The Next Chapter·Bedside Books

Why Pop Evil singer Leigh Kakaty enjoyed Dreaming the Beatles by Rob Sheffield

Leigh Kakaty from the band Pop Evil discusses the book that gave him a different perspective on the world's biggest band.
Leigh Kakaty, pictured in the centre with his Pop Evil bandmates, recommends reading Dreaming the Beatles by Rob Sheffield. (Pop Evil, Dey Street Books)

Pop Evil is the self-titled seventh album from the rock band fronted by Leigh Kakaty, who is originally from Kingston, Ont. The band is on tour this spring with several stops in the U.S., as well as in Europe and Australia.

Kakaty recently read and enjoyed Dreaming the Beatles by Rob Sheffield.

A world-changing band

"I don't get a chance to read a lot on tour, just because I get huge motion sickness in the back of the tour bus reading. But I came across this book called Dreaming the Beatles by Rob Sheffield. The whole caption reads, 'The Love Story of One Band and the Whole World.' It's about how they were able to change the world, just four guys. It's an incredible story.

"I guess when you're a band, especially a rock band in today's world, and a generation that believes rock 'n' roll is dead — anything that brings a world together through music is inspiring."

An eye-opening read

"It's very interesting, seeing a perspective from fans. It takes on the four chapters — before, during, then of course after without Lennon and, then as the band has aged. It definitely is a great, interesting perspective — reading it and [seeing] how the music industry has changed and how we receive and get to hear music."

Leigh Kakaty's comments have been edited for length and clarity.

Watch Pop Evil's music video for A Crime to Remember