Thursday night was a night of celebration in Charleston, and not without cause. Halfway through their set at the Music Farm, Dublin born singer/songwriter and front man Dave King announced that they got wind of a peace talks in Ireland. King, with a Guinness in hand, ordered the crowd to put their “dancin’ shoes on” and celebrate the historic news.

“Loud, Fast and Traditional!” is how Dennis Casey, guitarist for Flogging Molly, described his band to me. The first two adjectives were to be expected for a band with a reputation for rowdy shows and a name like “Flogging Molly.” However, “traditional,” caught me off guard. As the night progressed, I began to see what Casey was talking about. Although they have the stage presence of typical world-class rock stars, their respect for their Irish roots and musicians before them was clear. Many of the instruments Flogging Molly uses can be traced back to traditional Irish music including the accordion, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, mandolin and banjo.

Homage to Ireland can be found in their lyrics as well. King uses music to express what life in Ireland was like growing up over the years. As a result, what the listener gets is nothing but sincere, passionate music that they can yell, scream and cry to.

Flogging Molly has been serenading its followers with explosive Irish hymns for over a decade now. When I asked ex-house painter, Dennis Casey, about their success he told me “We didn’t necessarily have a defining moment. Eleven years ago we all quit our jobs and went on our first full tour.” Casey told me that it wasn’t as glamorous as it seems. It involved a lot of sleeping on floors and scrounging for money. Now that they are accomplished musicians and respected throughout the world, Casey says that all that has changed are the amenities. “We still have the same lineup and we still keep it real.”

Flogging Molly is currently touring the States. For more information click here.

Written and Photographed by Elliot Ross