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Flogging Molly Biography
Review The Artist (11)
Source: http://www.splendidezine.com/departments/liveline/flogging310.html
Dave King -- Vocals, Guitar
Bridget Regan -- Violin
Dennis Casey -- Electric Guitar
Matt Hensley -- Accordian
Nathen Maxwell -- Bass
Bob Schmidt -- Mandolin
George Schwindt -- Drums
"Hello, Partland!" Flogging Molly's Dave King howled in his Irish brogue. "We're packed up ‘ere like a tin of fuckin' sardines!" He wasn't kidding. Kell's, styled after an Irish pub, had a stage fit for a quartet at best, but was forced to cope with the foot-stomping rush of the Irish folk-punk whirlwind packed upon it anyway. At times, eight people crammed onto the tiny stage to spew forth a brilliant sound fueled by equal parts Guinness, bile and joy. Kicking off with the aptly titled "Swagger," King gave a four count that set off an explosion of energy. The band played with such ferocity that they twice had to apologize to the wedding reception upstairs (not that they turned down any, mind you). Their foot-stomping tunes eventually smoothed over any rough feelings, for the happy couple ended up in the front row, pints in hand and cheering on this crew of mad bastards.
King was a slave driver, urging his band mates to ever more furious heights as they tore threw most of their two CD's worth of material. The entire band blissed out while playing with their eyes closed and leaning into the beat. Bassist Nathen Maxwell rocked back and forth, head back and grinning all night, while Matt Hensley waltzed lovingly with his accordion. Bob Schmidt and Dennis Casey, on mandolin and guitar respectively, spent most of the evening crammed into their corner of the stage, stepping forward to scream choruses in the general direction of their microphone. I couldn't see drummer George Schwindt, but from the sound of things he was definitely living up to the band's name (A bit of explanation: the band honed its skills by playing constantly at Molly McGuire's in Los Angeles, hence it's somewhat ominous moniker). After all, how many folk bands need to stop mid-set to replace a snare drum? At the center of this storm stood King, who strummed his acoustic guitar and attacked his microphone with such vigor that he told the audience that he would most likely knock all of his teeth out by the end of the night. The highlight for me was Bridget Regan, who switched between fiddle and a penny whistle and provided variation that kept the songs from melding into one another. All of the band members were clearly skilled at their craft and their constant touring has made them into a gelled, jigging juggernaut.
Although the playing was loose, the band didn't deviate heavily from the recorded versions of their songs. One ecstatic exception was "Black Friday Rule," which included a guitar solo by Casey that was so ripping it bordered on heavy metal. The band's energy level was so high that even slower material like "Laura" kept the crowd's heads nodding. The standout number was the ferocious version of "Delilah" which featured an extended, almost Latin middle section. By the end, perfect strangers had their arms around each other's shoulders as they swayed back and forth while belting out the chorus. Since the crowd was a mix of yuppies out for a Friday night and punks there only for the band, watching King conduct this motley choir was something to behold. After the bellowing crowd convinced the band to play one final song, King and crew finished things up with "What Made Milwaukee Famous, Made a Loser Out of Me." As the song began, Casey complained that he didn't know how the song went, to which King replied, "Come on, man, it's C and E like everything else!" This exchange summed up the night perfectly: with songs this much fun, who gives a damn whether you know how to play them or not since passion and Guinness will make up the difference. Three days later, I am still humming bits to myself and smiling. And I'm not even Irish.
Thanks to Ron Davies for submitting the biography. |
Would you please submit the latest Flogging Molly biography to me? Thank You.
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Review about Flogging Molly
Awesome Band | Reviewer: Irish lad | 2/6/2008
I've been a huge fan of Flogging Molly ever since I first heard them some years ago. I recently went to their "Float" concert in Kansas City, and loved every bleedin' minute! They have a couple new songs out on their upcoming album March 04. Definitely my favorite band, and I can't wait to see them again! May they live to be 100 years, with one extra year to repent!
First time live | Reviewer: Irish Girl 'Til Death Take Me | 11/22/2007
I've been a big fan of Flogging Molly for a good four years (since my freshman year in high school). I'm going to their concert on Dec. 8th, and just reading this article start the adrenaline pumping. I can't wait!!!
Lucky to have stumbled upon them | Reviewer: old guy from philly | 10/10/2007
I was in a record/CD store in Rehoboth this past weekend browsing the used CD's, listening to this music that sounded like Irish Springsteen on speed. Asked who it was? Flogging Mollys. They weren't selling the CD that was playing but recommended another. I bought it. The CD with 7 deadly sins. Great stuff! Disappointed that I missed a show in Philly in September. Looking forward to seeing them live.
Flogging Molly | Reviewer: Mike | 6/27/2007
I first heard Flogging Molly's "Seven Dealy Sins" on the radio and after that, I was hooked. I'm still trying to find the cd "Swagger" and now I need "The Complete Seson." The things on my to but lisdt for Flogging Moly gets keeps growing...
Shows | Reviewer: Laurynn Dorsey | 5/15/2007
I've seen Flogging Molly 4 times. They are so amazing and I can't get enough of them live. I had the funnest St. Patrick's Day this year. And they are coming back next St. Patrick's Day which is a plus. They have been my favorite band for about 5 years. They have the best stage presence of any band I have ever seen. And I've been to a good 50 shows in my young life. All I can say is that their music never gets old and they will always be my favorite band. They are wayyy better than Dropkick Murphys, The Pouges, and even Great Big Sea. Flogging Molly has been my greatest influence as a young musician. I guess what I am trying to say is that they are the greatest and always will be.
-Laurynn Dorsey-
A wonderful band | Reviewer: Casey | 4/20/2007
Flogging Molly is a wonderful band. I had only heard one of their songs yesterday and I cant stop singing it.
A wonderful band | Reviewer: Casey | 4/20/2007
Flogging Molly is a wonderful band. I had only heard one of their songs yesterday and I cant stop singing it.
Live shows | Reviewer: sean | 1/8/2007
Ive seen my share and everytime they blow me away, drunk fools spillin their heart on stage with the energy of a cocaine addicted chimp. These guys and gal really put on a show, you all should check em out
Amazing <3 | Reviewer: Emily | 12/18/2005
I remember when i was a poser punk. My sister/brother was always listening to them. That was actually when i started hating Simple plan and stuff like that.
<3Emily
Foot tapping, Irish, punk good time! | Reviewer: Stacey | 7/18/2005
I had first heard about this band when I bought a warped tour cd.. Later, I heard some buddies of mine talking about how different this band was, so i decided to listen to them. It's something you dont hear everyday, and that's what makes them so unique. I absolutely love this band. Just listen once and you're hooked... They're Irish, yet punk all at the same time...
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Review the Artist Flogging Molly
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