What Happened to The Pizza Underground?
The Pizza Underground was an American comedy rock band formed in 2013, fronted by actor Macaulay Culkin. Known for parodying songs by The Velvet Underground with pizza-themed lyrics, the band gained viral attention and toured before officially disbanding in 2018. Its members have since moved on to other projects, with Culkin continuing his acting career with recent roles and potential new film projects as of 2026.
Quick Answer
The Pizza Underground, a comedy rock band led by Macaulay Culkin, formed in 2013, parodying The Velvet Underground with pizza-themed songs. After gaining viral fame and undertaking tours, including a controversial European leg, the band officially broke up in January 2018. As of August 2026, the band remains defunct, with its members, particularly Culkin, pursuing individual endeavors in acting and other creative fields, including recent roles in major productions and discussions for a new 'Home Alone' film.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Band Idea Conceived
The idea for The Pizza Underground began as a joke among friends, including Deenah Vollmer, who realized many words could be replaced with 'slice' or 'cheese.'
Live Demo Recorded
The group recorded a live demo at Macaulay Culkin's apartment, which would later be released.
Viral Pizza-Eating Video
A video of Macaulay Culkin eating a cheese pizza, parodying Andy Warhol, went viral, serving as promotion for the band's debut.
Debut Music Video Released
The Pizza Underground released its first music video, featuring parodies of Velvet Underground songs like 'All Pizza Parties' and 'Take a Bite of the Wild Slice.'
Debut Demo Cassette Release
The band's debut demo was released on cassette tapes, further solidifying their presence.
Booed Off Stage in Nottingham
During their European tour, the band was booed off stage and pelted with beer at the Dot to Dot Festival in Nottingham, UK, after performing only a few songs.
European Tour Cancellation
The Pizza Underground cancelled their remaining European tour dates, including a performance at Primavera Sound, citing a "cheesemergency."
North American Tour
The band embarked on an 18-show North American tour, dubbed 'Fresh to Your Door,' playing sold-out venues.
Live at Chop Suey Released
The live album 'Live at Chop Suey,' recorded in Seattle, Washington, was released.
Vinyl Release of 'The PU Demos'
Their demo recordings, 'The PU Demos,' were released on vinyl for Record Store Day.
Band Announces Breakup
Macaulay Culkin announced on Marc Maron's 'WTF' podcast that The Pizza Underground had officially broken up, ending their five-year run.
Macaulay Culkin's Acting Resurgence
Macaulay Culkin appeared in 'Fallout' Season 2 and voiced a character in Disney's 'Zootopia 2,' marking a significant return to acting.
Home Alone Reboot Discussions
Reports surfaced that Macaulay Culkin met with Disney to pitch a new 'Home Alone' reboot concept, where he would play a father locked out by his son.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Pizza Underground emerged from the New York City anti-folk scene in 2013, initially conceived as a joke by its members, including actor Macaulay Culkin (kazoo, percussion, vocals), Matt Colbourn (guitar, vocals), Phoebe Kreutz (glockenspiel, vocals), Deenah Vollmer (pizza box, vocals), and Austin Kilham (tambourine, vocals). The band's premise involved performing Velvet Underground songs with all lyrics re-written to be about pizza, a concept that quickly garnered viral attention, largely due to Culkin's celebrity.
The band's rise was swift, fueled by a viral video of Culkin eating a slice of pizza in December 2013 and the release of their debut music video in January 2014. They released a demo on cassette and later on vinyl, embarking on a North American tour in 2014. Their live performances often included giving out free pizzas to the audience, adding to their quirky appeal.
A significant turning point occurred during their European tour in May 2014 when they were booed off stage and pelted with beer by disgruntled audience members at the Dot to Dot Festival in Nottingham, UK. This incident, which Culkin addressed by asking, "Why are you throwing those? ... I'd rather drink them!", led to the cancellation of their remaining UK and Primavera Sound festival dates, citing a "cheesemergency."
Despite the mixed reception, The Pizza Underground continued to perform and release material, including the live album "Live at Chop Suey" in October 2014. However, the band's novelty eventually wore thin for its frontman. In January 2018, Macaulay Culkin announced during an interview on the 'WTF with Marc Maron' podcast that The Pizza Underground had officially broken up, stating he had grown "a little tired of it."
As of August 13, 2026, The Pizza Underground remains disbanded. Its members have moved on to other creative pursuits. Macaulay Culkin, the most prominent member, has experienced a career resurgence in acting. In 2025 and 2026, he appeared in the second season of the Prime Video series 'Fallout' and provided a voice for the animated sequel 'Zootopia 2.' He also starred in Netflix's 'Running Point' and has reportedly held discussions with Disney regarding a potential new 'Home Alone' reboot, where he might reprise his role as Kevin McCallister, but as a father. There are no indications of a reunion or new music from The Pizza Underground.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Pizza Underground made different choices?