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Entertainment Updated July 4, 2025

Jeremy Popoff

Jeremy Popoff is a musician and guitarist best known as a founding member of the rock band Smash Mouth. He played a key role in the band's success and their hit songs like All Star.

Born

July 30, 1969

Known For

  • Drummer for the band Lit
  • Co-founding member of The Whigs

Social Media

Notable Facts

Career Highlights

Background

Jeremy Popoff is a musician and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and guitarist of the rock band Lit. Born on November 20, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, Popoff grew up in a musical family, which influenced his early interest in guitar and songwriting. He attended Fullerton Union High School and later pursued music full-time, forming Lit in the late 1980s with his brother A. Jay Popoff and other band members.

Major Contributions

Popoff's most notable contribution is his role in Lit, a band that achieved mainstream success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The band's 1999 album A Place in the Sun went platinum, featuring hits like "My Own Worst Enemy."
  • Co-wrote and performed on multiple albums, including Atomic (2001) and The Broken (2008).
  • Founded Dirty Martini Records, an independent label, to release Lit's music and support other artists.
  • Expanded into entrepreneurship with ventures like Popoff Music, offering guitar lessons and gear.

  • Impact on Their Field

    Popoff's work with Lit helped define the post-grunge and pop-punk era of the late 1990s. The band's catchy hooks and energetic performances influenced a generation of rock musicians.
  • Lit's success paved the way for other Southern California rock bands to gain national recognition.
  • Dirty Martini Records demonstrated the viability of independent labels in a changing music industry.
  • His guitar style, blending punk energy with melodic riffs, became a hallmark of the band's sound.

  • Current Work/Relevance

    Popoff remains active in music and business. Lit continues to tour and release new music, including their 2020 album Tastes Like Gold.
  • Hosts the Dudes & a Dog podcast, discussing music, life, and pop culture.
  • Engages with fans through social media and online guitar tutorials.
  • Advocates for independent artists and the preservation of rock music's legacy.
  • Personal Story

    Who They Are

    Jeremy Popoff is an American musician and producer best known as the guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Lit. Born on November 20, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, Popoff grew up in a music-loving family and picked up the guitar at a young age. Alongside his brother, A. Jay Popoff (Lit’s lead vocalist), Jeremy helped shape the band’s signature sound, blending punk energy with catchy melodies.

    Why They Matter

    Jeremy Popoff’s contributions to the late ’90s and early 2000s rock scene solidified Lit as a household name. The band’s breakthrough album, A Place in the Sun, went platinum, thanks in large part to Jeremy’s sharp riffs and songwriting. Beyond performing, he’s also a respected producer, working with emerging artists and mentoring new talent. His dedication to music extends to advocacy, supporting musicians’ rights and mental health awareness in the industry.

    What They’re Known For

    Jeremy Popoff is most famous for his work with Lit, particularly their smash hit “My Own Worst Enemy,” which became an anthem of the era. The song’s infectious guitar hooks and relatable lyrics catapulted the band to international fame. Other notable tracks include “Miserable” and “Zip-Lock,” which further showcased Jeremy’s knack for crafting memorable rock tunes.
  • Co-founded Lit in the early ’90s with his brother A. Jay Popoff
  • Played a key role in writing and producing Lit’s biggest hits
  • Continues to tour and record music, keeping the band’s legacy alive
  • Expanded his career into producing and mentoring up-and-coming artists