Wikipedia

Pop Evil

(Redirected from Leigh Kakaty)
For the band's self-titled album, see Pop Evil (album).

Pop Evil is an American rock band that was formed in North Muskegon, Michigan, in 2001 by Leigh Kakaty. The band's roots reside in TenFive, a group formed in the late-1990s by Kakaty and guitarist Jason Reed.[1] Pop Evil has several songs that topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts, including "Trenches" and "Waking Lions".

Pop Evil
Pop Evil performing in 2018
Pop Evil performing in 2018
Background information
OriginMuskegon, Michigan, U.S.
Genres
Years active2001–present
LabelsMNRK Music Group
Members
  • Dave Grahs
  • Leigh Kakaty
  • Nick Fuelling
  • Joey Walser
  • Blake Allison
Past members
  • Jamie Nummer
  • Dylan Allison
  • Tony Greve
  • Chachi Riot
  • Jay Taylor
  • Aaron Antoon
  • Matt DiRito
  • Hayley Cramer
Websitepopevil.com

History

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Early years (2001–2007)

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The band was formed from pieces of other Michigan bands in 2001, including a group known as TenFive, which consisted of Kakaty, guitarists Tom Grasman and Jason Reed, bassist James Schaap, and drummer Dylan Allison. As TenFive, Kakaty and Reed recorded a debut album, Severn, and another EP, Dam Electro, on their own independent label. Shortly thereafter, TenFive broke up and Kakaty founded Pop Evil with Allison.[1]

Kakaty and the members of Pop Evil endured years of playing the clubs without much to show for it. Kakaty said "It was years of bologna sandwiches, playing so many cover shows until the early morning hours because we needed money to make good demos."[2] The singer also endured his share of heartache when his girlfriend died in tragic circumstances in 2004.[2]

They then independently released an album, War of the Roses (2004), and a three-song EP, Ready or Not (2006). The latter featured the concert favorite "Somebody Like You". They also filmed a music video of the single released in 2006 starring Rossi Morreale and Britt Koth.

In November 2007, Pop Evil was referred by a music talent scout, Tracy Jule to Erik Quintero, which began Pop Evil's success. In 2008, Pop Evil signed a management deal with G&G Entertainment.

Lipstick on the Mirror (2008–2009)

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Pop Evil's debut studio album, Lipstick on the Mirror, was released August 12, 2008, and featured radio favorites "Hero", "Somebody Like You", "100 in a 55", and "Stepping Stone".[3]

War of Angels (2010–2012)

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Main article: War of Angels

Being noted fans of the Michigan Wolverines football team,[4] Pop Evil released "In the Big House", a single that appropriates many of the lyrics from the University of Michigan fight song, "The Victors". The song title refers to an unofficial name for Michigan Stadium, "The Big House", itself referring to its status as the largest stadium in the United States and the third largest stadium in the world. The song was released to Amazon.com and the iTunes Store on August 30, 2011, with an accompanying YouTube video showing highlights from current and former Michigan football teams.[5]

Onyx (2013–2014)

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Pop Evil live in Wausau, Wisconsin

In June 2013, Pop Evil scored their first national #1 single on Rock Radio with "Trenches".[6]

February 2014 saw the band sign a deal with Eleven Seven Music for distribution of their current and forthcoming material in Europe. This will see "Trenches" released on March 17, and the album Onyx sometime in the first half of the year. In addition, their first European live dates will be supporting new labelmates Five Finger Death Punch from March into April.[7]

Up and Pop Evil (2015–2019)

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In 2015, the band released their fourth studio album, Up, on August 21 via eOne Music.[8] The mayor of Grand Rapids, George Heartwell, visited the band on the set of WXMI (Fox 17) and declared the album's release date "Pop Evil Day" in Grand Rapids.[9] Pop Evil released "Take It All", their third single off of Up on iTunes on April 29, 2016.

In October 2017, the ensemble announced that they planned to release their self-titled album Pop Evil on February 16, 2018, with the release of the album's lead single, "Waking Lions".[10][11] In November 2018, Pop Evil announced tour dates with Palaye Royale and Black Map to promote their new album.[12]

In March 2019, Pop Evil announced their first ever Australian tour.[13]

In April 2019, the group performed multiple shows with Messer and Memphis May Fire.[14]

On March 25, 2019, Pop Evil announced a large summer tour, opening for Disturbed the first half of dates and In This Moment for the second.[when?][15]

Versatile, DiRito's departure, Skeletons, and Cramer's departure (2020–present)

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In April 2020, the band released the singles, "Work" and "Let the Chaos Reign".[16] On November 13, 2020, the band returned with the "pulsing" single "Breathe Again", while also announcing the title of their sixth album, Versatile, which they started working on during the winter of 2019. It was released on May 20, 2021.[17]

On December 11, 2023, Pop Evil posted a letter from Hayley Cramer to their Facebook page announcing her departure, citing her desire to branch out and find new paths and adventures.[18]

Band members

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Current

  • Leigh Kakaty – lead vocals (2001–present)
  • Dave Grahs – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2001–present); lead guitar (2001–2007)
  • Nick Fuelling – lead guitar, backing vocals (2012–present)
  • Joey "Chicago" Walser - bass (2021–present)[19]
  • Blake Allison – drums (2024–present; touring 2022, 2024)

Former

  • Jamie Nummer – bass, backing vocals (2001–2007)
  • Dylan Allison – drums (2001–2011)
  • Tony Greve – lead guitar (2007–2011)
  • Jay Taylor – lead guitar (2011–2012)
  • Brian Kuhn – drums (2011)
  • Joshua Marunde – drums (2011–2015)
  • Matt DiRito – bass, backing vocals (2007–2021)
  • Hayley Cramer – drums (2015–2023)

Former touring

Timeline

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Discography

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Main article: Pop Evil discography

References

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  1. ^ a b "TenFive | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Epple, Aaron. "Pop Evil's singer talks about band's trying times". journal-news. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  3. ^ Deming, Mark. "Pop Evil Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  4. ^ Pop Evil Record Song for Michigan Wolverines Football Team. Loudwire.com (2011-08-22). Retrieved on 2011-10-14.
  5. ^ Pop Evil get fired up for Michigan Wolverines football – ESPN. Sports.espn.go.com (2011-08-18). Retrieved on 2011-10-14.
  6. ^ "Pop Evil Land First #1 Active Rock Single". AllAccess.com. July 1, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  7. ^ "Pop Evil – new single and tour with FFDP". Moshville Times. February 5, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  8. ^ a b "iTunes Music "Up" Album info". iTunes.com. August 21, 2015. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  9. ^ Steve VanBergen (August 21, 2015). "Pop Evil talks new album, hometown concert, and even gets a surprise visit from Mayor Heartwell | Fox17". Fox17online.com. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
  10. ^ "POP EVIL To Release Self-Titled Album on February 16; 'Waking Lions' Video Now Available". Blabbermouth.net. October 30, 2017.
  11. ^ a b "Pop Evil Announce New Self-Titled Album, Release 'Waking Lions'". Loudwire.com.
  12. ^ Loudwire-13 Nov 2017 "Just a couple of weeks back, hard rock group Pop Evil announced plans for their fifth studio album, due out Feb. 16. Today, they've revealed that they're embarking on a headlining tour across North America in celebration of the self-titled disc. They will be joined by Palaye Royale and Black Map, rounding ."
  13. ^ "Pop Evil Have Announced Their First Ever Australian Tour". Musicfeeds.com.au. March 5, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  14. ^ "Messer". Songkick.com. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
  15. ^ "DISTURBED Announce Massive Summer Tour with POP EVIL, IN THIS MOMENT". Metal Injection. March 25, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  16. ^ "Pop Evil Drops Two New Songs 'Work' & 'Let the Chaos Reign' From New Album | iHeartRadio". Iheart.com. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  17. ^ a b Childers, Chad (November 13, 2020). "Pop Evil Reveal Anthemic New Song 'Breathe Again' + Album Title". Loudwire. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  18. ^ "Drummer Hayley Cramer announces split with Pop Evil: "I want to branch out and find new paths"". 1057 The Point. December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  19. ^ "Watch Pop Evil Perform with Devour the Day bassist Ted Nugent". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  20. ^ "POP EVIL Announces 'Skeletons' Album, March/April 2023 U.S. Tour". December 9, 2022.
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