Playing a hard-hitting fusion of metal, grunge, and modern rock, Pop Evil went from working bars in their native Michigan to playing across the country and around the world. Their attack is rooted in taut, hard-edged guitar sounds, and booming percussion that shows the influence of hip-hop and industrial production techniques. Their second album, 2008’s Lipstick on the Mirror, became their first major-label release, 2013’s Onyx gave them a commercial breakthrough with the Rock Radio hit “Trenches,” and 2021’s Versatile and 2023’s Skeletons consolidated their position as a leading post-grunge act.
Pop Evil was formed in 2001 in the Western Michigan town of North Muskegon (not far from Grand Rapids) by vocalist Leigh Kakaty. Kakaty had previously worked in a local band called TenFive, and after they broke up, he recruited their former drummer Dylan Allison to join him in his new project. The first lineup also included guitarist Dave Grahs and bassist Jamie Nummer, and for their first few years they balanced gigs where they played their original material with jobs as a cover band to keep themselves together and raise money for studio time. Pop Evil put out an independent album, War of the Roses, in 2004, followed by an EP, Ready or Not, in 2006. In 2007, the group landed a management deal, and their second album, Lipstick on the Mirror, appeared in 2008. By this time, Matt DiRito took over on bass from Jamie Nummer, and they became a quintet with the addition of Tony Greve on lead guitar. Pop Evil landed a deal with the Universal/Republic imprint Pazzo Music who reissued Lipstick on the Mirror in 2009 with two hidden bonus tracks. The band’s relationship with Pazzo Music soured while they were recording their third album, and they severed ties with the label, with eOne Entertainment taking on the group and releasing War of Angels in 2011. Around the time of the album’s debut, drummer Dylan Allison suffered a neck injury, and Brian Kuhn took over behind the kit. Within a year, Kuhn was out and Joshua Marunde (who sometimes billed himself as Chachi Riot) became their latest drummer. This period also saw Tony Greve drop out of the band, and Jay Taylor briefly took over as lead guitarist, before Nick Fuelling filled the position in 2012.
SEATING CHART
***All reserved seatingis along the balcony ledge and is first come first serve within each section. Padded seat stools are used and there are no backs to them. Sections A and K are alongside the PA system that is hanging from the ceiling and has a semi obstructed view. General admission ticket holders will be standing directly behind this seating, there is no barrier separating reserved seating and general admission***
VENUE RULES
- You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and / or consume alcohol.
- You must have a valid form of Federal or State ID as proof of age, NO TICKETS.
- Fake ID’s will be confiscated and you will be escorted out with NO REFUNDS.
- 18 and under must adhere to local curfew laws or be accompanied by someone 18+.
- Ear plugs are suggested for all concerts.
- No weapons, backpacks, umbrellas, strollers or outside food / beverage allowed.
- No crowd surfing is allowed.
- No In and Outs, all re-entry’s will need a new ticket purchase
- No smoking inside the building of any kind.
- No Photography or Video
- EVERYONE that enters is required to wear a wristband if designated by security
- No fighting or aggressive behavior will be tolerated
- By entering, you acknowledge the rules above and agree to their terms. The Forge
- has the right to refuse entry to anyone who cannot provide a valid ID, is intoxicated or appears to be under the influence.
- Please be respectful of your surroundings and of others around you at all times.