Alien Ant Farm is an American rock band formed in Riverside, California, in 1996, known for blending alternative rock with elements of metal and punk, and achieving international fame with their energetic cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal," which topped the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in 2001 and became a global hit. The original lineup featured Dryden Mitchell (vocals), Terry Corso (guitar), Tye Zamora (bass), and Mike Cosgrove (drums), and the band’s name was inspired by the idea of humans being observed by aliens as if in an ant farm. Their debut independent album, Greatest Hits (1999), won Best Independent Album at the L.A. Music Awards, and their major-label breakthrough came with ANThology (2001), which went platinum and included hits like "Movies" and "Smooth Criminal". Despite label challenges, lineup changes, and personal setbacks-including a serious tour bus accident-the band has continued to release music and tour internationally, maintaining a loyal fanbase and a reputation for high-energy live shows.