Flogging Molly - Whiskey on a Sunday

  by Aaron Brown

published: 19 / 7 / 2006

intro

Shot over a two year period, Flogging Molly's new DVD 'Whiskey on a Sunday'tells of the history of the American-born Celtic folk punls. Not afraid to explore the flaws of the band, Aaron Brown finds it makes fascinating and illuminating viewing

While the very idea of mixing punk rock with Irish roots music sounds like mixing chalk with cheese, reality TV with intelligence and politicians with honesty, Flogging Molly have succeeded in keeping fans of both genres very happy. Some people have just dismissed the band outright as a second-rate Pogues bar act, until they’ve seen them live of course. Love them or loathe them, you have to admit this band are one of the most energetic acts on the punk rock scene. It was with pleasure then that I was asked to review the first documentary from the band. Shot over a two year period, the film charts the history of the band, from their beginning in Molly Malone’s bar in downtown Hollywood to their recent ‘Within a Mile of Home Tour’. Each member of the seven-piece act talk candidly about their humble upbringings and what has spurred them on in life. Singer Dave King’s story especially recounts his early years in the inner-city slums of Dublin and how music was his escape from poverty. 'Whiskey on a Sunday' clearly succeeds were other rockumentaries have failed as it paints a picture of an act who clearly go against the stereotypes of punk rock and Celtic music. The band talk candidly about what drives them and what inspires them lyrically. The film is not afraid to explore the flaws of the band. Drummer George Schwindt seems to be a bit of a control freak, taking charge of the band’s money affairs and running their own publishing company while Dave King’s claims that on the night Flogging Molly can be the greatest rock and roll bands will be hotly disputed by all. Singers eh ! 'Whiskey on a Sunday' is fascinating insight to a fascinating band, Mine's a Guinness.

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