Formed in 1999 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, The All-American Rejects quickly became one of the most iconic pop-rock bands of the early 2000s. The group’s core members; Tyson Ritter (vocals and bass) and Nick Wheeler (guitar and drums)—first started making music together as teenagers, blending Ritter’s hook-fueled lyrics with Wheeler’s line-and-sinker guitar style. Over the years, they’ve become known for their ability to craft anthemic, emotionally charged songs that resonate with fans across generations.
Their debut self-titled album in 2002 introduced the world to their sound. The standout hit "Swing, Swing" catapulted them into the mainstream, showcasing their knack for writing deeply personal and universally relatable songs. This was just the beginning for the band, as they wrapped the world in with their electric live shows and infectious energy.
The band's 2005 follow-up album, Move Along, cemented their place in modern rock history. With hits like "Dirty Little Secret," "Move Along," and "It Ends Tonight," the album was a commercial and critical success. The tracks captured a mix of angst, heartbreak, and hope—hallmarks of the band’s songwriting style. These songs became a soundtrack for an entire generation of fans navigating the ups and downs of adolescence and young adulthood.
Their 2008 album, When the World Comes Down, showed a slight departure from their previous sound, incorporating more mature themes and experimenting with different production styles. The lead single, "Gives You Hell," became one of their biggest hits, with its biting lyrics and infectious melody dominating airwaves worldwide. The song became an anthem for the disaffected and a defining moment in their career.
Throughout the years, The All-American Rejects have continued to evolve, taking their sound in new directions while staying true to the emotional core that has always defined their music. Albums like Kids in the Street (2012) continued to showcase the band’s ability to buck expectations, exploring themes of addiction and the growing pains of artistic expression. Even as their sound changed, the chemistry between Ritter and Wheeler remains as strong as ever.
Known for their loyal fanbase and iconic music videos, The All-American Rejects have maintained their place in pop-rock history while also experimenting with new sounds. They’ve managed to stay relevant in a constantly changing musical landscape, and their songs remain a fixture on nostalgic playlists for fans of all ages.
For old fans, their music brings back the anthems of youth, while new fans continue to discover the timeless appeal of their catchy, heartfelt songs. Whether you’re singing along to “Swing, Swing” or jamming out to “Gives You Hell,” The All-American Rejects remain a staple in the echelon of alternative and pop-rock.
Their journey is far from over, and with their undying commitment to writing songs that resonate with fans, The All-American Rejects continue to be a force in music, proving that their relevance and connection with fans are only getting stronger with time.
MILESTONES
2009 - AAR Perform "Gives You Hell" & "I Wanna" on The Today Show
2008 - AAR Release 3rd Studio Album: When The World Comes Down
2006 - "Move Along" Album goes 2x Platinum
2005 - AAR Release 2nd Studio Album: "Move Along"
2003 - Self-titled album certified platinum by the RIAA
2002 - AAR sign to DreamWorks Records & Release
"The All-American Rejects" Album
2001 - AAR Record Self Titled Album with Tim O'Heir
BAND
Tyson Ritter (vocals/bass)
Nick Wheeler (guitar)
Mike Kennerty (guitar)
Chris Gaylor (drums)