Darth Vato is a Fort Worth-based reggae, ska, punk, and rock band formed in 2002 by Eric Dodson, Steve Steward, and Kerry Dean. What began as a handful of Sublime and Slightly Stoopid covers played for three free beers quickly evolved into one of North Texas' most energetic live acts.

Over the years, Darth Vato built a loyal following through hundreds of shows, countless road trips, and a reputation for bringing a party wherever they played. Today's lineup includes Eric Dodson (drums, percussion), Steve Steward (bass), Kerry Dean (guitar, vocals), Justin Pate (keyboards, piano), and Daniel Hardaway (trumpet, flugelhorn), and Jordan Richardson (engineer and producer).

After a long hiatus punctuated by occasional reunion shows, Darth Vato returns in 2026 with two new releases: Mistakes Were Made – Live!, a career-spanning collection of live recordings captured between 2002 and 2022, and Playing With Fire, a new EP featuring fresh material alongside one of the band's oldest songs finally making its studio debut.