Flogging Molly and Skinny Lister - Revolution Live, Fort Lauderdale - Feb. 12

Ian Witlen

Whatever you think of the Grateful Dead, you have to respect the admiration they inspired with their music. People gave up on all other ambitions to follow them around the country.

Likewise, whatever preconceptions you might have about the California band Flogging Molly, seeing the dedication of their fans at last night's concert at Revolution Live would force you to listen to them with fresh ears. At their best, Flogging Molly's recorded music is soulful hardcore pub music. At its worst, they sound like a generic Warped Tour band with an Irish accent.

But I figured the army of fans dressed in green who waited in line to get into the concert a full hour before the first opening band took the stage couldn't all be wrong.

See also
- Photos: Flogging Molly and Skinny Lister at Revolution Live
- Flogging Molly's Frontman Dave King on Humor and Music
- British Band Skinny Lister Started with the Singing of "Sea Shanties"

Ian Witlen

First though, they were greeted by David Hause. Armed only with his guitar, his earnestness, and his Canadian tuxedo of jeans and a matching denim jacket. Hause was inspired by the protest music of Billy Bragg and Joe Strummer, but he was most reminiscent of Rick Springfield. On three different occasions, I thought he was going into a rendition of "Jessie's Girl" only to get fooled each time.

Next came Skinny Lister who were a terrible opener. Terrible because of their greatness, and thus an impossible act to follow. This five piece of guitar, upright bass, mandolin, and an accordion were centered by singer Lorna Thomas.

Ian Witlen

Thomas, wearing modern clothes, had the hair and energy of a 1920s flapper. She brought out a two gallon jug which she constantly swigged from (I assume the contents were alcoholic, though I have no proof of this except that she did pass the jug to members of the audience who drank from it like it was an adult beverage). The band brought a showmanship that was impossible to refuse. If you think you have seen it all, watching a man crowd surf with his six foot upright bass will rob you of any cynicism.