Flogging Molly @ Metro Theatre Thursday 18 April 2019

Reviewed by Gemma Purves

For anyone remaining in Sydney for the Easter long weekend Flogging Molly’s sold out Bluesfest sideshow at the Metro was the ultimate way to kick it off – as well as engendering envy towards anyone who was going to be in Byron for the main event.

The band engaged the audience from the get go with the moshpit roiling as they kicked off their set with classic songs such as Drunken Lullabies. Proving the longevity of the band the audience ranged from kids younger than the band’s first album through to people old enough to be the parents of those on the dance floor.

The seven-piece outfit kept it tight on the Metro’s fairly cramped stage with a cleverly crafted set list that moved from having the audience jumping in unison to more slower numbers allowing the audience to catch their breath.

Interspersed with a great deal of banter from showman and lead singer Dave King the show occasionally flew close to schtick, saved by the brilliantly tight set – who knew a banjo could be so rock n roll? Despite the show being sold out there was none of the jockeying for position you can get at gigs – just an audience joyously going on a 2 hour journey with the band who had the audience singing along, not just to classic Flogging Molly songs such as Rebels of the Sacred Heart but also Aretha Franklin’s RESPECT, Queen’s We Will Rock You and Freedom.

A great start to Bluesfest weekend in Sydney!