The Popes were originally assembled by Shane MacGowan (the Pogues) after he either quit (his version) or was booted (the band's version) from the Pogues. Although they began life as Shane's backing band, Shane's somewhat "erratic" behavior gave them the incentive and the room to branch out on their own a bit. They have released two studio cds, "Holloway Boulevard" and "Outlaw Heaven" both on Snapper records, and a live set coupled with the studio set, also on Snapper Records. With Shane back touring with the Pogues, it's unclear whether the Popes will continue on their own or go their separate ways.