Of a Revolution (O.A.R.) — American rock band
Of a Revolution (O.A.R.) is an American rock band formed by college friends. Known for energetic live performances, a loyal college fanbase, and a blend of rock, folk and jam-band influences.
Overview
Of a Revolution, commonly called O.A.R., is an American rock band that grew out of performances by friends at college. The group built a devoted following through frequent touring and a reputation for extended live improvisation. Their music combines rock, folk, reggae, and jam-band elements and often draws on personal experiences and college life.
Image gallery
2 ImagesMembers and roles
The band's core lineup has included several long-standing members whose roles blend traditional rock instrumentation with wind and backing vocals. Key contributors are listed below:
- Marc Roberge — lead vocals and rhythm guitar
- Chris Culos — drums and percussion
- Richard On — lead guitar and backing vocals
- Benj Gershman — bass guitar
- Jerry DePizzo — saxophone, guitar, and backing vocals
Origins and development
O.A.R. began when a group of friends who grew up in the same area and later attended the same university started playing together. Much of the band's early material was inspired by their time at Ohio State University in Columbus and by experiences in their hometowns. They self-released recordings and toured college campuses, gradually expanding from dorm-room gigs to larger venues by building a grassroots audience.
Musical style and live performances
Stylistically, O.A.R. blends straightforward songwriting with extended jams, giving equal weight to radio-friendly hooks and improvisational passages. Songs like "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker" and "Shattered (Turn the Car Around)" are representative of their catalogue, which balances narrative lyrics with upbeat arrangements. The band is especially noted for long, energetic concerts where songs are frequently stretched into improvisational sequences.
Discography highlights and reception
Their recorded output includes several studio albums and live releases that capture the band's concert energy. Early releases circulated among students and fans, while later albums reached broader audiences through increased radio play and festival appearances. Critics and listeners have described the group as earnest and crowd-focused, with particular praise for their ability to translate a strong live vibe into recorded tracks.
Legacy and notable aspects
O.A.R.'s significance lies less in fleeting chart statistics and more in the durable relationship they cultivated with fans. By relying on touring, word-of-mouth, and a consistent live experience, they developed a loyal following across college campuses and beyond. For more information about the band, its music and tour history, see official pages and fan resources linked below: official site, band information, and community archives at fan pages.
Discography
Albums
- 1997: The Wanderer
- 2000: Soul's Aflame
- 2001: Risen
- 2003: Any Time Now (live album)
- 2003: In Between Now and Then (with bonus DVD released later)
- 2004: 34th & 8th (live album)
- 2005: Stories of a Stranger
- 2007: Live from Madison Square Garden (live album)
- 2008: All Sides
- 2009: Hello, Tomorrow (Live EP)
- 2010: Rain or Shine (live album)
- 2011: King
- 2012: Live on Red Rocks (live album)
- 2014: The Rockville LP
- 2016: XX
- 2019: The Mighty
- 2019: Live From Merriweather (Live Album)
Singles (with awards)
- 2005: Love And Memories (US:
Gold) - 2014: Peace (US:
Gold)
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Of a Revolution (O.A.R.) — American rock band Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/72012