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O.A.R.
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O.A.R. (an acronym for the band's full moniker, Of a Revolution) transformed themselves from local Ohio State University bandmates to Billboard chartbusters and headliners at venues across America. First, the band's two demo recordings were hawked at universities. Then, news spread about the band's roots rock and reggae-inflected songs, which owed much to the jam band genre. Before long, O.A.R.'s website had turned into a highly-trafficked internet destination, and the group gradually left the college scene for the bright lights of national stardom.

Formed in 1996 in Rockville, MD, O.A.R. coalesced around lead singer/rhythm guitarist Marc Roberge, lead guitarist Richard On, saxophonist Jerry DePizzo, bassist Benj Gershman, and drummer Chris Culos. Roberge had known Culos since childhood; he also played in local bands with On and Gershman. DePizzo, who hails from Youngstown, OH, met the other Maryland natives at Ohio State, and the band made its recorded debut with the release of an independent demo, 1997's The Wanderer. Many of the songs on O.A.R.'s debut disc were written while Roberge and Culos were living in Israel.

Two years later, the switch from student band to headlining act started with the arrival of an intensely popular song titled "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker." (Many lyrics for the band's songs came from Roberge's interest in literature, particularly Stephen King's novel The Stand.) The group went back into the recording studio for a second demo, which was released independently as Souls Aflame in 1999. With the success of 2001's Risen, Roberge began writing songs for a new CD late that year. To appease their dedicated fan base, they issued a live album, Any Time Now, in the spring of 2002 and subsequently signed with Lava/Atlantic for the release of 2003's In Between Now and Then. Additional tour dates led to the release of 34th & 8th, the band's second live offering. The band returned to the studio again with 2005's Stories of a Stranger, which contained a pair of Top 20 Hot AC hits in "Love and Memories" and "Heard the World." The Live from Madison Square Garden CD/DVD appeared in 2007. O.A.R.'s slickest album yet, the commercially-minded All Sides, was released in 2008. ~ Robert Hicks, All Music GuideMore

Official Profile

O.A.R.
The members of O.A.R. first came together in Rockville, Maryland in the basement of drummer Chris Cu...
Songs: 125, Videos: 7, Playlists: 5, Blog Posts: 12, Polls: 0, Battles: 0

Most Popular Music Videos (1)

This Town [Bonaroo Version] (video)
(Duration: 3:34)
Jan 30th, 8:30am
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Fan Comments

Jun 15th, 4:35pm
Hey did you guys know that Dave Matthews Band just released a new album!? I found this link that will let you listen to some of the songs! http://www.previewnewmusic.com/dmb
Jun 9th, 11:39am
Hi, O.A.R Band! :D I really like your Songs!! I listen to Shattered and This Town like Every DAY!! It's so cool!
May 24th, 11:05pm
ilove theie song shattered!!!!!! it rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 14th, 5:07am
I've been a fan since 2001. Please don't stray too far from you're roots! I miss old reggae,acoustic OAR!
May 8th, 2:29am
Hey, why there aren't any song of ''stories of a stranger'' i love the song named shatteredand, a lot of songs but, i don't know why there aren't here..
Great group LOVE THEM!! :D
Apr 30th, 11:13pm
hey you are coming to rwu tonight cant wait to see you guys!
Apr 25th, 7:19pm
LOVE THIS BAND!
Apr 16th, 1:01pm
52-50 needs to be listened to a little more. One of this bands greatest songs.
Apr 13th, 3:26pm
you guys are the shit! my friends say tht ur music sucks..................................................................................................................................then i punch them
Apr 3rd, 11:00pm
How are you? Why Add greetings from Venezuela