Flogging Molly fairs ourshores

Wed 30th Jan, 2008 in Local News

What makes a band truly remarkable? Insightful lyrics? Memorable melodies? Blow-your-mind live performances? The truth is that it takes all of those things along with a boundless enthusiasm, an infectious energy and a supreme devotion to the fans.

Drawing on the hardships and joys of their own lives and a musical history ranging from old world Celtic to modern day punk rock, the seven members of Flogging Molly do just that, and they do it with a charm and an ease that makes them one of the most accessible bands performing today.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1997 by the Dublin-born Dave King, Flogging Molly got its start and its name from a local bar called Molly Malone’s. From playing night to night to a packed house at Molly Malone’s, the sound evolved organically. Traditional Celtic instruments like violin, mandolin and accordion blended seamlessly with grinding guitars and pounding drums. Without consciously attempting it, Flogging Molly merged the music of King’s childhood in Dublin with the music of his adulthood in L.A.

In 2000, their Side One Dummy Records debut Swagger obliterated initial expectations before the band went in to record their 2002 follow up Drunken Lullabies. 2004’s Within a Mile of Home once more showcased the band’s ability to play driving rock and roll on one track then slide effortlessly into lilting, pastoral harmonies on the next and contained a beautiful duet between King and Lucinda Williams* on ‘Factory Girls’.

To date, in the United States alone, Swagger has sold 270,000 copies, Drunken Lullabies is at 430,000 sold, Within A Mile of Home has scanned an impressive 317,000 and Whiskey on a Sunday, the band’s DVD, has sold 86,000 copies.

And the timing of the album could not be better, as we will have Flogging Molly here in early April on their third Australian tour, following hugely successful tours with new Epitaph signing Story Of The Year and then their own headline tour in April 2007.

Tickets go on sale 9am Tuesday February 5

Wednesday April 9 – Night Train, Adelaide (licensed; all ages)
Tickets available from Ticketek 132 849 and The Metro Box Office 02 9550 3666.

Thursday April 10 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
Friday April 11 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
Tickets available from Corner Hotel box office 03 9427 9198.

Saturday April 12 – The Forum, Sydney (18+)
Tickets available from Moshtix outlets.

Sunday April 13 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (18+)
Tickets available from Ticketek.com.au 132 849, Rockinghorse and Kill The Music.

Flogging Molly – proudly presented by KMW Productions