Smoking Popes

I tried something for the first time tonight. I went to a concert......by myself. I must admit, I was a little hesitant about it. Going to a concert by yourself doesn't sound like fun on paper (ironically, my ultimate job would be scouting bands where I would then be doing a lot of solo-concert going). But the Popes were playing up in Hollywood tonight and I had no choice but to go and see them. Although I did try to get someone to come with me, my effort was minimal. The Popes are a tough sell and difficult understand the appeal if you don't have a history with them. So I was there simply for the music and to critique the band.

I saw some things at this Smoking Popes show that I never saw at any of the Duvall shows (Duvall consisted of members of the Popes). I saw decent looking girls dancing. I saw guys hurrying to the bar to buy rounds of beers and cheersing their friends during certain songs. I saw Matt Carterer pounding a beer and cheersing the crowd. I saw Josh rock out harder than I have ever seen him before as well as doing a lot of solo improv.

I could not have been happier for those guys. Josh, Eli, and Matt each had the biggest smiles on their faces. I too had a huge smile on my face and even found myself laughing out loud at certain times out of pure happiness. I grew up on the Smoking Popes, but never had an opportunity to see them live and assumed I never would. I'm sure there were many times in which the Smoking Popes never thought they would get back together and tour. Somehow they regrouped and it was obvious to me they were enjoying every minute of it. It seems as though this goofy band made up of three brothers from Carpentersville, IL are finally content with their place in music and, more importantly, their place in life.

It is great to see a concert in which I not only know every song, but knew every lyric to every song and every solo to every song. I felt like I have been with the Popes through the good and through the bad, and this time, they got things right.

As I watched this great show, I felt like everyone that has been with the Popes along their journey was somehow enjoying the show with me. To think of the time TC got thrown in jail trying to see Duvall at the Metro or when Soham and others understandably walked out at one show. It's safe to say, we have all come a long way, as have the Popes.

And the future looks very bright. They played a new song that will be on their next album. They have a new drummer that is awesome. From what I can tell, it looks like the true Popes are back. Hopefully this time it will be for good.