By: Dan Cornelius
If you found yourself on Cleveland’s riverfront a few nights ago, you would’ve thought it was March 17th. Kilts, bagpipes and Irish punk pride took over Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica on June 1st. The riverfront saw Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys headlining their 2018 Summer U.S. Tour with the Irish-American rockers of Flogging Molly.
Opening the evening to a sold out crowd was Flogging Molly. Since their breakthrough in 1997 with their live album Alive Behind the Green Door, Flogging Molly has been dropping hit after hit with songs such as Salty Dog, What’s Left of the Flag, Drunken Lullabies, and many more. Their most recent album, Life is Good, is a testament to their musical prowess. During the show, singer and frontman Dave King led the band through an unforgettable set. The crowd roared and sang along to each song; as each melody started, everyone would stomp along to the beat. A sense of comradery with complete strangers overtook everyone. In that moment, arm-in-arm, we were all connected.
Everyone waited in anticipation as Dropkick Murphys’ crew set the stage. Ever since their inception in 1996 in Massachusetts, the band has consistently been hitting in the Top 200 of Billboard’s charts. Their mainstream breakthrough, Tessie, brought them into the public eye. Since then, they’ve put out massive albums; The Meanest of Times peaked at #6 on Billboard 200, Signed and Sealed in Blood hit #9, and their most recent album, 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory came in at #8. The success of their albums also translates to their live performances; these guys know how to put on a fucking show. From the moment the curtain dropped, they electrified the venue. Singers Ken Casey and Al Barr brought fantastic crowd interaction as they jumped onto boxes in the pit to connect with fans. Each band member brought something to the stage; their music was contagious. If they’re coming to a town near you, make sure you go.
