http://www.grandroyal.com/atdi

Five skinny guys from El Paso, Texas; a belief in honesty and being nice; powerful rock and a work ethic. It all adds up to At The Drive In.

In 1994, when At The Drive In joined together, they started with a 7" release titled Hell Paso on their own label and 2000 miles of touring across Texas (a big state for a road trip). 1995 saw a second 7" for Alfaro Vive, Carajo, and a major purchase: an '81 Ford Econoline van. This van was to see them through the next month and a half on a ten thousand mile tour of the US. People began to notice the high-energy group.

Acrobatic Tenement came out on Flipside records at the start of 1997, and was backed with a tour that ran from February to June, canvassing the country. At The Drive In played with bands like Face to Face, AFI, Mustard Plug and others. The indie word was on the streets and their following began to grow. At The Drive In took a month off (shocker!) before recording El Gran Orgo and setting off for over a month.

Flipside Records shuttered, causing At The Drive In to approach practically every independent label they could imagine. No one would bite. Fearless Records came forward, even though At the Drive In's music was vastly different from their label's poppy punk reputation. In/Casino/Out was recorded live to tape and released six weeks. What came next? More relentless touring, of course. By the end of 1999, At The Drive In was headed to Europe. They returned to play a side stage at the This Ain't No Picnic festival, known for its collection of independent and underground bands.

Then the big break: Rage Against the Machine dropping a phone call, looking for an opener for six dates. This tour drew the attention of more fans and friends, among them the people of Grand Royal Records (owned by the Beastie Boys).