Pop Evil Brings Arena Energy to an Intimate Stone Pony Crowd
On April 2, 2026, Pop Evil kicked off the first night of their What Remains Tour at The Stone Pony, supporting their latest album What Remains (Midnight Edition); and the huge crowd met them at the very first note.
The band came out strong, moving through a mix of older favorites and newer material, and the crowd stayed connected and ecstatic all night long. Hands in the air, phones up, constant movement —it felt alive in a way that doesn’t always happen.
What stands out about Pop Evil live is how tight everything feels. The playing is sharp, the transitions smooth, and the sound hits with heavy punches. It’s a big, driving rock show—but in a room where you’re close enough to actually feel part of it.
In addition to the stellar performance, one of the most memorable moments came when frontman Leigh Kakaty stopped to talk with the crowd about Asbury Park. Not just a quick mention—he took his time, speaking about the city’s history, what it’s meant to the band, and the connection they’ve built with fans here over the years. It felt genuine, and the crowd responded in kind.
Pop Evil has been building this kind of following for years. Since breaking through in the early 2010s with songs like “Trenches” and “Footsteps,” they’ve carved out a sound that blends heavy rock with big, memorable hooks. More recent releases - including What Remains (Midnight Edition) and newer tracks like “The Decay” and “What Remains”- show a band still evolving while staying true to their fans. Watching it all unfold at The Stone Pony felt like getting a full arena experience in a much smaller room.
By the end of the set, no one had checked out. The crowd stayed engaged the entire time, feeding off every song, every moment. It was one of those nights where the connection between band and fans was obvious—and mutual. The What Remains Tour continues across the U.S. through April 30, with tickets currently on sale.
Video by Zack Betsch
Video by Adrian Leon
Opening the night was Kamenar!
Opening the night was Kamenar, and what stands out right away is how real it feels. There’s a raw edge to what they do—but it sits on top of serious musicianship. Twin brothers Sean and John Kamenar lean into every part of their set, putting forth a sound that’s equal to a 5-member band … not a musical duo. It’s not just that they play well. They channel a different kind of energy when they step on stage, and you feel it in real time.
That comes from how they’ve built this. Years of relentless touring, long drives, and taking every opportunity they can get, treating each set like it matters. That showed again at the Stone Pony, where people quickly shifted from watching to being pulled in. Kamenar has also been gaining attention with their cover of “Animal” (originally by Badflower), which climbed to No. 5 on the Active Rock charts. With new music continuing to come out and momentum building, they’re a band worth paying attention to. If they come through your area, go see them. Bands this committed—and this genuine—don’t stay under the radar for long.
You can follow Kamenar on social media to keep up with new releases and tour dates, and tickets for the current run with Pop Evil—as well as future shows—are available online.
