Flogging Molly Concert Review

They picked an interesting assortment of bands to play in one night. I arrived to see my fellow Irish about, including one that was wearing a kilt. I chose to sit in the balcony with the old people this time which turned out not to disappoint.

The opening band Dub Trio was SICK. No singer so no lyrics to anger me...all experimental guitar stuff. The crowd LOVED them. They rocked!


Next up was a ska band...I know...from experimental stuff to ska...we still had Celtic Rock to go. They were the Aggrolites from L.A. They were talented and sounded great. The keyboardist looked like one of the guys from the Latin Kings on Gangland. Good talented reggae/ska.

Flogging Molly started with a guy wearing an old English sea captain suit coming out on stage to the Ramones Blitzkrieg Bop...I'm still trying to figure that one out. The band came out and kicked off with 2 of my favorites right off the back- The Likes of You Again and Requiem for a Dying Song. They didn't let up most of the show. Their energy was fantastic! Dave King kept going and going. He is a true showman. The band was tight and the crowd was completely into the whole show. Some political rhetoric came out, but I stomached it. There is something about the atmosphere at shows like this. There is a unity and bond between everyone watching and the band. Its sad in a way because this is as close as the lost world gets to worship and fellowship. This was an Irish pride concert...from everyone wearing green to King talking about Irish culture (Catholics, the departed). It was unique and a blast. I would go again.

Concert Review: Rodrigo y Gabriella in Richmond VA

Wow.
I've been waiting to see these guys for about 2 years now. Rodrigo y Gabriella first came to my attention on Youtube. They were on the frontpage. I saw it looked like a Flamenco video so I checked it out. I was blown away with Tamacun. They had me hooked immediately.

The show was at the National Theater in Richmond. Very nice place! Honestly, it looked like a place for Broadway and opera, not rock and roll. When I got there, there had to be only about 50 people there. It was ridiculous. Eventually more people arrived. The opening act was a college kid with an acoustic guitar...a dangerous combo. He was painful.

The setup took forever between sets. They were having problem with the video that was supposed to be on the backdrop. After 35 minutes of waiting, they finally started the show. I was about 4 feet from stage. I normally stay in the back, but I figured I'd give this a try...no moshing.

They were awesome! The crowd was really into everything they played. Honestly, Youtube doesn't do any justice. From the thump of Gab's hand on the guitar, to the speed of her wrists and the skill of Rodrigo...none of it is fully captured. They are great showmen! They got everyone to sing along to Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here." They also goofed around with some old metal tunes (Holy Wars, Battery). They were tight. There albums are short versions of what they played tonight! They would go 6-10 minutes on one song. They closed with Tamacun and Diablo El Rojo. They played to the crowd and the crowd responded big time.

I definitely recommend these guys if you want to catch a show that will be fun. They aren't your typical rock music since they rarely talk, don't sing and they play more of a traditional Mexican style/metal. Pick up their album on Itunes!!!

Rodrigo y Gabriela Ticket Purchased

Last summer I had the opportunity to go see Rod y Gab in Baltimore. I didn't go because I was so tired after getting back from camp. It was weeks after, a friend who saw them live couldn't stop talking about how amazing the show was. I wanted to kick myself.

That being said, they're coming to Richmond VA on August 8...AND I'M PSYCHED! I bought my ticket and have asked to get off work. I am really looking forward to seeing them. I stumbled across the video of them live on Letterman. Enjoy! They are awesome!!!