Pop Evil is an American rock band that was formed in North Muskegon, Michigan in 2001 by Leigh Kakaty. He then added Dave Grahs, Dylan Allison, and Jamie Nummer. Later, guitarist Tony Greve was added as a temporary studio musician for the band but was invited to become a full-time member in early 2007. Around that time, bassist Jamie Nummer left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by Matt DiRito, formerly of Archangel and Before the Fire. In 2011 Allison had major neck surgery and Chachi Riot (formerly of “Saraph”) filled in. In 2012 Riot became a mainstay as Pop Evil’s drummer. In 2012 due to personal reasons, Greve quit the band on his own accord and Nick Fuelling stepped up to fill his shoes.
Early years (2001–2012)
Onyx (2013–2015)
In January 2013, just after the New Year, Pop Evil entered a recording studio in Chicago, IL with Grammy nominated Producer Johnny K to record their 3rd studio album. The 1st single, called “Trenches“, from their upcoming album “Onyx” debuted online by the band on February 28, 2013. On April 11, 2013, the band debuted a second song from “Onyx” called “Goodbye My Friend”. Pop Evil announced via Twitter on March 3 that Onyx will be released on May 14.
In June 2013, Pop Evil scored their first national #1 single on Rock Radio with “Trenches“.[3]
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.[4]
Up (2015-2017)
In 2015, the band released their fourth studio album, “Up“, on August 21 via eOne Music.[5] 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.[6]
Pop Evil released “Take It All”, their third single off of “UP” on iTunes on April 29, 2016.
Pop Evil (2017-present)
In October 2017, the ensemble announced that they planned to release their self-titled album Pop Evil in February 2018.[7][8] In November Pop Evil announced 2018 tour dates with Palaye Royale and Black Map.[9]
Current members
- Leigh Kakaty – lead vocals (2001–present)
- Dave Grahs – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2001–present)
- Matt DiRito – bass, backing vocals (2007–present)
- Nick Fuelling – lead guitar, backing vocals (2012–present)
- Hayley Cramer – drums (2016-present)
https://www.facebook.com/popevil