Noting a milestone

Rock band Authority Zero celebrates anniversary with a live album

Twenty-five years has gone by in an instant for Jason DeVore.

While it feels quick, there’s a lot of hard work that has gotten DeVore and Authority Zero to this point. It’s time to celebrate. “There have been a lot of ups and downs,” he says during a recent interview. “I’m still happy to be here. The lineup that we’re working with right now is strong as ever. That’s always a hard thing to do. We’ve been with this lineup for seven years.”

Authority Zero was formed in Mesa, Arizona, in 1994.

The band is known for its style, which is rooted in reggae and skate punk, with Spanish and Portuguese influences.

The band will make a stop in Albuquerque on Friday, Nov. 22, at Launchpad. The tour is in celebration of the band’s anniversary.

DeVore is the vocalist, and the remaining original member of the band.

Joining him is Dan Aid, Mike Spero and Chris Dalley.

The band released “Live At The Rebel Lounge,” which is also in celebration of its anniversary.

The 24-track double album consists of the band’s greatest hits and fan favorites. It was recorded in July 2018 over the course of two sold-out shows at The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix.

DeVore says hitting the milestone was something he didn’t see when starting the band.

“When you are first starting out, you dream of a career that lasts decades,” he says. “I knew we always had something special, which is why I have fought to get here. I’ve had some pretty amazing musicians in the band.”

With the current lineup, DeVore says the album process is more collaborative.

“Everyone has more input,” he says. “That helps take the load off me in that regard. It’s nice to have the four of us be able to give our input on the music. We all come from a different place.”

With more than seven albums in its repertoire, DeVore does have a bit of trouble putting together a set list.

“It’s tricky because you want to put out the new stuff,” he says. “We’re excited to play the new stuff. There are moments in the set where we have to play some of the fan favorites.”

Over the course of his career, DeVore has learned hard lessons of life on the road and on stage.

He feels fortunate to witness a new generation of fans finding Authority Zero.

“The fans are getting older just like me,” he says with a laugh. “They are bringing their children to the shows. I’ve also learned to take it down a notch so that I can be the best I can be on stage. I think twice about the 30-foot jumps from stage.”