When you think Dublin Irish Festival you think Guiness, stew, claudaghs, and red heads. In 2007 you got all that and more. Headliner Flogging Molly brought their unique, alcohol fueled fury to a rain soaked crowd for two nights.

The crowd at a typical Flogging Molly show was present, with tatts, Mohawks, and soccer jerseys blazing. This audience was supplemented by everyone from toddlers to the elderly Dublin golfer. Regardless of their lifestyle, it seemed as though every Irish heart throbbed to the racing rhythms of Flogging Molly’s seemingly schizophrenic drummer George Scwindt. Lead singer Dave King was not his normal fiery self but still rallied the crowd despite the oppressing humidity. PJ Smith on accordion is so freakishly fantastic you can’t tear your eyes away from him. Beauty is brought to the group in the form of Bridget Regan on violin and vocals.

With a sound that intertwines the feel of old Irish pub song with the ferocity of Megadeath, Flogging Molly embodies the modern Irish sentiment. Anger, oppression, pride, humor, reminiscence, and hope fill Flogging Molly’s music with more emotion than one person can really stand. That’s why a Flogging Molly concert is best enjoyed with three pints of Guiness to dull the senses and fuel the dance.

Review by Linsey Griffth
Photos by David Heasley