When O.A.R. returns to Phoenix on Aug. 9, the American rock band is bringing a set list and a story — theirs. 

Guitarist Richard On said the “Three Decades Tour” is built as a living timeline that gives fans and the musicians the chance to walk through 30 years of music, friendship and luck.

“The shows take us through our journey,” said On, whose act hits the Arizona Financial Theatre stage after Lisa Loeb and Gavin DeGraw.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS: The Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026

WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE: The Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for 2026

“There are new songs that will be on the new record, ‘300 Windows.’ That’s interesting because we’re playing those songs, some rarities and songs we don’t normally play. We will also have new arrangements [of older songs].

“It’s easy to get caught up in the show and not really think about what we’ve been through and what we’ve accomplished. But we need to celebrate that.”

O.A.R., which stands for Of a Revolution, first found grassroots success when fans burned CDs and passed them around dorm rooms. Thirty years later, O.A.R. is prepping a new album, “300 Windows.” The album cycle begins with the single “Legacy” featuring G. Love (Garrett Dutton) of the alternative hip-hop blues band G. Love and Special Sauce. 

O.A.R. frontman Marc Roberge ran into Dutton in New York. 

“We were recording in New York and Marc decided to grab a sandwich,” he said. “He ran into Garrett.”

Dutton’s upbeat presence helped energize the sessions. “He’s just such a great positive source of energy,” On said. “We love being around him.”

“Legacy” is among the songs on O.A.R.’s set list — and the band does not worry about it hitting YouTube.

“I think that’s exactly part of spreading the music organically,” he said. “To me, it’s the new Napster. I probably just dated myself.” 

In New York, the band was recording “Legacy” at Artist House, a studio run by its Grammy-nominated mentor, Gregg Wattenberg, who co-wrote O.A.R.’s No. 1 song and RIAA-Certified Platinum hit “Shattered (Turn the Car Around).” 

Despite the years, On and Roberge feel like the same kids who once took the metro to Washington, D.C., from Rockville, Maryland, to see the post-hardcore punk band Fugazi. 

“That was my first concert,” On said. “I think I was in the eighth grade. They would put on a free show every year. Somehow our parents gave us permission. We got there super early because we didn’t know what to expect. 

“We go to the front row — literally on the railing. They start playing, we turn around and I couldn’t see the end of the people. Next thing I know, we’re in a full-blown mosh pit. We were literally crawling on our hands and knees trying to escape through people’s legs. We got out and we watched it from a safe distance from the side. Even though we got our asses kicked, it was awesome.”

That youthful energy hasn’t faded. “We still feel like kids,” he said.