Biography by MacKenzie Wilson
(All
Music Guide)
The Los Angeles-based post-grunge seven-piece Flogging Molly are an interesting
mix of traditional Irish music and spunky punk
rock. Former Fastway acoustic guitarist/frontman and Dublin native Dave
King formed the band with fiddle player Bridget Regan, guitarist Dennis
Casey, accordion player (and former pro skateboarder) Matt Hensley, bassist
Nathen Maxwell, drummer George Schwindt, and mandolinist Bob Schmidt.
Getting their start playing regularly at the L.A. bar Molly Malones, Flogging
Molly eventually took their music to the road; their explosive and passionate
live show was the heart of the band, after all, and the band toured relentlessly
around the world throughout their career. Their rowdy
folk-rock punk revival sound has been compared to the likes of other Irish
bands such as the Pogues and Black 47, but the raucous septet opted for
its own unique brashness that defied genre lines. Flogging Molly released
its debut, Swagger, in March 2000 on Side One Dummy and followed up two
years later with Drunken Lullabies. Crafting exuberant anthems to raise
up a full Guinness to, King often used personal touchstones — such
as his childhood in a war-torn Ireland, his father's premature death,
and an eight-year exile in the United States — for the band's compelling
lyrical content. Within a Mile of Home appeared in September 2004, and
the band continued to hit the road hard in support. The DVD documentary
Whiskey on a Sunday was issued in July 2006; it was a candid look at Flogging
Molly as both a band and seven individuals, and came with a ten-song CD
of acoustic and live tracks. In early 2007, as the group geared up for
a U.S. headlining run, Hensley amicably departed to spend more time with
his family.
Flogging Molly at The House of
Blues
By Noele Shannon (All
Access Magazine) March 23, 2006
Photo by Autumn Shimer
Within a Mile from Home, yet so far away, Dublin born
Dave King and his band mate’s hit the House of Blues stage Saturday
night to an eager and packed house. Flogging Molly consists of 7 incredible
artists fusing together traditional Irish sounds with an intense punk
rock feel.
As the third album just hit shelves, the band is on tour
in its support. Los Angeles loves Flogging Molly. From the moment they
hit the stage crowd participation was at an all time high. Dave told stories
about his mum, for example how she “had the heart of a lion and
the claws to match” and explained how many of the songs are written
as an expression of his love for her.
Songs included the Black Friday Rule, Salty Dog and Drunken
Lullabies to name a few. Notable crowd favorites included Why Delilah
and Devils Dance Floor. Amongst the bands 90+ min set they played a cover
of Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues and an amazing acapella number
called Grace of God Go I.
I happened to enjoy the bands love for Guinness AND humor
as after the first couple of songs, Dave told the crowd “If anyone
else throws a beer at the stage I’m gonna come down and punch you
in the face, cause as my father would say that’s alcohol abuse!”
What a riot. Good time’s had by all, a band that proves music is
more than just a livelihood; it’s a way a life.
Dave King: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Bodhran,
Spoons, Backing Vocals
Bridget Regan: Fiddle, Tin Whistle, Uilleann Pipes, Backing Vocals
Dennis Casey: Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals
Matt Hensley: Accordion, Concertina
Nathen Maxwell: Bass, Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals on "Queen Anne's
Revenge"
Robert Schmidt: Mandolin, Banjo, Bazouki, Mandola, Backing Vocals
George Schwindt: Drums, Percussion
www.floggingmolly.com
Whiskey
on a Sunday [CD/DVD]
2006
Including: The Wanderlust [DVD], The Wanderlust [Acoustic], Black Friday
Rule [DVD], and more...
Within
a Mile of Home
2004
Including: The Wanderlust, Factory Girls, The Seven Deadly Sins, and more...
Drunken
Lullabies
2002
Including: The Kilburn High Road, Drunken Lullabies, Cruel Mistress, and
more...
Swagger
2000
Including: Black Friday Rule, Grace of God Go I, Selfish Man, and more...
Alive
Behind the Green Door
1997
Including: Black Friday Rule, De (That's All Right) Lilah, Selfish Man,
and more...
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