Bio
Catch 22 is a ska-punk powerhouse hailing from New Jersey, originally formed in the fall of 1996 by vocalist/guitarist Tomas Kalnoky, trumpeter Kevin Gunther, and drummer Chris Greer. Rounding out the lineup with bassist Josh Ansley, trombonist Jamie Egan, and saxophonist Ryan Eldred, the band quickly made waves on the underground circuit. Their DIY demo Rules of the Game sold out its 2,000-copy run, fueled by relentless touring and high-energy shows.
In 1997, Catch 22 signed with Victory Records and released their landmark debut Keasbey Nights in 1998, which went on to become one of the label’s top-selling records. After Kalnoky stepped away from the band, Jeff Davidson took over vocal duties, Calpin moved over to guitar, and bassist Pat Kays joined the fold. The band released the EP Washed Up! in 1999, followed by their second full-length Alone in a Crowd in 2000.
Davidson’s departure in 2001 led to a transitional period marked by the compilation Washed Up and Through the Ringer, featuring rare cuts, live tracks, and new material. Vocals were taken up by Gunther and Eldred moving forward, a dynamic that carried into 2003’s Dinosaur Sounds. The band remained active on the road, capturing their onstage energy with Catch 22 Live in 2004 and appearing at major festivals like Warped Tour and Bamboozle in 2006.
That same year, they released Permanent Revolution, a concept album centered around the life of Leon Trotsky—showcasing the band’s willingness to push creative boundaries.
After a brief hiatus, Catch 22 returned to the stage in 2015 for Amnesia Rockfest in Quebec. In 2019, Jamie Egan returned to the band, and Mike Corvasce stepped in on bass. The legacy continued into the next generation when Jamie’s son, Connor, began performing as a touring member in 2024.
Now approaching their 30th anniversary in 2026, Catch 22 remains a rare breed: a band that’s kept the ska-punk flame burning for three decades—and counting.
