Popular local punk band called it quits after parting from Capitol Records and then reunited in 2005 after 7 years. The Smoking Popes formed in 1990 in Crystal Lake, playing kiddie punk shows before releasing their debut Get Fired in 1993 on local label Johann's Face. In 1995 they released Born to Quit on the same label. Reissued within the year on Capitol Records, it was pretty darn successful in the pop alternatapunk (Q101) market. The catchy single "Need You Around" was acclaimed in both the American and British markets, and they had a new song ("Gotta Know Right Now") on the Winona Ryder movie soundtrack, Boys.
Their full-length follow-up, Destination Failure, recorded at Chicago Recording Company with producer Jerry Finn (Green Day, Rancid, Jawbreaker) was released in the fall of '97. They're currently shopping an all-covers effort to a number of labels, and intend to release an album of old singles (the 23-track Smoking Popes '91-'98) on their own Double Zero Records in March '99. Josh Caterer is planning to release an EP of material entitled Why Me? which he recorded with the late Phil Bonnet.
After an apparant career nose-dive caused by the tepid response to Destination, they made a moderate comeback, getting a bit better response for the record. "I Know You Love Me," the big single of Destination, got a bit of airplay.
The band is: Josh Caterer (vocals), Eli Caterer (guitar), Matt Caterer (bass) and Mike Felumlee (drums).
During the 2005 reunion, Rob Kellenberger replaced Felumlee on drums. The band is currently on an extensive U.S. tour promoting their latest release "Smoking Popes at the Metro" which includes their historic reunion show from Nov. 11, 2005 at Chicago's Metro and doubles as DVD with band extras.
Myspace Page: Smoking Popes
For more information, visit their website: http://www.smokingpopes.net
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