Nick Pipitone has been writing hook-laden power pop songs for over a decade. In 1998, his band Sugarsmack made one critically acclaimed disc that scored them a gig at David Bash's International Pop Overthrow Festival in Los Angeles. Nick's relationship with the International Pop Overthrow lasts to this day, having been invited to gigs in LA, New York and Chicago. His next CD, "Music for Minivans", was recorded under the name "Pipitone" and released on the Kool Kat Musik label. The album was a more mature piece of work than the previous disc, all the while retaining Nick's power pop roots. The album was met with acclaim in the power pop community and ended up on many of their top 25 lists for the year.

Nick then took some time off to write songs for television and radio commercials, scoring a local "hit" with the theme for a successful Children's Hospital campaign. He also began to write and demo material for his next album -- many of which are now staples of the Pugilists set list. Nick's songs caught the ear of Daniel Holter, head of Milwaukee Indie label Burst Records. A deal was struck, session musicians were brought in and a five song EP, "Anything I Want To Say" was recorded.

 

Finding himself with a stellar recording and no band, Nick began to assemble a red hot combo. He turned to some old friends and veterans of Milwaukee's music scene, Don Moore and Nick Verban. Don, a former member of The Lackloves, quickly added his blazing guitar riffs to the new lineup. Nick Verban (ex-pretty much everyone) has played with Nick Pipitone for 20 years and they've recorded three albums together over that time in addition to hundreds of live shows. Nick's straight ahead drumming style has always been the perfect interpretation of Pipitone's songs. Jack Rodee, formally of the band Spill, agreed to broaden his already impressive musical talent by taking up the keyboard duties for the Pugilists. The final piece was put in place with Kevin Ponec, bass man extraordinaire who oozes stage presence amongst other things.

Which brings us to the present....The Pugilists are now in place. The band is ready to take the next step, preparing to record their first full length CD together. They recorded the first single, "Amateur Night", and made it available for download at this very site.

Eventually, Nick Pipitone decided the band life was too much for him. They kept one last final show and on July 22nd, 2006, the Pugilists played their last show with Pip. You can now see the Pugilists carrying on, playing their design of americana roots rock. Check out The Pugilists at www.thepugilists.com or www.myspace.com/pugilists.