All Time Low
All Time Low is an American pop-punk band formed in 2003 in Baltimore, Maryland, by high school students Alex Gaskarth on vocals and rhythm guitar, Jack Barakat on lead guitar, Zack Merrick on bass, and Rian Dawson on drums.[1] The band rose to prominence in the mid-2000s through independent releases before signing with major labels, releasing albums that blended punk energy with pop sensibilities and earning a dedicated fanbase via relentless touring.[2] Key releases include Nothing Personal (2009), which featured the hit "Dear Maria, Count Me In," and later efforts like Future Hearts (2015), with the group securing five consecutive top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 and 10 chart entries overall.[3] Singles such as "Monsters" (2020) and "Sleepwalking" (2022) topped the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, marking their radio breakthroughs after years of building momentum through live performances.[4][5] All Time Low has headlined extensive world tours, including anniversary celebrations, and received accolades like multiple Alternative Press Music Awards for categories including best band and most dedicated fans, alongside Kerrang! Awards recognizing their influence in rock and pop-punk scenes.[6][7]History
2003–2006: Formation and The Party Scene
All Time Low formed in 2003 in Towson, Maryland—a suburb of Baltimore—when high school students Alex Gaskarth (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Jack Barakat (lead guitar and backing vocals), Zack Merrick (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Rian Dawson (drums) began performing together as friends from Towson High School. Drawing inspiration from pop-punk pioneers like Blink-182, the group initially covered those acts' songs alongside originals during local gigs, adopting their name from a lyric in New Found Glory's "Head on Collision."[8][9][10] The band's earliest output included a self-released demo EP in late 2003, distributed on fewer than 100 handmade white CD-Rs with rudimentary labels, produced while members were still attending classes. This low-fi effort preceded their first full-length release, the debut studio album The Party Scene, issued independently on July 19, 2005, via the regional Emerald Moon Records imprint. Recorded in a straightforward pop-punk style, the 12-track effort featured songs like "Circles," "The Party Scene," and "We Say Summer," emphasizing themes of youth and relationships, and began cultivating a dedicated following through online platforms such as MySpace amid the mid-2000s emo revival.[11][12][13] The Party Scene's grassroots reception drew interest from established labels, culminating in a signing to Hopeless Records in early 2006—before the members graduated high school—which enabled their debut EP Put Up or Shut Up later that year. Early promotion relied on regional tours, including high school battle-of-the-bands events and small club performances in the Baltimore area, with initial album sales remaining limited due to its independent distribution but sufficient to establish a foundation for wider appeal. Participation in the 2006 Vans Warped Tour provided crucial exposure to larger audiences, aligning with the era's DIY ethos in pop-punk circuits.[14][15]2007–2008: So Wrong, It's Right
All Time Low recorded their second studio album, So Wrong, It's Right, starting on April 17, 2007, at SOMD Studios in Beltsville, Maryland, with producers Matt Squire and Paul Leavitt.[16] The sessions emphasized a polished pop-punk sound, building on the band's prior work while incorporating more anthemic hooks and lyrical themes of youthful romance and rebellion. Released on September 25, 2007, through independent label Hopeless Records, the album marked a pivotal step in the band's career, achieving underground success without initial mainstream chart placement.[17] The lead single, "Dear Maria, Count Me In," propelled the album's visibility, reaching number 86 on the Billboard Pop 100 chart and gaining rotation on MTV via its music video.[18] Despite lacking commercial radio airplay, the track's fan-driven digital sales led to a RIAA Gold certification for 500,000 units in subsequent years.[19] Extensive touring amplified this momentum, including appearances on the Vans Warped Tour in both 2007 and 2008, where the band performed sets featuring album tracks like "Jasey Rae" and "The Beach."[20] These festival slots, combined with co-headlining packages such as the fall 2008 tour with Mayday Parade and Every Avenue, fostered grassroots popularity among pop-punk audiences.[21] The album's commercial trajectory highlighted the viability of independent releases in the mid-2000s pop-punk scene, with strong digital downloads and merchandise sales driving sustained interest. This period's achievements on Hopeless Records drew early attention from major labels, setting the stage for future negotiations without compromising the band's DIY ethos at the time. Internal songwriting leaned heavily on vocalist Alex Gaskarth's contributions, shaping the record's cohesive voice amid growing tour demands.[22]2009–2010: Nothing Personal
Nothing Personal, All Time Low's third studio album, was released on July 7, 2009, through Hopeless Records.[23] The band had begun writing material for the album as early as May 2008, developing songs amid extensive touring commitments, with production handled by multiple collaborators including Matt Squire for half the tracks, alongside Butch Walker, David Bendeth, and SAM and Sluggo.[24] This approach resulted in a polished pop punk sound that refined the band's energetic style, incorporating subtle pop sensibilities like catchier hooks and layered production while retaining punk-driven rhythms and themes of youth, relationships, and escapism. The lead single, "Weightless," was issued on April 7, 2009, followed by "Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don't)" on June 16, 2009, both receiving rotation on networks such as MTV2.[25] Upon release, Nothing Personal debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, selling 63,000 copies in its first week—the band's highest charting and best-selling debut to date.[26] The album's commercial momentum, driven by strong U.S. sales and growing radio play, propelled All Time Low's visibility, culminating in their signing to major label Interscope Records in November 2009.[27] Capitalizing on the album's success, the band expanded their touring footprint internationally. In June 2009, they undertook dates in Australia and Japan alongside Set Your Goals, followed by U.K. shows and further Australian tours extending into early 2010.[28] Headlining efforts like the inaugural Glamour Kills Tour in late 2009 (with We the Kings, Hey Monday, and The Summer Set) and the My Small Package Tour in fall 2010 reinforced their live draw, helping cultivate a dedicated global fanbase rooted in pop punk circuits.[29] These performances highlighted the album's anthemic tracks, solidifying All Time Low's position at the forefront of the genre's mainstream breakthrough.2011–2013: Dirty Work and Don't Panic
All Time Low released their fourth studio album, Dirty Work, on June 7, 2011, through Interscope Records following a shift from their previous indie label affiliation.[30] The album's production involved multiple collaborators, including producers Butch Walker, Mike Green, Matt Squire, and guests like The-Dream, incorporating R&B and hip-hop elements into the band's pop-punk sound amid creative experimentation.[31] Release delays stemmed from the label transition and production adjustments, with the band embarking on the supporting Dirty Work Tour in spring 2011 prior to the album's launch.[32] Dirty Work debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's highest chart position at the time, though it faced criticism for its polished production and divergence from earlier raw aesthetics, leading to underwhelming long-term sales relative to expectations for a major-label debut.[33] Approximately 107,000 copies were sold in the US by October 2012.[34] In May 2012, the band parted ways with Interscope due to creative differences and insufficient promotional support, reverting to a more independent approach.[35][36] The lineup remained stable with vocalist/guitarist Alex Gaskarth, guitarist Jack Barakat, bassist Zack Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson throughout this period. Following the split, All Time Low re-signed with Hopeless Records, embracing a resurgence of their DIY ethos with greater artistic control. Their fifth album, Don't Panic, was released on October 9, 2012, also debuting at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and achieving stronger digital traction, particularly with the single "Somewhere in Neverland."[35][33] This independent release emphasized return-to-roots pop-punk while retaining experimental edges from prior work, supported by tours like The Rockshow at the End of the World.[37]2014–2016: Future Hearts
In late 2014, All Time Low began recording their sixth studio album, Future Hearts, with producer John Feldmann at his Los Angeles studio, marking a shift toward a more polished pop-punk sound emphasizing anthemic choruses and thematic maturity focused on relationships and personal growth.[38] The album featured guest vocals from Blink-182's Mark Hoppus on "Tidal Waves" and Good Charlotte's Joel Madden on "Bail Me Out," contributions that added crossover appeal within the punk-rock scene.[39] Released on April 7, 2015, via Hopeless Records, Future Hearts debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, selling 75,000 copies in its first week and marking the band's highest-charting release to date.[26] In the United Kingdom, it achieved the band's first No. 1 on the Albums Chart, with 19,400 units shifted in the debut week.[40] The lead single, "Something's Gotta Give," released in advance, previewed the album's energetic hooks and helped drive initial buzz.[38] The album's commercial success reflected sustained fan engagement, bolstered by its accessible production and lyrical introspection, though critics noted a departure from the band's rawer early work toward broader radio compatibility under Feldmann's guidance.[38] All Time Low promoted Future Hearts through extensive touring, including headline slots at major festivals such as Rock on the Range in Columbus, Ohio, in May 2015, where their high-energy sets reinforced live performance as a core strength.[41] European festival appearances, including slots at events like Reading and Leeds, further expanded their international draw, with the band's dynamic stage presence—characterized by crowd interaction and setlist staples from across their catalog—maintaining loyalty amid evolving musical direction.[42] By 2016, these efforts culminated in arena-level shows, such as at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, solidifying their transition to larger venues.[43]2017–2019: Last Young Renegade
All Time Low released their seventh studio album, Last Young Renegade, on June 2, 2017, through Fueled by Ramen, marking their first project with the label following a departure from Hopeless Records.[44] The album represented a maturation in the band's songwriting, shifting from the high-energy party themes of earlier works to more introspective explorations of nostalgia, heartbreak, and the transition to adulthood, as articulated by frontman Alex Gaskarth in promotional materials describing it as a "story of self-realization" viewed from "the other side of the mirror."[45] Production involved the band members alongside additional contributions from Blake Harnage on vocals and select tracks.[46] The record debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, selling 33,000 equivalent album units in its first week, reflecting sustained fan interest amid evolving pop-punk landscapes.[47] Lead singles "Dirty Laundry" and "Good Intentions" preceded the full release, with the former addressing personal vulnerabilities in relationships and the latter critiquing insincere motives, both incorporating electronic elements to broaden the band's sound beyond traditional punk roots.[48] Critics noted the album's darker tone and emotional depth as evidence of the group's longevity, with tracks like the title song evoking the final throes of youthful recklessness before adult responsibilities.[49] In support of the album, All Time Low embarked on the Last Young Renegade Tour across North America and Europe starting in June 2017, followed by opening slots on Blink-182's 2018 California Tour alongside acts like Lil Wayne and Neck Deep, which helped maintain visibility among pop-punk audiences.[50] These performances underscored the band's adaptation to career-stage reflections on endurance in the industry, without relying on early-career sensationalism, as they navigated a post-Warped Tour era with sold-out venues and diverse billings.[51]2020–2022: Wake Up, Sunshine and initial response to allegations
All Time Low released their eighth studio album, Wake Up, Sunshine, on April 3, 2020, through Fueled by Ramen.[52] The record marked a shift toward brighter, more eclectic pop-rock arrangements compared to prior releases, incorporating elements like hip-hop influences on tracks such as "Monsters," which featured a guest verse from blackbear.[4] "Monsters" later achieved significant radio success, marking the band's first number-one on the Billboard Rock & Alternative Airplay chart in September 2020.[4] The album debuted at number 32 on the Billboard 200, selling 16,300 copies in its first week amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional sales and promotion cycles by emphasizing streaming platforms.[53] In the UK, it entered the Official Albums Chart at number 3, reflecting sustained international fan support despite global lockdowns.[54] Pandemic restrictions led to the cancellation or postponement of multiple live commitments, including a planned Good Morning America performance and the initial leg of the Take My Hand World Tour, which was rescheduled to 2022.[55] To maintain engagement, the band pivoted to virtual formats, streaming acoustic sets like the iHeartRadio At Home Sessions in August 2020—featuring stripped-down versions of "Sleeping In," "Clumsy," and "Monsters"—and launching the Basement Noise concert series in November 2020.[56][57] In late October 2021, anonymous social media posts on platforms including Twitter and TikTok alleged sexual misconduct by band members, particularly guitarist Jack Barakat, toward underage fans during earlier tours.[58] On October 25, 2021, All Time Low responded via an official statement denying the claims as "absolutely and unequivocally false," emphasizing that no band or team member had engaged in such behavior and highlighting their longstanding "strict protocols" to protect fans, especially minors, at shows.[58] The band expressed solidarity with verified victims of industry abuse while rejecting the unverified accusations against them.[59]2023–2025: Tell Me I'm Alive and Everyone's Talking!
All Time Low released their ninth studio album, Tell Me I'm Alive, on March 17, 2023, through Fueled by Ramen Records.[60] The album featured 13 tracks, with lead single "Sleepwalking" issued on October 7, 2022, followed by the title track as a promotional single.[60] Production emphasized themes of personal revival and endurance, reflecting the band's recovery from prior challenges, as articulated by vocalist Alex Gaskarth in interviews describing the record as a testament to persistence amid adversity.[61] It achieved modest commercial performance, including a peak at number 12 on the UK Official Albums Chart, though it did not enter the US Billboard 200 main chart.[62] The band's tenth studio album, Everyone's Talking!, followed on October 17, 2025, marking their first release via their own Basement Noise imprint in partnership with Photo Finish Records.[63] Comprising tracks inspired by recent live performances and nostalgic reflections on the band's trajectory, Gaskarth noted that the songwriting drew from onstage energy and formative influences like Green Day's early work, framing the album as a "rebirth" emphasizing raw, audience-driven vitality over polished production.[64] [63] Singles included "SUCKERPUNCH" and "Butterflies," alongside collaborations such as "Sugar" featuring JoJo, which highlighted a return to high-energy pop-punk roots with themes of resilience and unfiltered expression.[65] Post-release, All Time Low launched the "Everyone's Talking" world tour in fall 2025, co-headlining with Mayday Parade, supported by acts including The Cab, Four Year Strong, and The Paradox, with dates spanning US arenas and extending to international markets.[66] Australian engagements included performances at the Good Things Festival in Sydney on December 7, 2025, alongside festival slots that underscored sustained fan interest through ticket sales and attendance metrics.[67] The outings built on empirical indicators of engagement, such as streaming gains—Everyone's Talking! contributing to over 5 billion career streams—and consistent Billboard presence, including alternative airplay traction from prior releases like the 18-week chart-topping single from Tell Me I'm Alive.[3] [68] This period solidified the band's touring resurgence, prioritizing verifiable attendance and chart data over anecdotal hype.[69]Controversies
2021 sexual misconduct allegations
In October 2021, anonymous social media posts on platforms including Twitter and TikTok accused All Time Low guitarist Jack Barakat of sexually abusing underage fans, with one TikTok account under the handle @ATLstatement claiming the misconduct began in 2011 when the poster was 15 years old.[70][71] Similar anonymous allegations targeted vocalist Alex Gaskarth, alleging grooming and sexual misconduct involving minors at band shows, disseminated via "Jane Doe" style accounts lacking named identities or contemporaneous evidence.[72][73] These claims, originating from temporary or pseudonymous profiles, rapidly amplified online, prompting widespread calls for the band's cancellation though primarily through viral shares rather than verified corroboration.[74] On October 25, 2021, All Time Low issued a joint statement denying the allegations as "absolutely and unequivocally false," emphasizing they had never engaged in non-consensual acts and reaffirming their commitment to a fan code of conduct that prohibits underage alcohol consumption and ensures safe interactions at events.[75][59] The band expressed support for genuine victims of abuse while rejecting the anonymous accusations, noting no prior formal complaints or legal actions had been brought against them despite years of touring.[71][76]Band's investigation, findings, and libel lawsuit
In response to the 2021 anonymous allegations, All Time Low initiated a private investigation that extended from late 2021 through 2024, employing digital forensics and other methods to examine the origins and validity of the claims. The inquiry concluded that the accusations were "unequivocally false," attributing them to a coordinated smear campaign by individuals operating anonymous online accounts who employed sophisticated techniques to obscure their identities, including the use of Panama-based internet services.[77][78] To substantiate these findings and pursue accountability, the band, led by guitarist Jack Barakat, filed a defamation and libel lawsuit in February 2022 against at least three unidentified defendants responsible for the posts alleging sexual misconduct and abuse of minors. The suit aimed to compel disclosure of the accusers' identities through subpoenas to social media platforms like Twitter (now X) and offshore entities, with a U.S. court ordering Twitter in December 2022 to identify one anonymous poster within 10 days.[79][80][81] On November 8, 2024, All Time Low requested voluntary dismissal of the lawsuit without prejudice—allowing potential refiling—after the investigation independently verified the claims' falsity and identified key perpetrators, shifting focus to private resolution rather than prolonged litigation. Band representatives, via attorney Michael Garfinkel, emphasized that the probe revealed no evidence supporting the allegations, framing them as fabricated efforts to damage reputations amid an environment where unverified anonymous statements often prompt swift public condemnation without due process.[77][70][78] No criminal charges were ever brought against band members, underscoring the claims' lack of evidentiary foundation despite initial widespread online dissemination. This outcome illustrates the risks of anonymous digital accusations, which can proliferate rapidly but collapse under scrutiny, as All Time Low proceeded with their professional activities, including album releases in 2023 and 2025, unencumbered by formal repercussions.[77][70]Musical style and influences
Core genre characteristics
All Time Low's music is rooted in pop-punk, featuring energetic rhythms, catchy choruses, and a blend of punk attitude with accessible pop structures.[82] The band's sound emphasizes power pop hooks layered over fast-paced drumming from Rian Dawson, which often drives tempos in the 160-180 BPM range, as seen in tracks like "A Daydream Away" at 170 BPM.[83] Lead guitar riffs by Jack Barakat and bass lines from Zack Merrick provide rhythmic propulsion and melodic support, while Alex Gaskarth's emotive, melodic vocals deliver high-energy delivery with occasional emotive falsetto elements typical of emo-pop influences within the genre.[84] Lyrical themes center on youth rebellion, romantic relationships, heartbreak, and evolving personal maturity, shifting from early party-oriented anthems about fleeting fun and defiance to later introspective explorations of emotional resilience and growth.[1] Songs frequently depict relational dynamics with a mix of nostalgia and realism, such as inevitable breakups or overcoming lows through self-reflection, reflecting causal patterns of young adulthood experiences.[85] Production post-2009 albums maintains clean, polished mixes that enhance clarity without over-polishing to the point of sterility, incorporating a "pop sheen" that amplifies hook-driven accessibility akin to classic pop-punk peers.[82] Track lengths average 3:00 to 3:30 minutes, optimizing for radio-friendly catchiness and high chorus replay value, evidenced by sustained streaming popularity of hits like "Dear Maria, Count Me In."[86] This structure supports empirical listener engagement, with choruses designed for sing-along memorability in live settings.[84]Key influences and evolution
All Time Low derived their name from the lyric "and it feels like the first time that I am stuck in second gear going nowhere, it feels like all time low" in New Found Glory's 2000 song "Head on Collision," reflecting the band's early admiration for the group's pop-punk style and energy.[87] Lead vocalist Alex Gaskarth has cited Blink-182 and Green Day as foundational influences that shaped the band's formation, emphasizing Blink-182's lighthearted friendship, antics, and stage presence—particularly their 1998 live album The Mark, Tom and Travis Show—as models for fun, engaging performances.[1][88] These punk rock elements provided the high-energy riffs, catchy hooks, and youthful irreverence central to All Time Low's initial sound on albums like The Party Scene (2005) and So Wrong, It's Right (2007).[89] As the band matured, Gaskarth incorporated melodic influences from pop artists such as Britney Spears and Katy Perry, which informed brighter, more accessible song structures without abandoning punk roots.[90] Later works drew from classic songcraft in The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), Elton John's piano-driven narratives, and Queen's theatrical flair, as Gaskarth revisited these during the creative process for Tell Me I'm Alive (2023) to explore vocal versatility and thematic depth on personal struggles like addiction.[91] The band's evolution maintained a punk core—evident in consistent live show fidelity to raw energy—while experimenting with genre fusions. On Dirty Work (2011), collaborations with R&B/hip-hop producer The-Dream and a shift toward poppier production expanded influences into hip-hop and contemporary pop realms, aiming for broader appeal through polished hooks and electronic elements.[92][30] By Wake Up, Sunshine (2020), All Time Low blended pop-punk with alt-pop, electro-rap, and nostalgic 2000s vibes, drawing from Spears' pop hooks and Foo Fighters' rock drive to create vibrant, eclectic tracks that revisited early inspirations amid industry shifts.[52][93] This progression reflects Gaskarth's intent to evolve without losing the band's foundational punk ethos, as sustained through two decades of touring and re-recordings.[1]Band members
Current members
All Time Low has retained its core lineup of four members since the band's formation in 2003.[1]- Alex Gaskarth – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (2003–present); primary songwriter.[94][1]
- Jack Barakat – lead guitar, backing vocals (2003–present).[1][95]
- Rian Dawson – drums (2003–present).[1][95]
- Zack Merrick – bass, backing vocals (2003–present).[1][95]
Former and touring members
All Time Low's lineup has exhibited remarkable stability, with no departures from the core quartet of Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Rian Dawson, and Zack Merrick since Merrick joined in 2004.[9] The band's formation in 2003 initially featured additional members TJ Ihle on lead guitar and backing vocals, and Chris Cortilello on bass guitar, alongside Gaskarth, Barakat, and Dawson.[9] [96] Ihle and Cortilello contributed to the band's debut demo, The Three Words to Remember in Dealing with Childbirth, before departing shortly thereafter due to personal commitments that prevented full dedication to touring and band obligations.[97] [14] Their exit prompted the recruitment of Merrick, solidifying the quartet configuration that has persisted through over two decades of activity.[1] The absence of subsequent core member changes or regular touring personnel underscores the band's operational continuity, enabling a consistent approach to live performances without supplemental musicians in most cases.[10] This endurance has directly supported the uniformity in their pop-punk sound, as the same four members have handled primary instrumentation across studio albums and tours.[98]Discography
Studio albums
All Time Low has released ten studio albums, beginning with their independent debut The Party Scene on July 19, 2005, through Hopeless Records. The band achieved commercial breakthroughs with subsequent releases on the same label, including So Wrong, It's Right (September 25, 2007) and Nothing Personal (July 7, 2009), both of which were certified gold by the RIAA in 2017.[19] In 2011, All Time Low signed with Interscope Records and issued Dirty Work on June 7, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.[99] Following dissatisfaction with major label dynamics, the band returned to Hopeless for Don't Panic (October 9, 2012) and Future Hearts (April 14, 2015), the latter debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.[100] The group transitioned to Fueled by Ramen for Last Young Renegade (June 2, 2017), marking a shift toward more experimental pop elements while maintaining pop-punk roots. Later albums include Wake Up, Sunshine (April 3, 2020), Tell Me I'm Alive (June 2, 2023), and their tenth studio effort Everyone's Talking! (October 17, 2025), the latter featuring collaborations such as with JoJo on "Sugar."[65]| Album | Release date | Label | Billboard 200 peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Party Scene | July 19, 2005 | Hopeless Records | — |
| So Wrong, It's Right | September 25, 2007 | Hopeless Records | 62 |
| Nothing Personal | July 7, 2009 | Hopeless Records | 4 |
| Dirty Work | June 7, 2011 | Interscope Records | 6 |
| Don't Panic | October 9, 2012 | Hopeless Records | — |
| Future Hearts | April 14, 2015 | Hopeless Records | 2 |
| Last Young Renegade | June 2, 2017 | Fueled by Ramen | — |
| Wake Up, Sunshine | April 3, 2020 | Fueled by Ramen | — |
| Tell Me I'm Alive | June 2, 2023 | Fueled by Ramen | — |
| Everyone's Talking! | October 17, 2025 | Fueled by Ramen | — |