The Irish-Rock band, Flogging Molly, recently charged into Chicago’s Riviera Theater to play a nearly sold out show. Having only heard the band on album before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but if you haven’t seen them live you won’t be disappointed.
|
| |
Flogging Molly
|
 Entertainment
Art
Riviera Theater
Chicago, Ill.
October 27, 2006
|
| |
|
|
A few years after moving to the States, Irish-born front man, Dave King, along with Michigan native, Bridget Regan began by playing traditional Irish music and drinking songs. Before long, they began to not only add more members, but also more personal touches to the revered songs normally heard only on St. Patty’s Day. As they grew and played regularly, the group found their niche. The name, Flogging Molly, even derives from their early days of playing weekly shows at a L.A. bar called Molly Malone’s.
Flogging Molly became synonymous with other acts like the Boston band, Dropkick Murphy’s and the already popular, Pogues from Ireland. People wanted to hear more of the Irish flavored punk that was being introduced and songs began popping up in commercials, television, movies, etc. Dave King and crew lent their music to projects like the television show, The Shield. Not to mention also appearing in the 2005 movie, Mr. And Mrs. Smith and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 video game.
Not only does their music take from influences such as Irish drinking songs, but also from pirate shanty music. Once sung to keep time on the ships, these work tunes have been known to inspire a fellow or two to drink and tell the tales of their adventures. Songs like “Salty Dog” and “Seven Deadly Sins” take on that similar feel.
Their music has spread out so much that not only are skateboarding teens enjoying it but also middle-aged blue collar workers. The crowd at the show definitely showed that. All different type of people sang along with the already known songs as well as some new ones. Dave, Bridget and the rest of the seven-piece band kicked up the energy in the room and didn’t let up until the show’s end. Crunchy chords and fast tempo took King’s rousing lyrics to an upper level of intensity. Taking breaths only to thank the crowd, the band would joke around with each other, with every once in a while letting us all in on it.
Even though the show was at the Riviera Theater, it felt like I was at a small pub and listening to the house band that everyone comes to see. The atmosphere was less like a concert and more about people hanging out and raising a few pints (well, plastic cups) of Guinness along with the band. So as I said, if you have only heard them on album make it a point to come out the next time they come through your town.
Powered by AkoComment 2.0!
