Flogging Molly the Irish-American Celtic Punk band got it's start in Los Angeles in 1997 by Dave King, a native Irishman from Dublin. He along with other members of the band frequently visited a local Hollywood watering hole called Molly Malone's which help spawn the name Flogging Molly. Today Flogging Molly says with pride and confidence that they are a Detroit band and with good reason. Bridget Regan, a native Detroiter is an accomplished fiddler,uillean pipes,and tin whistle player, who also lends her melodic voice to the band. Bridget attended the University of Detroit Mercy before heading out to L.A. to pursue a life in music. She found her calling when she met Dave. She married him, and together they formed Flogging Molly. But that's not the only reason Flogging Molly says they are a band from Detroit. Dave King has a message to send to those people that don't understand what Detroit has done for this country. "Detroit has given this country a hell of a lot, and it should be respected for that, Unfortunately, Detroit has been kind of a microcosm of shit hitting the fan and how fast that can resonate around the world. Things are catastrophic there, and as a songwriter, you can feel kind of useless. So what I do lyrically is try to help in some way."
Flogging Molly's new ~ soon to be released CD "Speed of Darkness" has many Detroit - inspired tracks including "Don't Shut'em Down" which was written in response to the graffiti sprayed on the side of a factory seen on southbound I-75 heading downtown. It states "Shut'em Down". That message became a catalyst for the new recordings and to help bring pride back to Detroit and it's people!
And bring it.. They did! On March 3 Flogging Molly filled the Filmore with a rambunctious crowd that was excited to hear the new music about their hometown. Dave King and his Merry Irish assembly of talent didn't disappoint. They started the set with the Title track "Speed of Darkness". Then as they segued into the second song a backdrop unfurled to cover the entire back wall with the Michigan Central Train Station. It's the vision most people outside of Detroit get to see when we get mention in the press. It's worn, tattered, dilapidated, and appears hopeless... yeah all the tags put on Detroit. But to Detroiter's it's a symbol of perserverance, strength , and a chance of renewal, a way to say "We're still standing". The Filmore crowd responded with a huge roar after seeing the massive structure ensconced upon the stage. The Irish tinged melodies continued throughout the night as the younger fans near the stage danced and jumped in unison! Floggy Molly inspired them with their music to stay strong and believe in Detroit! May the Luck of the Irish bestow itself on our beloved,battered.. but not yet beaten City!
And bring it.. They did! On March 3 Flogging Molly filled the Filmore with a rambunctious crowd that was excited to hear the new music about their hometown. Dave King and his Merry Irish assembly of talent didn't disappoint. They started the set with the Title track "Speed of Darkness". Then as they segued into the second song a backdrop unfurled to cover the entire back wall with the Michigan Central Train Station. It's the vision most people outside of Detroit get to see when we get mention in the press. It's worn, tattered, dilapidated, and appears hopeless... yeah all the tags put on Detroit. But to Detroiter's it's a symbol of perserverance, strength , and a chance of renewal, a way to say "We're still standing". The Filmore crowd responded with a huge roar after seeing the massive structure ensconced upon the stage. The Irish tinged melodies continued throughout the night as the younger fans near the stage danced and jumped in unison! Floggy Molly inspired them with their music to stay strong and believe in Detroit! May the Luck of the Irish bestow itself on our beloved,battered.. but not yet beaten City!