Dave King, his wife Bridget Regan, and the rest of Flogging Molly come together to form a band that is truly one of a kind. Formed in 1997, Flogging Molly has always been in a genre all their own. With the release of their highly anticipated album Speed of Darkness, the band was quoted as saying, “It was not the album we set out to write. It became the album we had to write.” The band, along with Pasadena and The Mighty Stef, joined the fans in Huntington, New York for a show at The Paramount for a Black Friday on November 28th no one would ever forget.
To open the show, Pasadena came to the stage. Named after their home town of Pasadena, Maryland, the band quickly grabbed the crowd’s attention with their brand of music. Pasadena formed in May of 2000 and began touring nationally for the last three years with over seven-hundred shows in that time frame. Best described as a Rock, Reggae and Ska band, Joe Harkum (Acoustic Guitar, Vocals), Aaron Hooper (Bass Guitar), Cory Streett (Drums), and Will Finley (Electric Guitar) describe themselves as “four guys who live in a van and jam.” While most fans were seeing Pasadena for the first time on Long Island, by the time they reached the catchy “Shut the Fuck Up,” the crowd had loudly joined in on the fun sing-along song. While the band broke down their instruments, Harkum treated everyone to an acoustic song to close the set. Check out their extensive discography on iTunes.
After a short break, Dublin Ireland’s The Mighty Stef hit the stage. Comprised of Stefan Murphy (Vocals, Guitars), Gary Lonergan (Bass, Keys), Brian Farrell (Drums), and Dan Fitzpatrick (Guitar, Keys), The Mighty Stef hit the stage running and never looked back. Quickly getting the crowd excited, the band opened with “Death Threats” before getting to other great tracks such as “Stella” and “Milk White Tears,” only stopping to take a quick photo with the now raucous crowd. The band likes to consider their music “hopeful songs about hopelessness and euphoria.” The band closed with a power track titled “Horse Tranquilizers” before thanking the fans for their support. Well worth checking out, The Mighty Stef is currently finishing up a new record to be released sometime in 2015.
It was time for the headlining act everyone had been waiting for to take over The Paramount. Gracing the venue for the second time in two years, Long Islanders are no strangers to this fun and entertaining band. With an energy level that could only be matched by the amazing crowd in attendance, Flogging Molly opened with “Screaming at the Wailing Wall” before blasting through many of their other hits, old and new. Dave King (Vocals, Guitar, Bodhran), Dennis Casey (Guitar, Vocals), Matthew Hensley (Accordion, Concertina, Piano, Vocals), Nathen Maxwell (Bass Guitar, Vocals), Bridget Regan (Violin, Tin Whistle, Classical Guitar, Uilleann Pipes, Vocals), Robert Schmidt (Mandolin, Mandola, Banjo, Vocals), and George Schwindt (Drums, Percussion) all owned the stage in a way that few people can while the fans danced in jubilation.
Opening most songs with a salute to the crowd or a quick anecdote, the band would play great songs such as “Saints and Sinners,” “Devil’s Dance Floor,” and “Of Lesser Gods;” each song building on the last. While the crowd was completely enthralled in the set dancing, jumping around, and even moshing at times, the morale was high and there was little fear for things getting out of control. Flogging Molly would close their set with “Salty Dog” and “What’s Left of the Flag,” taking a quick recess that had everyone screaming for more. Returning for an encore, the band would pump out “The Wrong Company” before playing the aptly timed “Black Friday Rule,” as well as “The Seven Deadly Sins” and “If I Ever Leave This World Alive.”
While some bands simply perform the music, Flogging Molly brings each song to life before their fans’ very eyes. In fact, seeing this band live in concert is better considered as an experience. They do not let up their energy and their keen sense of humor was just what people needed gearing up for the holiday season. With a loyal following, the night became one of camaraderie and celebration. While their 2014 touring may be completed, the band will be back in 2015 and there is no doubt Long Island would relish in the chance to see them return again very soon.
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