 "Photo: Courtesy of Lindsay Hutchens")
What: Flogging Molly When: 8 p.m. Thursday Where: BMU Auditorium
Flogging Molly is more than a band - it's a musical punch in the face. Music filled with the kind of manic energy and breakneck melodies that barrel into a crowd, knock it down and help it back up is what this group is all about.
The band will play at 8 p.m. Thursday in Bell Memorial Union Auditorium. Tickets are $20 for students and $25 for general admission.
While some bands claim influences from their respective genres and musical idols, Flogging Molly calls on the rich history of traditional Irish music. Dave King, Flogging Molly's lead singer, grew up in Dublin, Ireland.
King recognizes the importance of his Irish heritage in Flogging Molly's sound, he said.
"If it didn't have mandolin, accordion, fiddle and whistle, it would be punk rock," King said on the band's Web site. "And if it didn't have guitar, bass and drums, it would be traditional Irish music."
While many fans focus on the band's Irish sound, Nathen Maxwell, the group's bass player, sees Flogging Molly's music in broader terms.
"I like to think of it as soul music," said Maxwell with a laugh.
After immigrating to America, King formed Flogging Molly in 1997. The band took its name from a Los Angeles bar it frequented called Molly Malone's. Incorporating traditional Celtic instruments with rock 'n' roll, the band crafted a new blend of Irish-tinged punk rock.
Known for touring relentlessly, Flogging Molly has traveled the globe to spread and support its music. Yet the band has always found time to play smaller venues in smaller cities such as Chico.
"Every time we're in Chico, it's a good time," said Maxwell. "You guys've got some good herb up there."
Maxwell also expressed interest in the city's ample bar scene.
"We partake everywhere we go, including Chico," Maxwell said. "The Bear is fun."
After the release of "Drunken Lullabies" in 2002 and "Within a Mile of Home" in 2004, Flogging Molly continued its hectic schedule of live shows with performances on Warped Tour and the band's annual Green 17 Tour. Flogging Molly's latest album, "Float," was released in March.
With commanding live shows, Flogging Molly's size comes in handy in keeping up the band's energy. The band is comprised of seven members: King, Maxwell, Dennis Casey on guitar, Matthew Hensley on accordion and piano, Bridget Regan on violin, Robert Schmidt on mandolin and George Schwindt on drums. Flogging Molly takes over the stage and captivates audiences with talent and enthusiasm.
Some days the band members love each other, some days they can't stand each other, Maxwell said.
"We're one big, dysfunctional family," he said.
Eric Wendt can be reached at ewendt@theorion.com
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