FLOGGING MOLLY – Oslo concert review
- Posted on 21-07-2024
There aren’t hat many musical events in Oslo in July, at least not that I know of or I’m interested in. So it was a bit surprising to see such a lovely arrangement for mid July, when the whole of Norway shuts down. But hey, those who attended surely had way more fun than hose who had struggled with the big IT issue of the already memorable 19th of July 2024.
Fortunately, the systems of the venue seemed to function ok. Few minutes after I arrived, the support act HAYEMINOL came on stage and I had absolutely no idea what to expect nor who they were. I work in IT so my day didn’t allow much time to check the support act. But wow, was I blown away by the Oslo quartet who probably goes as a punk act, but with so much more than just simple angry songs. There’s crazy rock riffs, cozy synth and key parts and cool rhythm additions on tambourine or maracas. So maybe a bit more modern punk, but regardless of what you call it, it was so entertaining and fun to watch. The vocalist/guitarist admitted he was super sick and was doing his best to go through the concert. I guess the young age helped him to do his best by jumping around, going crazy rolling backwards on the floor and then ending the concert with a song on drums, where the drummer took over his vocal role. Hats off to the young band and thumbs up to whoever picked them as support act. I think the band went with a local support for each of the shows which is an idea I fully support. I don’t know how financially difficult this is versus a usual combo of support act(s) who pay a price to be on tour, but it’s one good way of supporting the local up and coming bands.
For Flogging Molly….I am actually speechless. I mean, I saw them before and I know the amazing energy this band has on stage. But they chose to start the setlist with Drunken Lullabies so I think this must have clicked something as the audience was simply wild for the duration of the set. I was filled with such good energy from everywhere inside Sentrum Scene. Everyone was happy and smiling and Dave King even recognised some faces in the audience and made a small chit chat with them. That adds to the level of ‘personal’.
The band mixed old and new songs and I think they skillfully picked the order as nothing was ever boring for a single second. And it was all so well arranged, the sound, the light, the stage show – mind you, nothing too pre-programmed, but the simple joy those people have when playing together and doing small dance moves, or big leg raises or even jumps. It was really lovely to have many minutes dedicated to presenting everyone in the band and especially when the love and admiration for his wife was declared by Dave. It was quite touching.
Extra kudos to everyone as this was the first show of the tour and they managed to put it together in such a good manner. We were obviously lucky as everyone had their energy levels at max, but sometimes, the first show can have unexpected…stories. Yet, I ended up being in love with the band once more and I know I’m gonna spend the next days or even weeks listening to the uplifting Celtic punk offered by these American/Irish lovely fellows. Here’s some shots I captured during the two shows.