CONCERT REVIEW: Flogging Molly at The Catalyst

In Santa Cruz, California on March 19, 2019

Lead vocalist and guitarist Dave King and Flogging Molly live performing at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, California on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Photo credit: Kris Comer.

WORDS BY KRIS COMER / SHAUNA SULLIVAN AND PHOTOS BY KRIS COMER | Go Venue Magazine

Flogging Molly is one of my favorite bands to see live. Every show is like it’s Saint Patty’s day and you get drunk off the energy they bring to the stage. Their music makes you stomp your feet and clap your hands even if you don’t know the lyrics. You haven’t lived until you see at least one show and I have lost count. It is amazing to see such a large band be so in sync with each other. They flow together with experience and ease. I’ve never seen an accordion being rocked harder than by Matt Hensley. It’s absolutely impressive. It is almost like an extension of his body. Bridget Regan plays the fiddle and tin whistle with perfection. Her quiet strength permeates the stage and you know she keeps everyone in check. Dave King’s voice is unmistakable. His voice is the core of the Flogging Molly sound.

They played all my favorites like “Requiem for a Dying Song”, “Seven Deadly Sins”, “The Days We’ve Yet to Meet” and of course “Drunken Lullabies.” Their classic songs were like anthems to the crowd. It was as if it was a giant sing along. Check out their newest album from 2017 “Life is Good,” you definitely can’t go wrong!

Face to Face was a very high energy band! It was great to see that the Catalyst allowed crowd surfers, it made me feel like a kid back when I wasn’t too old to do that myself. I felt like i was in my early 20’s again with their sound, very punk rock. They reminded me of the bands that use to play Vans Warped tour in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. They amped everybody up for Flogging Molly. The only thing that could have been better for this show is the lighting. Blue and red lights are a photographer’s worst nightmare!

Matt Heckler was the best opener you could ask for with a Flogging Molly show! He played the fiddle like he knew it like the back of his hand. You can check him out on YouTube where he plays the banjo like a mad man.

Flogging Molly

Face to Face

Matt Heckler

All images © Kris Comer


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