Review and Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Lucky Man (https://www.luckymanonline.com/ )
Venue: Marquee Theater, Tempe, AZ (https://www.marqueetheatreaz.com/ )
Date: Wednesday September 6th, 2023
This was the first time I got to see Flogging Molly. I have been a fan of their music for the last 10 years since my daughter moved back to New England and she introduced me to their music. I had not heard of The Bronx or Vandoliers, but I listened to a little of their music prior to the show and it seemed that they could fit well with Flogging Molly even though their styles were different. All 3 bands were very high energy and loved to get the fans dancing, bouncing and singing alone with them.
The purpose of the lead up bands is to get the audience into the mood for the headliner. They are to rev up the audience and get them feeling good. Well tonight we had 2 different styles of bands prior to Flogging Molly and somehow, they had the right mix to get the crowd up and rowdy.
Flogging Molly
Flogging Molly is an American seven-piece Celtic (Irish) punk band formed in Los Angeles in 1995, led by Irish vocalist and acoustic guitarist Dave King. Dave is joined by his wife, violinist Bridget Regan, guitarist Dennis Casey, bassist Nathen Maxwell, Matt Hensley on accordion, Mike Alonso playing banjo and drummer Spencer Swain.
Flogging Molly is just one of those bands that is fun to watch and listen to. The audience was really into it and bouncing and dancing. They even continued the mosh pit throughout the performance. Some people think that this is one of the great Irish “drinking” bands. This means that listening to their music and drinking a Ginness beer is the thing to do. But, in reality they are just a very good band that has created some amazing and fun music. Having a beer while listening to them is just an added benefit.
Dave King would constantly move across the stage in front of the mics trying to rev up the crowd. The entire band were energetic and you could tell they were also having a good time.
One issue did occur during the performance, a number of people had a little too much to drink and with the bouncing, the heat and sweat, they became sick. Luckily, they got out of the main area before any issues occurred. Remember people, moderation is required in Arizona due to the heat.
Would I go see Flogging Molly again, Damn Right. I really enjoyed their music and loved how both the band and crowd got into the music. This energy was very infectious. So, if you get a chance to see them, I highly recommend it. They will be touring for the rest of September and you can check out their upcoming locations on their website.
Flogging Molly Social Media links:
Website: https://www.floggingmolly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floggingmolly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floggingmolly/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FloggingMollyBand
Flogging Molly
Photos by Fred Kuhlman 2023, All Rights Reserved
The Bronx
The Bronx is an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California, originally formed in 2002. The band’s current lineup consists of vocalist Matt Caughthran, guitarists Joby J. Ford and Ken Horne, bass guitarist Brad Magers, and drummer Joey Castillo.
At one point in the show, Matt jumped off the stage, climbed over the barrier and joined the crowd. As he sang, he got into the middle of the crowd and started to have them create a mosh pit around him. As security watch, the mosh pit circled around Matt as he continued to sing. Finally, Matt returned to the stage to complete the set.
The Bronx is exactly what I remember of the punk rock groups I saw in the early 80s, very high energy, bouncing around on the stage and in the crowd and bagging out the pulse driving music. If you like punk rock music, then I can recommend seeing The Bronx.
The Bronx Social Media links:
Website: https://thebronxxx.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebronx
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronxovision/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thebronxmusic
The Bronx
Photos by Fred Kuhlman 2023, All Rights Reserved
Vandoliers
Vandoliers is an American alternative country music group from Texas founded in 2015. In reality their music is more of a rowdy, rollicking country punk style version of Flogging Molly. Vandoliers are lead singer and acoustic guitarist Joshua “Hollywood” Fleming, bassist Mark Moncrieff, drummer Trey Alfaro, fiddler Travis “McFiddlesticks” Curry, electric guitarist Dustin Fleming, and multi-instrumentalist Cory “Round Up” Graves.
I normally don’t like country music, but the Vandoliers are more of a punk version of country. As the band bounced around the stage, Joshua would run all around on the stage including up in front of the mics trying to get the crowd into the mood. A lot of the audience was jumping with the band and dancing along with them.
If you like to have a good time and listen to some fun country music, then give the Vandoliers a chance. You might be surprised and really like them.
Vandoliers Social Media sites:
Website: https://vandoliers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vandoliers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vandoliers/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Vandoliers
Vandoliers
Photos by Fred Kuhlman 2023, All Rights Reserved
Flogging Molly Setlist (Album)
Drunken Lullabies (Drunken Lullabies)
(No More) Paddy’s Lament (Float)
The Likes of You Again (Swagger)
Swagger (Drunken Lullabies)
(Try) Keep the Man Down (Anthem)
Whistles the Wind (Within a Mile of Home)
The Hand of John L. Sullivan (Life Is Good)
A Song of Liberty (Anthem)
Tobacco Island (Within a Mile of Home)
The Croppy Boy ’98 (Anthem)
Float (Float)
Life Begins and Ends (but Never Fails) (Anthem)
Devil’s Dance Floor (Swagger)
Crushed (Hostile Nations) (Life Is Good)
Seven Deadly Sins (Within a Mile of Home)
These Times Have Got Me Drinking / Tripping Up the Stairs (Anthem)
If I Ever Leave This World Alive (Drunken Lullabies)
What’s Left of the Flag (Drunken Lullabies)
Encore:
Black Friday Rule (Swagger)
Salty Dog (Swagger)
The Bronx Setlist (Album)
White Shadow (The Bronx (II))
Shitty Future (The Bronx (II))
Heart Attack American (The Bronx (II))
False Alarm (The Bronx (I))
Under the Rabbit (The Bronx (IV))
Curb Feelers (The Bronx (VI))
Knifeman (The Bronx (III))
Six Days a Week (The Bronx (III))
History’s Stranglers (The Bronx (II))
Around the Horn (The Bronx (II))
