How a Michigan rock band turned years of bologna sandwiches into chart-topping success
In short: Formed in 2001, Pop Evil spent years playing grueling club circuits and surviving on meager meals before finding their breakthrough. From their humble beginnings in North Muskegon to headlining major tours and securing number one rock radio hits, the band’s trajectory reflects a persistent, hard-fought climb through the music industry.
Founded by Leigh Kakaty in 2001, Pop Evil emerged from the remnants of a previous group called TenFive. The early years were defined by financial struggle, with Kakaty recalling long nights playing cover songs just to afford basic sustenance and recording demos. Despite personal tragedy in 2004, the band continued to release independent material, eventually catching the attention of talent scouts in 2007. This connection led to a management deal with G&G Entertainment in 2008, marking the start of their professional ascent.
The band's debut studio album, Lipstick on the Mirror, was released in 2008 and featured radio staples like "Hero" and "100 in a 55." Their momentum grew as they signed with Universal Records in 2009 and toured alongside established acts like Judas Priest. However, the path remained turbulent. In 2011, during a concert in Columbus, Ohio, the band symbolically tore up their contract with Universal, moving to eOne Music. This period also saw significant lineup changes, including the departure of drummer Dylan Allison due to a neck injury and the exit of guitarist Tony Greve in 2012.
Despite these internal shifts, Pop Evil achieved major milestones. In 2013, they secured their first national number one single on rock radio with "Trenches," which also earned them a Radio Contraband Rock Radio Award. Their subsequent albums, including Onyx and Up, solidified their presence, with the latter prompting the mayor of Grand Rapids to declare an official "Pop Evil Day" in 2015. By 2019, the band had expanded their reach to Australia, proving that their relentless work ethic—honed in the clubs of Michigan—could translate into a global career.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Pop Evil
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