Pop Evil
Flesh & Bone Tour
Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, Maryland
Pop Evil is a rock band from Michigan that has been making music since 2001. They have released six studio albums, the latest one being “Skeletons” in 2023. They are currently on tour across the United States, performing songs from their new album and a selection of their older hits.
Hailing from Michigan, Pop Evil was originally formed under the name TenFive, but they changed their name to Pop Evil after being told by a taxi driver that their music sounded like “pop music, but it’s evil.” The name is a nod to the idea that their music is catchy and accessible, but also has a darker edge to it.
Pop Evil are known for their high-energy performances and have released several albums over the years. Their latest album is called Skeletons. It was released on March 17 and features 11 songs, including their latest single and video, “Skeletons” along with the single “Paranoid (Crash & Burn).” The band performed both songs at Baltimore Soundstage on Nov. 5.
Watch the official music video for “Paranoid (Crash & Burn)” by Pop Evil on YouTube:
If you’re interested in their previous album, Versatile (2021), you were in luck at Baltimore Soundstage! The band chose five albums from Skeletons and other four from Versatile, including “Let the Chaos Reign,” and “Survivor.”
Pop Evil has a number of popular songs. Here are some of their most well-known:
• “Trenches”: This song was released in 2013 as part of their album Onyx. It peaked at No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart and No. 5 on the US Rock chart.
• “Footsteps”: This song was released in 2015 as part of their album Up. Footsteps peaked at No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart and No. 2 on the US Rock chart.
• “Torn to Pieces”: This song was released in 2014 as part of their album Onyx. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock chart and No. 5 on the US Rock chart.
• “Waking Lions”: This song was released in 2017 as a single. It also peaked at No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Chart and No. 2 on the US Rock chart.
Pop Evil have amassed eight No. 1 singles, five Top 5 singles and eight Top 10 singles throughout their career.
Currently the band are out on their Flesh & Bone Tour, which started on Oct. 28 and will end in their “hometown” of Grand Forks, Michigan, on Nov. 22. The tour includes 18 headlining shows across the United States.
Sunday night they performed at the Baltimore Soundstage to a large, enthusiastic crowd ranging from young kids to middle aged rock and rollers. It was a surprising turnout for a Sunday night show, but goes to show the dedication of Pop Evil fans; they are ready to rock, even if they have to work the next day!
Opening their show with the crushing “Paranoid (Crash & Burn),” the second single from their latest album, the band set the tone for the evening to come.
Lead singer Leigh Kakaty had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he lead them into a “Deal With the Devil” and from there, the band “Let Chaos Reign.”
Watch the official music video for “Deal With the Devil” by Pop Evil on YouTube:
Guitarists Nick Fuelling and Davey Grahs shredded with abandon while providing backing vocals over the rock and roll crunch.
Nimble fingered bassist Joey Walser stalked the stage and risers beside the drum kit of the hard hitting Hayley Cramer, who provided a steady back beat throughout the band’s 17-song set.
The night found the band covering songs from throughout their history, like the uplifting “Be Legendary,” the motivating “Waking Lions,” and the title track of their latest album, “Skeletons.”
Acoustic numbers like “Monster You Made” and “100 in a 55” fit well with soulful songs like “Torn to Pieces” and the bruising rocker, “Trenches.”
Pop Evil are proof that rock and roll is alive and well, now and into the future!
Pop Evil are:
• Leigh Kakaty – Vocals
• Hayley Cramer – Drums
• Dave Grahs – Guitar, backing vocals
• Joey Walser – Bass
• Nick Fuelling – Guitar, backing vocals
Setlist
1. Paranoid
2. Deal With the Devil
3. Let the Chaos Reign
4. Circles
5. Work
6. Be Legendary
7. Who Will We Become
8. Skeletons
9. Eye of the Storm
10. Footsteps
11. Survivor
12. Waking Lions
13. 100 in a 55
14. Monster You Made
15, Torn to Pieces
16. Trenches
17. Breathe Again
Pop Evil Discography
War of Roses (2004)
Ready or Not EP (2006)
Lipstick on the Mirror (2008)
War of Angels (2011)
Onyx (2013)
Up (2015)
Pop Evil (2018)
Versatile (2021)
Skeletons (2023)
Here are some photos of Pop Evil performing at Baltimore Soundstage on Nov. 5, 2023. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse.
