Automatic Black
| Automatic Black | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Origin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Genres | Rock, indie, punk |
| Years active | 2001 - present |
| Labels |
Arista Records Nashville NOiR Per Capita Records |
| Website | Official site |
| Members | Jeff Darr Steve Kitabjian Mark Biondi |
| Past members | Tom Chambers Stevie D Rikki Lixx |
Automatic Black is a rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2001-2003 Formation
The band formed in 2001 when vocalist Jeff Darr returned from Europe and met Drummer Tom Chambers and Bassist Steve Kitabjian through mutual friends. Guitarist Stevie D. finalized the lineup after he felt a calling to the band because the both the group's members and music had similar feel to his own struggles and hardship.
2003-2004 Minor popularity and DE-Evolution
In 2003, Automatic Black was the opening act for Kiss and Aerosmith on the second leg of their Rocksimus Maximus Tour.
Their debut album, De-Evolution, intended to be released on April 12th, 2004 under Arista Records, was never formally released due to financial difficulties; however, their song "Crash and Burn" was featured in the EA game Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 and their song "Go Your Way" was officially released as a single on January 12th, 2004
2005-2007 Lineup changes and "What Else"
After not getting their debut album formally on the market and getting released from Arista Records, members Stevie D. and Tom Chambers left the band. Stevie D. reformed the band Buckcherry with long time friend Josh Todd and Tom Chambers left due to differences between him and Jeff Darr.
Mark Biondi took over on drums and percussion for Chambers and Rikki Lixx replaced Stevie D. on lead guitar. With their new members they released a non-album single on their MySpace, "What Else". (However It can no longer be found on their website.)
2008-2009 Nashville and Automatic Black EP
The group released their self-titled EP in 2008 on independent label Nashville NOiR, and again on September 1st, 2009 on independent Nashville record label Per Capita Records.
2010-Present Hiatus
In 2010 Rikki Lixx left Automatic Black leaving Jeff Darr to vocals and lead guitar. The band is on an unofficial hiatus as of 2011, however in 2013 they released the previously mentioned fan favorite "Crash and Burn" on their MySpace page.
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