What’s the best way to celebrate the eve of one of the most religious events of the year? Get pissed with strangers at Star Bar and go to a Dropkick Murphys Flogging Molly show. On the 18th of April, Good Friday Eve, Metro Theatre held host to one of the most influential Irish rock bands in history, and it sure delivered.
The legion of fans that love and support Flogging Molly were cult-like in their following and, in all honesty, it wasn’t a bad thing. It made Flogging Molly seem like you were watching the show with family, and the love and admiration for the band was clear from the moment we walked into the Metro.
Beans on Toast, coming all the way from the UK, and Black Heart Breakers got the crowd warmed up, with the former performing a charming and nostalgic acoustic set, and the latter showing off their unique style of punk rock. Both supports, while contrasting genres, set the perfect tone for a great night ahead.
From the moment the Celtic punk band dimmed the red lights and stepped on stage with their matching berets, cheers and beers were tossed around through the sold out venue. Spanning a whole career of drunken lullabies, including audience favourites ‘Drunken Lullabies’, ‘Swagger’, and ‘Devils Dance Floor’ the lighting and sound at the Metro couldn’t exaggerate the fun and excitement throughout the crowd quite enough. The American Irish lads, fronted by almost 60yo Dave King, didn’t leave any skin dry. It was also the first time in my life I’ve seen an accordion, a violin and a banjo on stage at the same time. Personally, the banjo being so exaggerated on stage during ‘Drunken Lullabies’ and every living soul singing along made me feel like I was in a small Irish pub with all of my mates. And I wouldn’t have wanted that moment and last night to have felt any other way.
Even after more than 20 years Flogging Molly plays every concert as if it were their first and last, and last night broke every expectation of what a punk show can deliver.
Review – Robert Tannous
Photos – Rebecca Houlden (from 17/04/19 at 170 Russell)
