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Smoking Popes

The Smoking Popes are an American band formed in 1991 in the northwest suburbs of , , by brothers (lead vocals and guitar), Matt Caterer (bass), and Eli Caterer (guitar and backing vocals), later joined on drums by Mike Felumlee. The band is renowned for its distinctive fusion of high-energy with smooth, lounge-inspired vocals delivered by , drawing influences from acts like the , , and , while incorporating romantic, angst-filled lyrics about love, loss, and introspection. Emerging from the punk scene, they self-released early EPs like The Smoking Popes Break Up (1992) before signing with in 1994, achieving notable success with their major-label debut Born to Quit (1995), which featured the single "Need You Around" prominently used in the film . The follow-up Destination Failure (1997) and a reissue of their earlier indie album (1993) solidified their cult following in the 1990s indie and communities, blending hyper-literate songwriting with "hyperkinetic tear-jerkers" that influenced later and acts. In early 1999, the band disbanded after stepped away to pursue his deepening Christian faith, which conflicted with the secular themes in their music, leading to a period of hiatus during which Caterer explored solo projects and religious commitments. They reunited in November 2005 for a high-profile performance at Chicago's venue, marking a return to touring and recording that revitalized their fanbase. Since then, the Smoking Popes have released several albums on indie labels like , including Stay Down (2008), This Is Only a Test (2011)—a nostalgic reflecting on youth—and Into the Agony (2018), their first full-length with the original lineup since the late , followed by Lovely Stuff (2025). Over three decades, the band has maintained a dedicated following through raw emotional delivery and consistent output, including tours as of 2025, cementing their legacy as punk innovators who bridged pop sensibilities with punk's urgency.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of Smoking Popes consists of the three Caterer brothers, who have formed the band's core since its inception, alongside drummer Mike Felumlee, who rejoined in 2015. serves as and , having co-founded the band in 1991 and remaining its primary songwriter throughout its history. Eli Caterer, Josh's younger brother, has played lead guitar since 1991, contributing to the band's signature sound with his rhythmic and melodic interplay. Matt Caterer, the eldest brother, has handled duties continuously since the band's formation in 1991, providing the foundational groove that anchors their energetic performances. Mike Felumlee returned to the drum kit in April 2015, after originally playing from to 1999, restoring the classic lineup that defined the band's breakthrough era. Prior to Felumlee's return, Neil Hennessy had served as drummer from 2008 to 2015. The Caterer brothers' longstanding familial bond has been instrumental in maintaining the band's consistency and creative vision across decades of activity, breakups, and reunions.

Former members

The Smoking Popes' rhythm section has seen notable turnover since the band's formation, with multiple drummers contributing to different eras of their and live performances. Dave Martens was the original drummer, joining in 1991 and playing until early 1991; he recorded on the band's debut EP Inoculator, released via local label Radius Records, before being replaced. Tom Counihan (a.k.a. Tom Daily) served as touring from 1997 to 1998 during the band's major label period. Following the band's initial breakup and subsequent reunion in November 2005 for Chicago's Flower 15 festival, Rob Kellenberger briefly handled , supporting the performance that was later documented on the live album At the Corner of Broadway + Main. His tenure ended in early 2006 amid the group's expanding tour schedule. Ryan Chavez succeeded Kellenberger in January 2006, providing the percussion for the band's post-reunion tours and their 2008 studio album Stay Down, the only full-length release featuring his contributions. He departed in March 2008. In April 2008, Neil Hennessy, recognized for his drumming with the punk band , joined the Smoking Popes and played on subsequent releases including the 2011 concept album This Is Only a Test; he remained with the group until 2015. These frequent drummer transitions stemmed largely from the rigors of extensive touring schedules and varying personal commitments among members, requiring to adapt their sound and repertoire accordingly. In 2015, the lineup shifted back to the original with Mike Felumlee's return on drums, restoring continuity to the Caterer brothers' core.

History

Formation and early releases (1991–1993)

The band that would become the Smoking Popes originated in the Chicago suburb of Lake in the Hills in January 1990, when brothers Josh, Matt, and Eli Caterer formed a punk trio initially known as Speedstick. The group debuted with a performance at a house party in nearby , where they played approximately ten original compositions, marking their entry into the local music scene. In 1991, the band underwent a significant transformation, renaming themselves Smoking Popes—a moniker derived from the brothers' affinity for the 1984 film , combined with their personal smoking habits. This rebranding coincided with lineup adjustments to solidify their sound: on lead vocals and guitar, Eli Caterer on guitar, Matt Caterer on bass, and Dave Martens on drums. Martens contributed to their earliest recordings before departing later that year, with Mike Felumlee eventually taking over drumming duties for subsequent efforts. The band's first release, the Inoculator EP, arrived in late 1991 via the local indie label Radius Records, featuring five tracks recorded during their Speedstick era at Curved Air Studios. Limited to 500 copies on vinyl, it showcased raw punk energy with crooning vocal elements that would become their signature. Building momentum, they self-released the Break Up EP in early 1992, a four-song effort recorded by Phil Bonnet at Solid Sound Studios, which delved into themes of personal turmoil and relationships. Later that year, they followed with another self-released four-track EP titled 2, also captured at Solid Sound, further honing their blend of punk drive and melodic hooks. These independent efforts, produced on a shoestring budget with handmade covers, helped establish their presence in Chicago's underground circuit. A pivotal connection to the broader Chicago punk scene emerged in 1993 when Ben Weasel of Screeching Weasel discovered the band and championed their talent, leveraging his influence to arrange production for their debut full-length album, Get Fired. Weasel recruited Mass Giorgini of Squirtgun to record the album at Sonic Iguana Studios, resulting in its release on Johann's Face Records, Weasel's own indie label. The album captured their evolving pop-punk style, drawing from influences like the and , and solidified their underground reputation. Throughout these formative years, the Smoking Popes cultivated a devoted local following through relentless live performances at venues like McGregor's in the Elmhurst-Addison area, high school battle-of-the-bands events, and DIY loft parties in suburban . These shows, often in intimate settings, generated buzz in the and punk communities, positioning the band as a rising force in the scene's DIY ethos. Their early output and energy laid the groundwork for wider recognition, with a sound that emphasized heartfelt lyrics over aggressive posturing.

Major label era and breakthrough (1994–1998)

In 1994, the Smoking Popes signed with Capitol Records following the underground success of their debut album Get Fired, released the previous year on Johann's Face Records, which had earned them acclaim within the punk scene and invitations to open for Green Day. The label acquired the rights to the band's second album, Born to Quit, originally issued independently in 1994, and re-released it in 1995 with enhanced production to capitalize on growing buzz. This major-label debut propelled the band into national visibility, particularly through the single "Need You Around," which featured on the soundtrack to the film Clueless and received heavy rotation on MTV, marking their closest brush with mainstream breakthrough. The band's momentum continued with extensive touring in 1995 and 1996, including support slots alongside and other acts like , which amplified their exposure amid the mid-1990s surge. These opportunities boosted their profile, allowing them to connect with wider audiences through high-energy performances that highlighted Josh Caterer's crooner-style vocals and themes of romantic longing intertwined with Catholic imagery. However, the grueling schedules and expectations from began to strain the group, as the shift from roots to major-label demands clashed with the evolving landscape favoring edgier sounds over their melodic introspection. By 1997, these pressures manifested in Destination Failure, their second Capitol album, which delved deeper into personal turmoil, failed relationships, and existential doubts through tracks reflecting Caterer's introspective lyricism. Produced by —known for polishing and —the record retained the band's core but captured a sense of disillusionment amid commercial expectations. To fulfill their three-album contract in 1998, the Smoking Popes recorded The Party's Over, a collection of covers spanning standards like Willie Nelson's "" and traditional tunes such as "Farther Along," intentionally diverging from original material to signal their frustrations with label obligations. This release, ultimately shelved by until later, underscored the internal tensions from major-label scrutiny and the fading alignment with a punk scene increasingly dominated by nu-metal and aggressive aesthetics.

Breakup and side projects (1999–2005)

In early 1999, the Smoking Popes disbanded following the departure of lead singer and songwriter , who cited ongoing conflicts with over creative control and intense personal exhaustion from relentless touring as key factors in his decision. The Cheap Trick opening slot was in April 1998 at Chicago's venue. Caterer's in August 1998 further influenced his choice, as he prioritized his faith and sought a break from the band's lifestyle, announcing his exit during a Thanksgiving 1998 performance at Chicago's venue. The group's final show was that Metro gig in late November 1998, after which a planned March 1999 farewell tour was canceled due to his absence. The remaining members, including brothers and Caterer, briefly explored options to continue the band without , but recognized the impossibility given his central role in defining the group's sound and songs, leading to a full hiatus for Smoking Popes activities. Instead, channeled his energy into faith-inspired music, forming the band Duvall in 2001 with new collaborators, later incorporating on bass and former Smoking Popes Mike Felumlee. Duvall marked a departure from the Popes' punk-pop roots, embracing a more style with layered harmonies and introspective themes tied to Caterer's spiritual journey. Duvall achieved modest success, releasing their debut full-length album Volume & Density in November 2003 on , which featured polished tracks like "All in Your Hands" and earned positive notice in the rock scene for its mature songcraft. The band toured actively, including opening slots for in 2002, building a dedicated following through live performances that highlighted Caterer's emotive vocals. During the Smoking Popes' hiatus, the original lineup reunited only sporadically for informal or one-off appearances, maintaining low-key ties while members pursued individual endeavors. Interest in a Smoking Popes grew by 2005, culminating in a reunion show on at Chicago's as part of the Flower15 , with Rob Kellenberger filling in on drums; the performance sold out in hours, capturing the band's enduring appeal and paving the way for further activity.

Reunion and continued activity (2006–present)

In 2006, the Smoking Popes resumed touring after a seven-year hiatus, marking their reunion with a U.S. tour alongside Bayside and the addition of new drummer Chavez to support the band's renewed full-time schedule. The group released their first post-reunion studio album, Stay Down, in August 2008 on the independent label Curb Appeal Records, featuring 12 tracks that revisited their roots with heartfelt lyrics and energetic instrumentation. The band partnered with for subsequent releases, issuing their sixth studio album, This Is Only a Test, on March 15, 2011. This explores the perspective of a teenage boy navigating , including themes of personal growth, , and emotional resilience amid everyday challenges like , relationships, and self-doubt. Drummer transitions occurred during this period: Chavez departed in early 2008, replaced by Neil Hennessy of , who played through 2015; original drummer Mike Felumlee then rejoined, restoring the classic lineup and infusing fresh energy into performances and recordings. In September 2016, the Smoking Popes issued the EP via , their first release with the reunited original members, containing two new studio tracks recorded live with minimal overdubs. That same month, they performed at in , debuting material from the EP and delivering a setlist blending classics like "Need You Around" with fresh songs such as "Simmer Down." The band's seventh studio album, Into the Agony, followed on October 12, 2018, through , addressing personal despair alongside broader political and social issues like division and uncertainty in . As live music recovered from the , the Smoking Popes returned to stages in 2021, including a headline slot at Skokie's Backlot Bash festival on August 28 in , where they played to a crowd of thousands amid the event's return after health restrictions. In April 2025, the band released Lovely Stuff on April 4, their eighth studio album and first in seven years, on the Anxious & Angry label; self-produced and recorded in studios, it features 10 tracks including singles "Madison" and "Golden Moment," emphasizing melodic with introspective lyrics. To mark the 30th anniversary of their 1995 breakthrough Born to Quit, the Smoking Popes launched full-album tours across the U.S., including dates with Off With Their Heads in April and May, and co-headlining runs with Bayside in June under "The Errors Tour." Ongoing 2025 activities include Midwest and East Coast shows, highlighted by the Simmer Fest 2 mini-tour in January with supporting acts like Limbeck and The Color Programme.

Musical style and influences

Genre and sound

The Smoking Popes are primarily classified as a band, incorporating elements of , , and , characterized by fast-paced buzzsaw guitars, caffeinated rhythms, and melodic hooks that blend 's urgency with pop's accessibility. Their sound draws from the punk scene but stands apart through and jazz-standard influences, evident in the smooth, crooning vocal delivery reminiscent of backed by punk instrumentation. This fusion creates "hyperkinetic tear-jerkers," combining angst-ridden energy with sophisticated harmonies. Instrumentation centers on dual guitars from brothers and Caterer, which layer intricate pop structures through power chords and interlocking riffs, supported by a tight of Matt Caterer on and Mike Felumlee on that prioritizes catchiness and momentum over raw aggression. Caterer's soaring, heartfelt vocals provide a distinctive melodic anchor, often weaving heartfelt crooning over the band's caffeinated drive, while the guitars deliver a buzzsaw edge that propels the songs forward. This setup allows for urgent yet timeless arrangements, distinguishing them from more straightforward punk acts in the scene like Screeching by emphasizing vocal harmonies and lounge-inflected polish. The band's sound evolved significantly across their career, beginning with the raw punk energy of their 1993 debut Get Fired, featuring lo-fi production and aggressive, unpolished tracks that captured early '90s Midwestern vitality. During their mid-1990s major label era on , releases like Born to Quit (1995) and Destination Failure (1997) introduced higher production values, refining the buzzsaw guitars and rhythms into tighter, more pop-leaning structures with enhanced clarity and melodic sheen. Post-reunion in 2006, their music matured with tones and smoother execution, as heard in 2018's Into the Agony, where the original lineup's chemistry yielded refined, invested arrangements that balanced with graceful maturity. This progression continued with the 2025 release Lovely Stuff, further showcasing evolved songcraft infused with personal and spiritual reflections.

Lyrical themes

The lyrics of Smoking Popes, primarily penned by frontman , recurrently explore themes of romantic love and heartbreak, often portraying vulnerability and emotional dependency in concise, heartfelt narratives. Songs like "Need You Around" exemplify this through pleas for amid personal disorientation, capturing the band's signature blend of longing and intimacy. These motifs draw from Caterer's introspective style, emphasizing relational bonds as sources of redemption amid turmoil. Religious undertones, rooted in Caterer's Catholic upbringing, infuse many tracks with explorations of faith, doubt, and moral dilemmas, particularly evident in the 1997 album Destination Failure. Here, Caterer grapples with spiritual uncertainty and divine love, as in "I Know You Love Me," a framed as a personal that reflects his evolving relationship with . This thematic layer avoids overt preaching, instead weaving ethical introspection and existential questions into the band's framework, influenced by his early exposure to Catholic traditions. In later works, such as the 2018 album Into the Agony, Caterer's songwriting incorporates on and anxiety, addressing contemporary issues like in "Little Lump of Coal" and in "Melting ." These songs extend moral dilemmas to broader societal critiques, blending personal anguish with collective concerns without abandoning the band's emotional core. themes persist in subsequent releases, including the 2025 album Lovely Stuff, where Caterer continues to explore songwriting intertwined with his Christian beliefs. Caterer's approach yields hyper-literate, confessional lyrics delivered with pop-punk brevity, favoring introspective storytelling over conventional punk rebellion; this results in densely worded verses that prioritize emotional depth and narrative nuance, setting the band apart through sophisticated vulnerability.

Discography

Studio albums

The Smoking Popes' debut studio album, Get Fired, was released in 1993 on Johann's Face Records. Recorded at Sonic Iguana Studios with producer Mass Giorgini, the album showcased the band's raw pop-punk sound, rooted in the Chicago punk scene, and helped establish their early following through its energetic, angst-filled tracks. Their second album, Born to Quit, arrived in 1994 via Johann's Face Records and was reissued in 1995 by after the band signed with the major label. Produced by Phil Bonnet, it marked their breakthrough, with the single "Need You Around" reaching No. 35 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and the album peaking at No. 37 on the Top Heatseekers chart, gaining wider exposure through film placements and radio play. Destination Failure, released in 1997 on , delved into themes of personal struggle and failed relationships. Produced by , the album featured polished production that highlighted the band's melodic punk style, with standout tracks like "Megan" and "Pretty Pathetic" contributing to its critical acclaim within the pop-punk community, though it did not achieve significant commercial chart success. The band's final album under their contract, The Party's Over, was recorded in 1998 but not released until 2001 on Double Zero Records (with some editions in 2003 via Suburban Home). Serving as a covers collection to fulfill label obligations, it included eclectic choices such as Fleetwood Mac's "" and Sammy Davis Jr.'s "," blending the Popes' crooning vocals with punk arrangements for a distinctive tribute to classic pop and rock influences. Following their reunion, Stay Down emerged in 2008 on Curb Appeal Records, marking a return to releases with themes of amid hardship, as reflected in tracks like the title song's about persisting through pain. The album's introspective songwriting and solid performances signaled the band's renewed vitality post-hiatus. This Is Only a Test, released in 2011 on and produced by Matt Allison, adopted a structure narrated from a teenage boy's perspective on adolescence's challenges. Noted for its high energy and catchy hooks, it became a fan favorite, reinforcing the Popes' prowess with songs like "Wish We Were" and "Punk Band." After an eight-year gap, Into the Agony came out in on , featuring live rhythm tracks engineered by Reuben Baird and addressing personal and relational tensions through tracks like "When You Want Something." The self-produced effort balanced the band's classic sound with mature introspection, earning praise for its authentic energy and the return of original drummer Mike Felumlee. The Popes' eighth studio album, Lovely Stuff, was released on April 4, 2025, by Anxious and Angry Records. Self-produced and featuring the original lineup, it blends their signature melodies with reflective lyrics on life and relationships, as in "Golden Moment" and "Fox River Dream," delivering what drummer Mike Felumlee described as their strongest performances to date.

Extended plays

The Smoking Popes' extended plays played a crucial role in the band's early development, serving as affordable, rapid-fire releases that supported local touring circuits and cultivated a dedicated fanbase in Chicago's scene during their independent years. These EPs allowed the band to experiment with their sound, refine songwriting, and maintain momentum between full-length albums, particularly before their major-label breakthrough with in 1993. Later EPs, post-reunion, reaffirmed their enduring appeal by bridging gaps in output and re-engaging longtime listeners. Other notable EPs include the 1993 7" with Groovy Love Vibes on Watermark Records, the 1995 "Need You Around" single on , the 1996 "Before I'm Gone" 7" on , and the 2012 Complete Control Sessions on Chunksaah Records. The band's debut EP, Inoculator, was released in 1991 on Radius Records as a 7-inch containing five tracks recorded during their prior incarnation as Speedstick. This release introduced the core lineup of brothers on vocals and guitar, Matt Caterer on bass, and drummer Dave Martens, establishing their raw energy with songs like "Sandra" and "Brand New Hairstyle" that blended aggressive riffs with melodic hooks. Produced on a shoestring budget at Curved Air Studio in , it marked the band's transition to the Smoking Popes name and helped fund subsequent recordings through local sales and gigs. In 1992, the Smoking Popes self-released the four-track EP Break Up on 7-inch vinyl, recorded by engineer Phil Bonnet and featuring tracks such as "Waiting Around" and "Breaking" that amplified their roots with themes of youthful disillusionment. Handmade covers and direct mail-order distribution underscored the DIY ethos, building regional hype through word-of-mouth and performances that showcased their high-energy live sets. This EP solidified their local presence, drawing attention from indie labels and paving the way for lineup stability with the addition of second guitarist Eli Caterer. The follow-up EP, simply titled 2, arrived in 1993 as another self-released 7-inch, recorded in 1992 at Solid Sound Studios in , and containing four songs including "Writing a Letter" and "Stars." It demonstrated refined melodies and tighter arrangements compared to prior efforts, with Bonnet's production highlighting Josh Caterer's crooning vocals against driving rhythms, further honing the band's signature blend. Released amid increasing demands, 2 functioned as essential merchandise for fans, enhancing engagement during the indie phase leading into their first album. After a long hiatus, the band issued in 2016 on as a digital EP with two tracks: the original "Simmer Down" and a cover of "Some Day I'll Smile Again." Featuring the original trio of , , and Mike Felumlee (who replaced Martens in 1992), it was the first recording by this lineup since 1998's The Party's Over, captured live in the studio without to recapture their unpolished essence. This concise release signaled renewed activity following the 2011 album This Is Only a Test, teasing a forthcoming full-length and reigniting interest among fans through its straightforward vigor.

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