Flogging Molly: Green 17 Tour

Flogging Molly has recently finished recording their fifth album, The Speed of Darkness, which is set to be released on May 24. This is their first release that isn't from SideOneDummy, but of the band's own label, Borstal Beat. Bob Schmidt, the band's banjo and mandolin player, describes having their own label as "a dream come true" and that it "really enable[s] them to control every aspect of the process."

The first single off the album, "Don't Shut ‘Em Down" has a distinct Motown feel. "The song reflects the time the band spent in Detroit. Some hardcore fans are concerned about the lack of the Irish elements, but they don't need to worry, the rest of the album has plenty of the traditional Irish sound." On writing the new album, Schmidt said, "We're more open to trying new styles. With seven members, it's a dysfunctional democracy. The songs go through many changes and take a while to take shape, but they always end up as Flogging Molly."

The band just set off on their seventh annual Green 17 tour. "We've always enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day, and the fans have too. Eventually…a bunch people ask[ed] us to play St. Patrick's Day at their place, and it just made sense to do a tour bringing the St. Patrick's Day celebration to everyone."

Flogging Molly has built a reputation for raucous live shows that never disappoint. "We try to bring passion and honesty to the stage and I think the fans really respond to that." If you want to hear some of the new album before its release, be sure to catch a show when Flogging Molly stops in Atlantic City on Feb. 19, Philadelphia on Feb. 25 or New York City on March 2.