The Bullet Music Reviews
gigs, albums and film reviews, live pictures and interviews
Live review: Flogging Molly - USA
It was a cold night, and my mom [the self proclaimed ‘oldest Flogging Molly fan’] and I were rushing through the streets of downtown Columbus; we were running late since Barry Manilow was playing in the venue across the street from the LC Pavilion, and all the good parking was gone by the time we arrived to the city. We reached the building just as the doors opened, and made it inside a few minutes later. Once inside, we scoped out the best place to settle down for the show, which wasn’t starting for another hour. We eventually settled on the back corner of the floor pit, and began to wait.
Support acts: Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
The first band to take the stage was Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, who are virtually unknown in this area. Their set-list was too long for my liking and the lead singer was heavily intoxicated, slurring through each song, and yet the rowdy crowd was still into them. After listening to their music sans the drunken masses, I discovered that Dusty Rhodes and the River Band really are a talented group, and I may have even found a new band to obsess over.
The second opener was The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, a blues rock band from Indiana. Having never heard of this band as well, my mother and I had no idea what we were in for as the three piece band took the stage, complete with their most unique instrument, the washboard. As the group started the play, I suddenly felt as if I had been transported to Mississippi, circa 1920, and was ready to square dance the night away, especially with songs titled Your Cousin’s On Cops, Mud, and Fried Potatoes [an ode to the lead singers mother’s fried potatoes]. I was worried that the mass of people surrounding me would feel the same, but I was wrong; everyone went crazy as the band started their second song, and no one calmed down until after their set had ended and the band had left the stage. Their show was different, entertaining, and is honestly something I’ll remember for a long time. If you ever get the chance to see Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band or Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, I say take it. Both bands aren’t something you hear every day, but you won’t regret subjecting yourself to the change of pace.
Flogging Molly
After two bands and over three hours of waiting, it was finally almost time for Flogging Molly to take the stage. The floor quickly began filling up, and the previously seemingly empty club suddenly felt as if there were a million people crammed into the tiny space. The lights went out and the screams started as the band assembled themselves on stage one by one, ending with lead singer Dave King. The energy was high as the first song began, with crowd surfers and moshers testing the security guard’s strength with every movement. The band quickly transitioned from one song to another, playing classics like Drunken lullabies, Selfish Man, and my personal favorite, The Seven Deadly Sins. A few songs from their upcoming album, Float, to be released on March 4th, were also played, though the only titles I caught were Lightening Storm and Float, and both were amazing and have made me even more excited for the release. The band took a small break about 90 minutes into the show, where the stage lights were dimmed and Dave played a few of the band’s slower songs, which I think everyone enjoyed. Finally, they all came back out on the stage and ended the concert with Rebels of the Sacred Heart.
Verdict: It was my third time seeing Flogging Molly live, but the first with them as a headliner [the first two times were at Warped Tour] and out of all the concerts I’ve been to over the years; this one was honestly the best. They sound amazing live, and all of the energy and excitement you feel at their show is almost impossible to convey through words. Furthermore, my mom, having decided that she really is their oldest fan, and has been to more concerts than she can even count, and also agrees that she’s never seen a better live band before. Ever. So, if you ever hear that they’re coming to your city, GO. You won’t be sorry.