ATHENS (R.I.P)

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Athens was started early 2006, originally titled "Alice Underground"
with Jake Hays on Vocals/Guitar, Bob Geiger on Bass, and Chris Marlette on drums. With few songs completed and a lack of full-band practices,
the band decided to part ways.
During the late summer of 2006, Hays was recording a local Agoura-based band called "Warfrog," and after witnessing the intense bass playing of Sean Slavin, he asked him if he'd be interested in starting a new project.
After Slavin heard the demo of "Wings," he wanted in. The first drummer that popped into Hays' mind was Chris Marlette. Hays called Marlette and asked him if he'd be interested in getting another band together, and of course, he said "Fuck Yeah!" and the band name became "ATHENS." After being told of the band, Hays' mother Cherie Currie (Former vocalist of the all-girl rock band, The Runaways, featuring Joan Jett and Lita Ford), asked them if they would want to open the tribute show for The Runaways recently deceased drummer Sandy West. After a few phone calls, the answer was a definite "Yes," but with Jake, Sean, and Chris as the line-up, there was one more issue... another guitarist. After weeks of searching, Hays asked his life-long friend Seth Mumy ( The Flew ) if he would be interested in joining. Despite long distance travels, Mumy agreed. Now with a complete line-up, it was time to start working on songs. Hays then went to Slavin's house with a demo CD to start teaching him the songs, in which he picked up in the blink of an eye. Soon after, Jake went to Mumy's. Mumy quickly nailed the rhythm parts. Then there was one thing left... drums! After meeting up with Marlette, Hays was so excited to see the band coming together.
Finally, the entire group met for the first time at the Sound Arena in Reseda, CA.
Everything just came together so fast and smoothly. Everyone had high expectations.
After only three complete rehearsals, Athens was ready to open the tribute at The Knitting Factory in Hollywood, December 9th, 2006.
After a great show with a wonderful turnout, Athens was on their way.

Complications soon arose between the distance issue with Mumy, so the band thought it would be easier to find a more local guitarist. Hays talked to his good friend Jonathan Lipnicki about the issue, and out of no where, Jonny yelled "Hey Beau, want to try out for Jake's band?" Beau Ballew, a guitarist extraordinaire, trotted over and the words that fled from his mouth were... "Oh, uh... yeah sure." Hays and Ballew met a few days later and things clicked. Ballew picked up every guitar riff Hays played in a matter of moments, and played some of his own compilations. Hays knew this would be the man for the job. Before sealing the deal, Hays thought it would be a good idea to have a full band practice with Ballew, so after he learned the songs, Athens had another rehearsal and the rest of the band thought Ballew fit. Athens had entered in the "Agoura High School Battle of the Bands" on March 30th, and was still in need for a guitarist. Ballew agreed to play the show and Athens competed and won 1st place with an incredible show. After the show was over and the bands were hauling equipment off stage, Hays turned to Ballew and asked "So will you be in the band now?" and Ballew said "Jake, Athens is now part of my life!"
The "new" Athens continues to play shows all around and hopes to soon see your face in the crowd! _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Athens has shared the stage with:
- The Donnas
- The Bangles
- The Adolescents
- D.H. Peligro (Dead Kennedys)
- Rhino Bucket
- Cherie Currie (The Runaways)
- Keith Roth and Johny Dey (Frankenstein 3000)
- Ian Mitchell (Bay City Rollers)
- The Binges
- White Flag
- Prescott Niles (The Knack)
- Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge)
- Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio, Derringer)
- Michael Des Barres
- Kanary
- Katt Lowe
- Sweet Justice
- Otto's Daughter
- The Mornings
- Nathans Project
- Pathos
- AOK
- Matt Jacobson
- Spencer
- The Sheds
- Hydro Hot and The Hybrid Buffaloes
- Fading Through Yesterday
- Aces High
- Backline
- Jonathan Lipnicki!!!
- Black List
- Caspia
- Parade
Athens wants to thank "SALVAGE CLOTHING."