Common Rider began in 1999 when Jesse Michaels, formerly of Operation Ivy, formed a group with Dan Lumley and Mass Giorgini. Lumley and Giorgini were veterans in their own right having functioned as a rhythm section in bands including Squirtgun and Screeching Weasel. The group came together for the purpose of recording a batch of songs Michaels had written since the Opivy days. This resulted in the album "Last Wave Rockers" which was released on Panic Button records in 1999.
Since the inception of the band, activity has been sporadic but ongoing. A 7" single was released on Lookout! Records in 2000 and most recently Common Rider has completed a second full length, titled "This is Unity Music" for Hopeless records. Because of the logistical challenges of living in different states, live performances have been rare so far. However, Common Rider recently made the decision to participate in a nationwide tour (their first). The tour is an annual event called Plea For Peace which benefits a different charity every year, this years cause being the Hopeline Suicide Prevention Network. This years tour features Common Rider and Lawrence Arms as opening acts for a rotating variety of headliners (Including Anti-Flag, Thursday, International Noise Conspiracy,Jimmy Eat World and others).
Common Rider is still evolving as a band and hopes to record a third full length next year as well as play live in as many places as possible.
