Cigar (band)
| Company type | Punk rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music albums |
Cigar is a punk rock group from the United States, initially formed in Eugene, Oregon before relocating to San Diego, California. Established in 1996, the band caught the attention of Fletcher Dragge from Pennywise, leading to their signing with Theologian Records in 1997. Their first album, Speed is Relative, was released in 1999 with Dragge as producer. Additionally, Cigar appeared on multiple punk compilations and contributed music to surf and skateboarding videos, including Toy Machine's "Jump off a Building" featured during Chris Senn's segment.
History
The band's origins trace back to 1996 when Jon Sortland, known as "Big Jon" and sponsored by Paiste and C&C Drums (The Shins, Broken Bells, The Circus Tents), connected with Jason Torbert (Goddamn Electric Bill) through local classifieds. Guitarist Jeff Jones, formerly of Circus Tents, was an early member. While searching for a vocalist, Sortland enlisted Rami Krayem during his time working at a movie theater. After recording initial demos, Jones left the band, and Krayem took over guitar responsibilities in addition to vocals.
Reunion
Cigar came together again in 2013 and 2016 to headline benefit concerts supporting Music 4 Cancer in Ste-Therese, Quebec, Canada. In 2014, they appeared at Quebec's Amnesia Rockfest, performing alongside prominent bands such as Blink 182, Weezer, and Alice in Chains.
Lineup change
In January 2019, after more than two decades with the band, Jason Torbert announced his departure via Cigar’s Facebook page in June 2019, citing a desire to prioritize family and continue making music when feasible. Shortly thereafter, Jonathan Hischke took over bass duties. In 2022, Cigar released The Visitor, their first album under the Fat Wreck Chords label.
Current
- Rami Krayem – guitar, vocals
- Jon Sortland – drums, vocals
- Jonathan Hischke – bass guitar (since 2019)
Former
- Jeff Jones – guitar (1996–1997)
- Jason Torbert – bass guitar (1996–2019)
Discography
- Speed is Relative (1999), Theologian Records
Track list
- "No More Waiting"
- "Mr. Hurtado"
- "Two Kevins"
- "Wright & Rong"
- "Laundry Basket"
- "Back To Home"
- "The Bind"
- "Nick Of Time"
- "Long Run"
- "Watch It Fall"
- "Weight Of The World"
- "Show Me"
- "Captain"
- "Dr. Jones"
- The Visitor (2022), Fat Wreck Chords
Track list
- "These Chances"
- "Legacy of the 7 Plies"
- "We Used To"
- "Gone Wrong"
- "The Loss"
- "In Armor"
- "Classic You"
- "Forget About Me"
- "Move On"
- "Knocked Down"
Soundtracks
- 1998 Jump Off A Building – Toy Machine
- 1999 The Year – A Curran Film
- 2001 TK5 - The Kill Five
- 2002 TK6 - The Kill Six