The band originally formed in Boston in 1998,[2][3] when western Massachusetts native Joe McMahon got together with Chris Brand, Bill Ironfield, and Nick Maggiore, who hailed from New Hampshire.

This was when Bill Ironfield left the band, and Ken Gurley joined on bass, with Joe McMahon taking over guitar.

Worker's Union caught the attention of reviewers, labels, and established bands interested in taking them out on tour, such as NOFX and Fat Wreck Chords.

[1] Jericho RVA changed their name again to Smoke or Fire in 2004, citing continued protests from Christian groups who complained about the religious "blasphemy" of the band adopting a bible-derived name.

[3] Due to the strength of the Worker's Union EP, Smoke or Fire were approached by the independent California punk rock label Fat Wreck Chords in late 2004.

"[7] He released his debut solo album, Another Life, on September 2, 2016, under Smartpunk in the United States and Gunner Records in Europe.