Punks fans to ask you?

Any question that we get! When people ask questions, then that means that they are interested in you. So we are grateful for the people that ask questions and want to know more about the band.
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3.8 - What is your favorite venue to play and why?

I have to be honest with you, and say that every venue that we play is great. Some venues have better lighting, and some have better stages and sound, but when you fill them full with people the energy that Van Halen fans create is awesome!
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3.9 - What is your favorite city to play and why?

Every city loves Van Halen and that is why we are fortunate enough to do this tribute to Van Halen. Every city that we go to people dig it, and every state rocks!
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3.10 - Will the Punks ever play the Midwest? How about back East?

We would love to. It's all about a budget. We are currently working on putting together a tour for next summer. As far as playing out in the Midwest this year, it will be only a couple of dates in a few selected cities. Check out the Show Calendar or subscribe to the newsletter (on the right-hand side of the site) for announcements about the Atomic Punks on the road.
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3.11 - What ever happened with the Punks Van Halen dance CD that you guys were commissioned to create?

We recorded it, Bart mixed and mastered it, the material was submitted, and the CD was made. VanHalenStore.com is currently selling it, and it is available as a Japanese import.
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3.12 - What is the largest crowd that the Punks have played for?

We headlined at an outdoor venue in San Diego called the Shamrock Festival. We played for about 5,000 people and the crowd was totally into it!
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3.13 - What is the smallest crowd that the Punks played for?

We did a private party in Thousand Oaks for 15 employees. It was like a backyard party! Lots of fun.
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4. WEB SITE

4.1 - Can the band members be contacted through the site?

Yes the band can be contacted directly at band@theatomicpunks.com, and each member has their own individual e-mail address as well. Visit the Contact/Booking page for those e-mail addresses.
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4.2 - Is there a place to chat with other Punks fans on here?

Yes, there is a Fan Forum where you can discuss the Punks with other fans, post band pictures, get the latest band news, and even chat about the "Mighty" Van Halen if you want.
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4.3 - How often will this site be updated?

As often and regularly as necessary. When there is new band news, it will be posted on the front of the site, and in The News forum. When show dates are added by the band, the Show Calendar will be updated. When new audio and video selections become available, they will be added to the Audio and Video sections.
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4.4 - Can I upload band photos to the site?

Yes you can. Simply enter the Atomic Punks Talk forum, take 30 seconds to register a forum username (if you haven't already), and you will be all set to upload your Punks photos.
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4.5 - Can I post reviews of Punks shows I've been to?

Absolutely. Simply enter the Fan Reviews section, fill out a few form fields, and your comments will be added instantly. Please make sure you only put band reviews in this area. Inappropriate postings will be removed.
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4.6 - Do you have entire shows available for download?

It depends. If there is a reason to have entire shows available for download, we will have them. However, most of the time, downloads will be individual audio and video from a wide-variety of sources.
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4.7 - How come some videos aren't available for High Quality download?

Simple answer. Bandwidth. The High Quality videos eat up so much of our monthly data transfer allotment, we have been forced to turn some of them off. So each month, we will rotate the videos available in the High Quality format. Normally, it will be two per month, but that could increase if the bandwidth situation allows it. Just a note, the videos at 251 kbps are great quality as well, the picture resolution size is just smaller.
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4.8 - Where are the band's upcoming show dates?

The Punks' updated show schedule is available from the Show Calendar, which also contains gig dates for other band member projects as well. Also, at the top of the site in the right corner is a quick list of the next two Atomic Punks' gig dates.
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4.9 - Can I purchase band merchandise through this site?

For the time being, the band is only selling their merchandise at their shows. If you are desperate for a band shirt, you can send an email to band@theatomicpunks.com and see if you can get one sent to you.
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4.10 - Who do I contact if I have site problems and questions?

If you have any questions, comments, love letters, hate mail about this site, you can contact either of the webmasters, Brett at brett@theatomicpunks.com or Top Timmy at toptimmy@theatomicpunks.com.
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4.11 - What do I need to view this site properly?

This site works best with Internet Explorer 5 and higher, with screen resolution set to 1024 x 768 pixels. If you have another browser, such as Netscape Navigator, WebTV, Opera, or AOL, the site might not look the way it was intended to be, although we're trying our best to make it look good in as many browsers as possible. Our suggestion is that if you CAN upgrade to Internet Explorer, please do so in order to view this site the way it was intended to look. Other software/plug-ins you might need are the following products:
· Nullsoft Winamp or MusicMatch (for MP3 files)
· Windows Media Player (for Windows Media files)
· RealPlayer (for RealMedia files)
· Windows Media Player (for Windows Media files)
· Adobe Acrobat Reader (for PDF logo and band photo)
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4.12 - Can I link to this site?

Yes we encourage you to link to this site! We have a banner below that you can use on your web site. Please save the by right clicking on it with your mouse, upload it to your web server, and link to the Official Atomic Punks Web Site at http://www.theatomicpunks.com. Thank you!
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