Ataxia (band)
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | John Frusciante, Joe Lally, Josh Klinghoffer |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | John Frusciante, Joe Lally, Josh Klinghoffer |
| Products | Music albums: Automatic Writing (2004), AW II (2007) |
Ataxia was a U.S.-based experimental rock supergroup established in 2004, comprising guitarist John Frusciante (known for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers), bassist Joe Lally (from Fugazi), and drummer Josh Klinghoffer (associated with Dot Hacker and The Bicycle Thief). Klinghoffer later assumed the role of lead guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers during Frusciante's hiatus, continuing until 2019.
The group composed and recorded music over a two-week period, resulting in material that was divided into two separate albums: Automatic Writing released in 2004, and AW II which came out in 2007. Their compositions are characterized by a persistent bass foundation complemented by guitar layers featuring diverse themes and extensive progression. In 2008, Lally explained that their creative approach involved rapidly building songs around bass lines without focusing on producing a polished final product, highlighting that the project was primarily designed for live performance rather than studio release.
Ataxia played two concerts at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles on February 2 and 3, 2004, before dissolving. Following the group's end, Klinghoffer maintained his collaboration with Frusciante on solo endeavors and joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers as a touring member.
Band members
- John Frusciante – electric guitar, vocals, synthesizer
- Joe Lally – bass guitar, vocals
- Josh Klinghoffer – drums, vocals, synthesizer
Discography
- Automatic Writing (2004)
- AW II (2007)