Beer in the face

When guitarist Dennis Casey made his move to Los Angeles from Rochester, N.Y., to pursue a music career some 20 years ago, the young, blue-collar, Dead Kennedys-loving punk probably had no idea how much of his life he was about to give away to a small club act named Flogging Molly. The band’s seamless blend of Old World Celtic and punk made them nearly a household name, but it’s their beer-soaked live sets that rally fans to come back for more. Now, four albums and innumerable shows, tours, festivals and video shoots later, the band still plays every night like they’re going to die the next morning, because they’re a family: seven ordinary people of all ages and scenes playing the music they love.

Back in his hometown, Casey was relaxing with his kids and when he spoke with SN&R about the band’s upcoming tour, Ireland and alcoholic beverages.

Kicking things off in Sacramento?

Yeah, we’ve played there a number of times. I can’t remember any of the clubs or anything, but the city is pretty cool. Last time we were there, we played at the Radisson Hotel, and afterward, someone said, “Let’s get in the car,” so we drove off, and I have no idea where we ended up, so that’s my last memory of Sacramento.

It’s been the same original seven members since the band formed 13 years ago. How do you guys keep it together?

I think it’s a testament to the love for the music we play and what we do, and that’s what keeps us together. We are seven very different people: Nobody comes from the same area, nobody is the same age, nobody’s related. … We’re just seven very diverse people who really shouldn’t be together, but we are, know what I mean? If we didn’t know each other and we all went out for the night, we wouldn’t even go to the same bar. (Laughs.)

But now, 13 years down the road, I see these guys more than I see my own family.

And now you guys are touring in support of your new album, Float. How’s this album different?

It was different because we did it in Ireland over the course of one year. We usually go to where Dave [King, lead singer-songwriter] lives to write the record, and Dave had moved back to Ireland. He found a house for us to rent, so we went over there, lived, rehearsed and wrote the album in the house. We decided to just record it in Ireland as well. Dave found a studio in the middle of Ireland, which was great.

The album cover is actually a pub that was connected to the studio. We were all secluded, just playing music. There’s no other pub or store around for many miles—you’d waste a lot of time going into town. So they bring everything to you.

Booze is an important part of a Flogging Molly show, too.

Well, we’ve done dry shows, but they’re not the same. (Laughs.) Yeah, I guess [booze] is big part of our show.

Last time I saw you guys, Dave King poured beer all over my face.

Oh wow. Yeah, that happens sometimes. (Laughs.)

I remember on our first East Coast tour, we were playing a lot of shows and really starting to draw crowds—and these were all free shows, no cover or anything—and I remember our manager arguing with club owners, saying, “You’ve got to carry Guinness!” and the club owners got all mad, because they didn’t want to be told how to run their business. And then they would break down after two or three shows and you see all the boxes of Guinness coming in, all the empty cases going out.

I mean, people like to have a few drinks a let loose a little bit. I know I do the same. I like to go out on a Friday after I’ve been working all week … or even during the week. That’s one thing I’ve actually always wanted to do, is go see Flogging Molly on a Friday night, but that’ll probably never happen.