Cigar (band)

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Cigar

| image =

| caption =

| image_size =

| alias =

| origin = Eugene, Oregon, U.S.

| instrument =

| genre = Punk rock, skate punk

| occupation =

| years_active = 1996–2004, 2013 (show reunion)–present

| label = Theologian Records

Fat Wreck Chords

| associated_acts = The Circus Tents

| current_members = Rami Krayem
Jon Sortland
Jonathan Hischke

| past_members = Jeff Jones
Jason Torbert

}}

Cigar is an American punk rock band from Eugene, Oregon, and, later, San Diego, California, United States. Cigar was formed in 1996, discovered by Fletcher Dragge of the band Pennywise and signed to Theologian Records in 1997. Its first album, Speed is Relative, was released in 1999 and produced by Fletcher Dragge.[{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p370866|pure_url=yes}} Cigar] at AllMusic[http://www.artistdirect.com/artist/bio/cigar/857388 Cigar] at ARTISTDirect{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/764876-Fletcher-Dragge|title=Fletcher Dragge|website=Discogs.com|access-date=September 8, 2020}} The band also appeared on several punk compilations and surf and skate videos (including Toy Machine's "Jump off a Building" during Chris Senn's part).{{Cite web|url=http://www.skateboardmusic.com/jumpoffabuilding.htm|title=Toy Machine Skateboards Jump off a Building |website=Skateboardmusic.com|access-date=September 8, 2020}}

History

In 1996, Jon Sortland (currently sponsored by Paiste{{Cite web|url=http://www.paiste.com/e/artists_default.php?menuid=2|title=Paiste: Artists|website=Paiste.com|access-date=September 8, 2020}} and C&C Drums{{Cite web|url=http://www.candccustomdrums.com/artist/jon-sortland/|title=JON SORTLAND |website=Candccustomdrums.co.uk|access-date=September 8, 2020}}), alias "Big Jon" (The Shins, Broken Bells,{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/08/25/343124367/kexp-presents-broken-bells|title=Broken Bells, 'Holding On For Life' (Live)|website=Npr.org|date=August 25, 2014|access-date=September 8, 2020|last1=Beckmann|first1=Jim}} Circus Tents) and Jason Torbert (Goddamn Electric Bill) met through the local classified advertisements. Following this, Jeff Jones (Circus Tents) joined the band as a guitarist. Badly needing a singer, Sortland, then working at a local movie theater, asked everyone who came in if they would like to be in a band and Rami Krayem was found. After recording the first demos, Jones left the band and Krayem took over on guitar.

Reunion

In 2013 and in 2016, Cigar reunited to headline a benefit show for Music 4 Cancer in Ste-Therese, Quebec, Canada.{{Cite web |url=http://www.fortheloveofpunk.com/video-cigar-playing-two-kevins-at-music-4-cancer-festival/ |title=Video: Cigar playing "Two Kevin's" at Music 4 Cancer festival - for the Love of Punk |access-date=September 24, 2014 |archive-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321195213/http://fortheloveofpunk.com/video-cigar-playing-two-kevins-at-music-4-cancer-festival/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.skatepunkers.net/2013/10/cigar-live-music-4-cancer-festival-2013.html|title=Cigar live @ Music 4 Cancer Festival 2013|website=Skatepunkers.net|access-date=September 8, 2020}} In 2014, Cigar headed back to Quebec to play Amnesia Rockfest alongside bands including Blink 182, Weezer, Alice in Chains, and more.{{Cite web|url=http://www.amnesiarockfest.com/bands2014/cigar/|title=CIGAR : AMNESIA ROCKFEST 2014|date=August 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814090355/http://www.amnesiarockfest.com/bands2014/cigar/|access-date=September 8, 2020|archive-date=August 14, 2014}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/cigar/2014/marina-de-montebello-montebello-qc-canada-63c04e7f.html|title=Cigar Setlist at Amnesia Rockfest 2014|website=Setlist.fm|access-date=September 8, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2014/03/12/news/alice-in-chains-primus-mastodon-cannibal-corpse-glassjaw-etc-set-for-2014-amnesia-rockfest/|title=Alice In Chains, Primus, Mastodon, Cannibal Corpse, Glassjaw, Etc. Set For 2014 'Amnesia Rockfest'|date=March 12, 2014|website=Theprp.com|access-date=September 8, 2020}}

Lineup change

In June 2019, after 23 years in Cigar, Jason Torbert announced on Cigar's Facebook page,{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/cigartheband/posts/10157966003364298|title=Cigar|website=Facebook.com|access-date=September 8, 2020}} that he left the band in January 2019 to "focus on my family and continue to make music when possible." Bassist Jonathan Hischke replaced Torbert shortly after. In 2022, Cigar released their debut Fat Wreck Chords release, The Visitor.{{Cite web|url=https://fatwreck.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-visitor|title=The Visitor|accessdate=23 July 2022}}