Flogging Molly Delivers the Goods

The crowds were huge at Austin City Limits – bigger than at any festival we've been to this summer. At one point, on Saturday, the rainiest, most uncomfortable day of the fest, thousands crowded the main stage under torrential downpours to watch a powerful, passionate, high-energy show by the Irish-American punk band Flogging Molly. The rain didn't seem to bother the band, and if it didn't bother the band, you know it didn't bother their fans, who stood heel to toe and waved flags, arms and whiskey bottles (in spirit, anyway) high in the air.

Flogging Molly has a huge following stateside, but they're virtually unknown on the emerald isle. This could be because of their American roots (they were formed in LA and got their start playing Molly Malones, a real-deal Irish pub in the heart of LA). Whatever it is, us yanks have been showing the band love for over ten years now – through 4 studio albums, two live albums, Alive Behind the Green Door and Whiskey on a Sunday, and a'plenty of tours.

Which is what they're doing right now, as a matter of fact. Flogging Molly is currently on sold-out Canadian tour. So catch them, if you can. The live show is worth whatever muddy, rainy, crowd-stomping pain you have to suffer.