[1][3] In 1998, they changed their name to the Datsuns, and initially each member used the band's name as their last name; de Borst performed as Dolf D.

[1] In 2002 after appearing on John Peel's programme on the BBC Radio 1, the Datsuns were lauded by the UK music press, including in a front cover article in NME.

[citation needed] The Datsuns performed at Ozzfest in 2003 on the main stage supporting Ozzy Osbourne, Marilyn Manson, Korn and Disturbed.

They also played the main stage of the 2004 and 2009 Big Day Out festivals, and opened for Metallica on their Australian tour in 2004.

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich had previously praised the Datsuns on the revival debut of Headbangers Ball, before playing their video for "In Love."

Their second album, Outta Sight/Outta Mind (May 2004), was produced by Led Zeppelin member John Paul Jones.

"[1] In October 2006 the Datsuns released their third album, Smoke & Mirrors, which peaked in the top 20 in New Zealand.

[citation needed] The band's fourth album, Headstunts (an anagram of "the Datsuns"), was released on 6 October 2008.

They toured New Zealand, Australia and North America, showcasing new material, "Eye of the Needle", "Human Error", "So Long", "Hey Paranoid People What's in Your Head", "Your Bones" and released a limited edition single, "Highschool Hoodlums".

Their sixth studio album, Deep Sleep, was issued in October 2014, which reached New Zealand's top 30.