September 27, 1999
This is a short article from "Music Weekly":
The name of the Smoking Popes' 1995 major-label debut, Born to Quit, just about
says it all. Though it was only one Pope who actually quit the Chicago quartet on
February 17th, it was the most important one and the damage was enough to cause the
group's dissolution. "They broke up because [frontman Josh Caterer] left the band,
and he's going for a more spiritual thing," says manager Sean McDonough. "He wants
to go in a completely different direction [and] they obviously can't continue
on without the singer and songwriter." Originally, the group had planned several
farewell gigs in support of the forthcoming re-release of its indie album Get
Fired (re-packaged with new material and every seven-inch record ever released),
but then Josh, one of three Caterer brothers in the now-defunct band, had a change
of heart. The band's last album was 1997's also ironically titled Destination Failure.
February 20, 1999
I received this e-mail from Smoking Popes drummer, Mike Felumlee. It is the
official story-
Josh left the band because he wants to dedicate his voice, creativity, and his
life to his new found relationship with Jesus. The breakup is not a temporary
hiatus I believe it is permanent.
We're still going to release the Cd with all the 7"s, and the live CD. The
7"s CD will be called Smoking Popes (1991-1998) and will be out by late March.
The address for the record label is Double Zero Records P.O. box 7122
Algonquin IL 60102. People can order the CDs and T-shirts there.
I'm not 100% sure what the future holds for all of the band members. Matt,
Eli, and I are still jamming together and might eventually put something
together and do some shows. In the meantime we're starting the record label
with these last few Popes releases. We might also be interested in signing
other bands if we come across any we totally love. At the present time we are
all still on good terms.
There it is. I will keep you updated if there are any new developments.
February 17, 1999
Yes, it's true. The Smoking Popes have broken up. As of now
I do not know why but I will be sure ot pass the info immediately
to you when I get it. Keep checking back for constant
updates.
As for future projects-
Mike Felumlee (drummer) and Matt Caterer (bassist) have
started "Double Zero" records; first release will be
an "anthology" consisting of 23 songs with their 7"
records, "Get Fired," and some other, newer stuff. This should
be out in March, however, you never really know.
Fat Wreck Chords (Records, get it) will be
possibly releasing the Popes album of covers they
recorded last year. No date for this is set and who knows if it wil ever
even happen.
The band's final Metro show was recorded live,
and will be released sometime this year. I was at this show, and let me say that
it will be a great record.
As of now, that is all I know. Keep checking back for updates.
