1. It’s Not Just Vinyl It’s Personal
Sometimes music tells more than a story and instead becomes part of a family’s history. In May 2025, The Ataris surprised fans by releasing “Car Song,” their first new track in 15 years. But what made it unforgettable was not just the music itself. This 7-inch vinyl pressing carried something extraordinary, because frontman Kristopher Roe decided to mix the ashes of his late father into the record. It turned every copy into something intimate and deeply emotional, more than just another band comeback. For Roe, it became a way to honor the man who had influenced his path, making each spin of the record carry the weight of memory and love in a personal way.
2. A Very Unusual Tribute
Tributes in music are often heartfelt but ordinary, like liner notes or spoken dedications at concerts. Kristopher Roe, however, chose to do something few would ever think possible. The record pressing was named the William Charles Roe Memorial Ashes Variant, giving his father’s memory an eternal place within the band’s story. Roe explained that he wanted his father’s spirit to continue through the music he loved most. Instead of fading away, it allowed his dad to stay present with every note. For fans, this transformed the record into a living tribute, something to be listened to but also cherished as a symbol of family, grief, and remembrance. It showed how personal loss can inspire a touching creative gesture.
3. The Law Said Not Everywhere
As powerful as the concept was, the legal side of things quickly created challenges. While mixing ashes into vinyl is allowed in many parts of the country, eight states in the United States do not permit the distribution or sale of human remains, even when transformed into art. Those states included Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. That meant any orders placed from these areas had to be canceled. Fans found it strange that something so personal could be restricted depending on location, turning a touching family memorial into a legal hurdle. It added an unusual layer to the story, showing how art and law often collide in unexpected ways for everyone involved.
4. Limited Hugely Sought After Release
Scarcity has always driven interest in vinyl, and this pressing was no exception. Only about 300 to 400 copies of the ashes variant were ever made, making it an incredibly rare piece. Alongside it, the band released three other color variants without ashes, but the memorial version instantly became the most desirable. The limited run meant that fans had to act quickly if they wanted one, and within hours the entire stock was gone. The rarity only added to the story, with fans realizing they were not just buying music but a deeply personal artifact. This rush for ownership created a frenzy, turning the release into one of the most sought after punk records of the year.
5. There’s Purpose Behind the Concept
This record was never meant to be about novelty alone. Beyond its rarity and personal meaning, Kristopher Roe designed the project to help others. Proceeds from the vinyl sales supported Shatterproof, a nonprofit that aids individuals and families dealing with addiction. Roe’s father had passed away in 2014 due to struggles with alcoholism, making the cause close to his heart. By pressing this record, Roe gave fans the chance to not only honor his father with him but also to contribute to a larger purpose. It created a bridge between grief and service, allowing music to become a force of healing. That mix of emotion and philanthropy made the release even more significant and memorable.
6. The Songs Are Meaningful Too
It was not just the physical record that mattered but the music chosen for it. On Side A, fans discovered “Car Song,” a brand new track marking the band’s return after so many years. Side B carried a re-recorded version of “In This Diary,” one of The Ataris’ most beloved songs and one that Kristopher Roe’s father always enjoyed. This choice made the tribute even more heartfelt, because it tied his father’s memory directly to the music itself. Each listen became a chance to revisit old memories while embracing something new. For fans, the emotional connection was undeniable, blending nostalgia with grief, while for Roe, it was the most personal release he had ever shared.
7. Not the First Time Ashes Made Vinyl
Though unusual, this was not the first time ashes have been placed into art or even vinyl. Memorial art has long allowed families to mix the remains of loved ones into objects like jewelry, paintings, or even pressed records. However, what made The Ataris’ release different was its public scale. Instead of a quiet family project, it became a widely released product available to fans worldwide. That shift turned a personal practice into a cultural conversation. It challenged people to think about how art can carry memory and how grief can be transformed into something lasting. For many, it was both touching and surprising, reminding listeners that music can hold more than sound.
8. Collectors Are Fervent
Whenever something rare and meaningful surfaces, collectors are never far behind. It did not take long for copies of the ashes variant to appear on resale sites at strikingly high prices. Some listings placed the vinyl at more than three hundred dollars, far beyond its original cost. For buyers, it was not just about owning music but owning history. This kind of artifact combines rarity, controversy, and emotional depth, which only fuels its appeal. Some fans held onto their copies as personal treasures, while others viewed them as valuable investments. Either way, the frenzy proved how much people wanted to hold a piece of this remarkable and emotional release.
What started as an intimate act of remembrance has become an indelible part of music and cultural memory. The limited availability, state legal quirks, and heartfelt intent make this one of the most unique vinyl releases ever.
This story 8 Things to Know About the Ataris Vinyl Record That’s Banned in 8 States was first published on Daily FETCH
