by Tamara Igleheart
— Photojournalist —
Saint Patrick’s Day was in full swing on Friday night, March 17th when Flogging Molly took over the Hollywood Palladium for a night of debauchery. A sea of green flooded the venue as fans made their way to the bars and the main floor to indulge in libations and high energy live music. Skinny Lister, Anti-Flag, and Flogging Molly dominated the stage and gave the crowd a night to remember!
Anti-Flag has been in the punk rock game for over thirty years, and are arguably one of the most recognizable names in the genre. They use their platform to advocate for left-wing politics, and their music is a love letter to equality as well as a middle finger to the establishment. Their newest album, entitled Lies They Tell Our Children, came out on January 6th, 2023 (we see what you did there, guys!), and like the rest of their discography, is a testament to the trying political times we are living through. Anti-Flag put on a hard hitting and powerful show at the Hollywood Palladium, and kept the crowd engaged and enthralled. Mid-set, the band took a small intermission to mention the names of a few of the many people of color that have lost their lives in recent years, including George Floyd. Their passion for what they do and for what is right shines through for the entire set. Justin Sane and Chris Barker (aka Chris Number 2) know how to keep the energy high and the fans singing along; they played a few of their well known original songs, as well as a medley of classic punk songs by other bands. Anti-Flag is a bucket list band everyone should see live at least once.
You would be hard pressed to think of a better band to see on Saint Patrick’s Day than Irish-American punk rockers Flogging Molly. The band is known for their Celtic punk songs that are perfect for drinking and singing along to, which is exactly what the crowd at the Hollywood Palladium did. The seven piece band played a song from their album Drunken Lullabies that they don’t play often anymore, “The Kilburn High Road” which was a rare treat. They also played plenty of other popular songs including “Swagger,” “If I Ever Leave This World Alive,” and “What’s Left of the Flag.” Fans were dancing and moving all night, and the energy in the room was palpable. Each member of the band gave a great performance, and put their all into the set. By the end of the show, there wasn’t a single face without a smile.
Though this particular tour has come to an end these are must-see bands for the next time they come to a city near you!
