Joel Brooks' neighbor growing up in Greenville, Texas, was Ben Kweller, and the two would rock out everyday after school. Joel helped Ben's band load their equipment after shows, and Ben introduced Joel to The Melvins and Nirvana.

After playing in a succession of bands and moving with his family to Celeste, Texas, Joel started At The Park at age 20. Their first show was at the Galaxy Club in Deep Ellum with The All-American Rejects, and the bands became friends. The friendship led to the Rejects taking At The Park along on a national tour with Motion City Soundtrack and Wakefield.

When the band returned home, Joel struggled to keep the band together, but did manage to catch some good opening spots on the Warped Tour. The band then did break up, and Joel played by himself for a while, at the same time battling some personal demons.

Joel met Ryan Patterson and Cary Griffin in August 2005, reforming At The Park. The band is back, better and stronger than ever.

Information submitted by the band

Musicians

• Joel Brooks: guitar, keyboards, lead vocals, vocals
• Ryan Patterson: bass, vocals
• Cary Griffin: drums
• Sean Murray: guitar

Influences

Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, The Cars, Tears for Fears, The Cure, Pet Shop Boys, Goldfinger, Ben Kweller, Pony League, "Dimebag" Darrell, Guns 'N Roses, Motion City Soundtrack, The Clash, Incubus, Hometown Hero, Silverstein, From Autumn to Ashes, Tommy Lee, Atreyu, Machine Head

Favorited by these users:

headfirstforhalos, robertmiguel

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