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The Atomic Punks are a tribute to early Van Halen, the David Lee Roth era. Formed in 1994, the Atomic Punks have performed well over 1000 shows in places like Hollywood, Anaheim, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Honolulu, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Columbus, Cleveland, Indianapolis, EL Paso, Dallas, Austin, Salt Lake City, and most importantly, Pasadena, CA, where Van Halen started their meteoric rise to stardom.
Voted "Best Tribute Band" by LA’s "Rock City News" three years in a row, the Atomic Punks have created a national following that continues to grow by leaps and bounds every year. The band’s co-founder and lead singer, Ralph Saenz, has also been voted "Best Singer" four straight times by the magazine, and Van Halen themselves have endorsed the Atomic Punks!
In his 1997 auto-biography "Crazy from the Heat," former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth referred to the Atomic Punks as "The best tribute to Van Halen ever!" Dave cemented his admiration and appreciation for the Punks’ talents by hiring original axeman Bart Walsh to play guitar on his "DLR Band" tours from 1999-2001. Bart’s replacement, Brian Young, recreated Eddie Van Halen’s sound and furious guitar playing so precisely, that Dave again looked to the Punks, and took the guitarist out on the road in 2002 for his national tour with fellow ex-Van Halen frontman, Sammy Hagar.
Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony performed a set with the Atomic Punks in Pasadena, CA, and said "I feel like I am back in 1982 performing with the old band!" Anthony added, "The Atomic Punks rock!" Anthony recently joined the band again on stage, at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA on January 31, 2003. He played nine Van Halen classics with the band including, "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."
Nationally syndicated radio host Howard Stern stated on his show, "The Atomic Punks become Van Halen. It’s the total experience, they do Van Halen better than Van Halen themselves!"
"Metal Edge" magazine boasts, "Ralph Saenz does David Lee Roth better than Dave himself!" Ralph’s recreation of David Lee Roth’s live persona is so uncanny, it must be witnessed to be believed. From Dave’s trademark costumes, to his signature scream and unique vocal delivery, Ralph does Dave proud as the ultimate tribute to one of rock’s greatest frontmen.
Current guitarist Lance Turner recreates Eddie Van Halen’s classic guitar sound, playing every riff and solo with as much energy and technique as Edward himself, while capturing all of the enthusiasm and flash of Ed’s engaging live personality.
Original Punks members, Joe Lester (bass), and Scott Patterson (drums), make up a very formidable rhythm section, providing the same rock-solid foundation and pulse for Lance and Ralph as Van Halen’s own Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen did for Eddie and Dave. Joe and Lance also help add all the signature backing vocals to the early Van Halen masterpieces they play.
The Atomic Punks Official Web Site at http://www.theatomicpunks.com continues to grow and gets hits from all over the world, and was recently completely redesigned and relaunched, under new management.
There is one important point the band always makes clear at their shows. The Atomic Punks don’t think they are Van Halen, they simply love to play old Van Halen and it shows in their amazingly realistic, power-packed stage show. No Van Halen tribute band captures the note for note performance and feel of an old show like the Atomic Punks. If you love vintage Van Halen, and wish you could experience and relive the energy the "Mighty" VH created with "Diamond" Dave behind the mic, you do not want to miss the Atomic Punks. They are the ultimate tribute to early Van Halen!
Ralph Saenz (Vocals)
Lance Turner (Guitar)
Joe Lester (Bass)
Scott Patterson (Drums)
Just droppin' by to say hi. Happy Birthday to Ralph. I know it's not until the 17th. Didn't want to let it pass by. Ya'll need to get to Nashville for a show.
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