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As soon as Flogging Molly hit the stage with a rousing “Drunken Lullabies,” the crowd-surfing began. And why not? A Flogging Molly audience isn’t one to politely clap between songs. They want the full on hybrid of Irish music with a punk aggression that this band brings. It didn’t hurt that the openers, Vandoliers and The Bronx, had the crowd pumped. And, if there is a day of the week to let go the pressures of life, a Friday concert is perfect for a band like Flogging Molly.
Following with “(No More) Paddy’s Lament” and “The Likes of You Again,” singer/songwriter Dave King held the stage, working to the left and the right and exhorting the crowd while playing a mad acoustic guitar while guitarist Dennis Casey plays driving rhythm guitar for the punk edge. This works well when singing about defiance, rebellion, resistance and similar themes, which are included in their 2022 unsubtly titled Anthem.
A happy experience for Atlanta fans was that the band, even though near the end of their tour after 30 shows, sounded fresh and in great energy and spirit. And it should be. A Flogging Molly crowd is apparently one that wants to be led, in clapping that sustains, waving arms, etc. It was a very engaged crowd that responded to each of the evening’s bands without the coaxing often necessary. Hence King’s repeated observation, “Absolutely fucking beautiful!” Hopefully they regarded King’s frequent encouragement to “Hydrate!” as well. You know it’s going well when it’s a hot place.
But for all the tempo and aggression, the band is one to be heard as it is truly based on traditional music. Consider King’s wife, Bridget Regan, adding crucial melody on fiddle featuring traditional slides and rolls, Matt Hensley’s Irish tinged accordion and Spencer Swain’s banjo and mandolin. Traditional music can be lively, and Flogging Molly insists on that even in their slower somber or reflective songs. Turn down the amplifiers, and the appeal of hearing this band in a pub is huge, pretty well out of a movie scene, with Guinness and a host of repartee.
Highlights included “Seven Deadly Sins,” the many faces and poses of Dennis Casey and the general unity of the crowd to go all-in for the experience. A brief detour to the basement level merch area revealed that the crowd stomped a lot, which was unheard on the main floor. This was a great show, and those possibly turned off by “punk-” in descriptions of the band really ought to just attend a show. Their recorded work is fine, but their live act is the attraction.
Footnote: For those questioning the name of the band and possible insensitivities, despite having been around 25 years, the band played regularly on Monday’s at a bar called Molly Malone’s, and they felt they were flogging it to death. Maybe they’ll write a song about cancellation culture…
Additional photos follow of Flogging Molly, The Bronx and Vandoliers.
Setlist:
Encore:
