Singing Drunken Lullabies
Good morning from North Carolina. I'm the first to wake (as usual) in our shared motel room, so I'm getting some work done early. The Flogging Molly tour is going swimmingly, we're making lots of new friends, the FM guys are great (and one hell of a live band), and we love the Architects boys as well. We're heading north up the coast right now, but thankfully the apocalyptic snow storms seem to be receding before us. Tonight we hit Myrtle Beach, and tomorrow we have another headliner in Richmond, VA. Good times.
I've just confirmed and announced a free instore show in New York City on March 2nd at 5pm sharp in Generation Records, before the show at the Hammerstein with Molly. Be there or be square.
A non-news-related musing, while I'm here (hey, this is a blog after all). Being on the Flogging Molly tour, we're in the midst of an Irish, or maybe Irish American, or even more broadly Celtic American, carnival of sorts. It's a lot of fun - the melodies, themes, and commitment to drinking that come with Irish culture and traditions are a hell of a blast, and I've been raising my Jameson at the merch stand every night shouting "And we'll never see the likes of you again!". But here's a thought for you. I'm English, and a small but vocal minority of people I speak to at the shows say things like: "I liked your set, even though you're English." Or: "Are you sure you're not Irish? Your music sounds Irish."
It's not a massive deal, but I'm not Irish, and, actually, my music sounds pretty English, I think. Case in point: the song "Sons Of Liberty" is based around a traditional English melody. Now, because of the culture of rebelliousness that brings Irish music and punk together so well, people are less inclined to know about English traditional music at these shows; which is fine, there's no reason they should know about it. But if you're unversed in the complexities of something, don't hold forth on it. And to address the first point, personally, I think that any kind of collectivist blanket labeling of individuals, by race, gender, class or whatever, is bullshit. Or to put it another way, I'm bored of lazy soft-liberal tolerance of some kinds of racism (anti-English), while the self-same people shout loud to condemn other kinds (anti-Irish). Even putting aside the fact that the war finished almost 90 years ago, and the fact that it has nothing to do with me personally, it's still a (mild) form of racism.
End rant. Like I say, I'm having a blast at these shows, Flogging Molly and their crowds are the best, and tonight I shall be an Englishman drinking Guinness.
I've just confirmed and announced a free instore show in New York City on March 2nd at 5pm sharp in Generation Records, before the show at the Hammerstein with Molly. Be there or be square.
A non-news-related musing, while I'm here (hey, this is a blog after all). Being on the Flogging Molly tour, we're in the midst of an Irish, or maybe Irish American, or even more broadly Celtic American, carnival of sorts. It's a lot of fun - the melodies, themes, and commitment to drinking that come with Irish culture and traditions are a hell of a blast, and I've been raising my Jameson at the merch stand every night shouting "And we'll never see the likes of you again!". But here's a thought for you. I'm English, and a small but vocal minority of people I speak to at the shows say things like: "I liked your set, even though you're English." Or: "Are you sure you're not Irish? Your music sounds Irish."
It's not a massive deal, but I'm not Irish, and, actually, my music sounds pretty English, I think. Case in point: the song "Sons Of Liberty" is based around a traditional English melody. Now, because of the culture of rebelliousness that brings Irish music and punk together so well, people are less inclined to know about English traditional music at these shows; which is fine, there's no reason they should know about it. But if you're unversed in the complexities of something, don't hold forth on it. And to address the first point, personally, I think that any kind of collectivist blanket labeling of individuals, by race, gender, class or whatever, is bullshit. Or to put it another way, I'm bored of lazy soft-liberal tolerance of some kinds of racism (anti-English), while the self-same people shout loud to condemn other kinds (anti-Irish). Even putting aside the fact that the war finished almost 90 years ago, and the fact that it has nothing to do with me personally, it's still a (mild) form of racism.
End rant. Like I say, I'm having a blast at these shows, Flogging Molly and their crowds are the best, and tonight I shall be an Englishman drinking Guinness.
posted by frank at 3:21 PM
35 Comments:
Greetings,
Irish people are generally racist and by that logic people whom associate themselves with the Irish choose racism.
As an Irish gal, I think your sound is uniquely English, Irish people try to take credit for more than we should...
I've also heard people here think it's ok to dislike and 'hate' British people because of the blah blah blah past and hate will clearly reverse it, another reason to complain!
Irish music is all complaining, beautiful melodic moaning...
Enjoy the Guinness and the tour!
Saw you in Tampa and Orlando. Music is great, but really love your lyrics. Can definitely relate to a lot of them. As Dave King always says on stage, you're a great songwriter.
Thanks for reminding me to not sit down, shut up and, most of all, not grow up.
sometimes your ignorance fucking dumbfounds me, Frank. the i.r.a were as much an ideology as a 'terrorist' organisation. to support the i.r.a is to support a republican army who simply wanted an end to british occupation, who wanted control of their own affairs. the british army, monarchy etc through various means over the centuries have inflicted far more deaths upon irish innocents than did the i.r.a. who are the real terrorists? the occupiers and the oppressors or those who dare to resist?
Read some fucking history (in particular, Eamonn Collins). the IRA were a murderous, terrorist organization. Call me fucking nuts, but I think killing innocents in the pursuit of chauvinist political ends (or any, for that matter) is bullshit. What do you want to do, bulldoze the protestants into the sea? fuck.
I can't believe that we're arguing about this when Olympic Curling is on TV. Priorities, everyone. Oh and Frank, as an American I'd just like to let you know that I hold you, your friends, and your familiy personally responsible for setting fire to the White House . . . in 1812. You're a dick ;).
Couldn't agree more. For some reason it seems that people seem to accept some kinds of prejudice e.g. insulting blanket statements about the English. You know the majority of people wouldn't accept comments of that nature to be directed at the people of other countries, so why is it acceptable towards our own!?
Hold on Ethel... The IRA were an ideology, based against the occupiers of their land? So where exactly is your issue with frank's al qaeda comparison? Some see ideologies fighting against oppressive regimes, others see terrorist cunts blowing the fuck out of innocent civilians to make their point. When senior members of AQ end up ruling in a decade or so in Afghanistan's new 'democracy' they'll have followed the same path as the IRA and had the same victory.
yeah i couldn't agree with you more, im Irish, I was in London yesterday, and when i was telling a few people i was going, they got INCREDIBLY racist, i told them i don't really appreciate them saying that, they said they have every right "800 years".. FUCK THAT, get over it, Irish and English people are a great group of lads..
as for the IRA, you cant talk about them over here, because mainly you don't know who you're talking to, as so many people are involved in it(sadly) if you say anything bad, you could really get yourself into a whole load of trouble, i said something once to a colleague and shit nearly got out of hand, cos he didn't like my opinion, and my opinion is like everyone elses "terrorists"
so yeah, a load of irish people are cunts, a load of english people are cunts, a load of french people are cunts, a load of germans are cunts.. yeah
my rant over
on a non-philosophical or racial note: I'M COMING TO THE INSTORE. FUCK YEAH.
end comment
love you, frank <3
regardless of the history you are mainly dealing with people who's entire political opinions are based on songs written 90 years ago they heard while drunk in a bar. Since we get so called "irish" bands more often than english and irish rebel songs are good for getting people excited and drunk, they are very very common. Here, like many american cities, bars make a good portion of their profits from St. Patrick's day. Suddenly everyone is an angry Irishmen and for some it doesn't go away. Even if you are in Cleveland, not Belfast.
Playing music that is so distinctly English should be something the gets them to explore music styles but I'm sorry to tell you they will continue to be confused. Especially when these self same "irish" bands combine the styles so often their audiences could never hope to tell the difference without a lot more research. And they're too lazy to do so.
So my husband and I will see you March 4th in Columbus, and I promise we'll love your set, even if we are stupid Americans.
Fuck all the cunts. Who can be bothered being racist! It's fucking tiring. Just enjoy good music for what it is. Can't wait to see you in Australia frank.
I loved your music last night in Charlotte, NC at the Fillmore. We bought your new CD last night. Loved "the road". You have new fans.
Ethel: Any 'terrorist' organisation has an ideological perspective which their existence relies on, as do most political parties. Commiting an act of terrorism is what distinguishes organiations like the IRA and al-Qaeda, what marks them as 'terrorist groups'. Events like the British opening fire on the crowd on Bloody Sunday sadden me, but some would claim that it was provoked by the IRA operation earlier that day which led to 14 deaths (not justification in my view, just one argument.) There is a huge difference between supporting the IRAs objectives and their methods. Many resisted British rule non-violently (and continue to do so diplomatically.) We cannot get wound up by events which happened years before we were born, or get carried away by old grudges, David your sarcasm is spot on. There, I'm done.
Just saw the show in Myrtle Beach last night and you all were brilliant!! Rock on......
Frank.....great show last night. My son and I had a blast. All three bands kicked ass. Love to see you headlining back in the South East USA soon.
All traces back to "My sky fairy is better than your sky fairy". What a fucking surprise! (Not to forget some guy named Henry, desperate for a little strange!) Still, the 'band together and fight' gene certainly played a major role in getting us far enough as a species to lament it's inevitable misfirings.... Every silver lining has a cloud right?
I am not even close to an expert on the situation in Ireland, but I draw the conclusion that both sides have reasonable arguments, and both sides act like cocks on occasion. I know this because it is true of any disagreement in history that has lasted longer than 30 seconds.
If both groups simply agreed not to tell their kids which group they were in, in 20 years it would all be over.... we can but dream...
Hope you are well Frank, catch you at a show when you return from the colonies! ;oP
You were excellent in Myrtle Beach last night!! Can't wait til you are in the area again!
Great show in Myrtle Beach last night, first time I've seen any of them live. As an old dude it is always nice to find new loves.
I spent months hitchiking through England and Ireland in the late 70's. Being just a dumb yank I was so ignorant of the depth of the situation over there. Every person I spent time with during those travels made me feel welcome in their homes and it I still carry the memories today. Hurry back Frank.
Straying aside from the Politics for a moment...I think this blog was false advertising, I was expecting to see a Flogging Molly cover :(
If both groups simply agreed not to tell their kids which group they were in, in 20 years it would all be over.... we can but dream...
Absolutely spot on Wes. I'v never heard it put better. Most of the hatred is there because they are told by their parents and grandparents to hate. Every ideological group will bear an element of racism whether they intend to or not.
if you were to seperate every body by their differences we'd soon be fighting each other based on hair colour, then eye colour, then whatever other differences you could find.
on a musical note
i've loved flogging molly for years and wish you would tour with them over here, that would be a dream show for me, but you now have the profile over here to headline your own shows so i doubt i'll ever get the chance
first things first, this is my first time on your blog, and damn am i glad i came and got to see youre playing the free instore show, im definately going to be there.
2) while i dont know too much about the details of the IRA history and wont comment on it, i would like to say that i agree COMPLETELY with your statement that "I think that any kind of collectivist blanket labeling of individuals, by race, gender, class or whatever, is bullshit". people seem to see it as unifying to use a blanket statement to identify themselves, but it just causes more violent divisions and erodes individuality. its one thing to know where you come from, but people need to draw the line at that, and not make race/gender/class/etc. the entirety of their identity.
cant wait to see your set next week
I enjoyed your set in both Charlotte and Myrtle Beach - Thanks for the excellent show on both nights - You made a few more new fans - Hope you get back to the states soon - Cheers !
I saw you last night in Norfolk, VA and must say that I was very moved by your songwriting. "Sons of Liberty" is a brilliant piece that certainly hit a nerve (in a positive way) for me as an American.
Sending you best wishes and plenty of forward momentum!
Roll on March 24th!!!!!
Ethel you're a prize penis. To support the IRA was, after the partition, to support a terrorist organisation trying to overturn the will of the protestant majority. As an Englishman I regret the way that Cromwell and others behaved in Ireland and it was right and proper Eire returned to self-determination. However, like it or not, most Protestant settlers were in Ulster and they were in the majority and wanted to stay British.
Having holidayed extensively in Eire, the only hostility I have encountered has been from American tourists who considered themselves more Irish than everyone in Kilkenny and kept talking loudly about "The Troubles". I've met enough Americans not to judge them by the standards of these fuckwits but clearly they are your spiritual brethren Ethel you ignorant knobhead.
The car bomb on the news today shows that there are still dickheads about who hark back to the time of ignorance, fear and terrorism. Thankfully they seem to be in a minority and I hope that they don't derail the peace process.
Ideology my arse.
Guiness? Ewww
Frank,
I love your music. I seen you the O2 at Shepard's Bush supporting the Gaslight Anthem and you were excellent.
I wanted to see you again but the Roundhouse wont sell me tickets because Im Irish.
Actually its sold out.
And as for Kris' comments on Irish people generally being Racist, on their music being moaning and on taking undue credit......
Wow.
That level of ignorance astounds me. I will bet my left nut that you are not Irish.
1) No girl in Ireland referes to herself as a 'Gal',
2) No girl in Ireland is called Kris, even if it is short for Christine, Kristine, Christopher, Christmas etc.
Please stop claiming you are Irish because one of your Grandparents are.
Thank you, come again.
To be fair Dave, if people didn't do that you wouldn't have half a football team.
Ireland's still religion dominated, which is why they talk bollocks more than most. I guess I might count as one of the "soft" liberals, but there's quite a lot of racism, and Irish on English isn't a very damaging one, so priorities come in.
Frank, my friend and I bought your last two cds at HOB in Orlando the first night, we loved you and we are old enough to be your Mum. Your lyrics are amazing. It is refreshing to have NEW music to love. I have already bought another of your cds off the net. I won't shut up, sit down or grow up! Love you from Florida!
Play a CD of English folk for the average American, and they will assume it's Irish. America has this odd little love affair with the Irish, and when portrayed in TV and film they're usually accompanied by Irish folk music, promoting the sense of whimsy we tend to associate with them.
An English person in American media is more likely to be portrayed as modern, educated, and sophisticated: not qualities most associated with folk music. As a result, most Americans have no idea of the similarities or differences between English and Irish folk.
huh... i read your blog, then the comments.. i guess i missed the point, as i thought you were complaining about americans saying things like "you were pretty good for an englishman." we're americans. don't pretend like you surprised! 90% of the crowd probably couldn't find london, belfast, or maybe even england or ireland on a map. but... politics aside, i gotta say, Frank, I fucking love your songs man. i'm 29.. i was a punk rocker, i sorta grew up, or grew out of it, or at the least felt let down in it all.. you're lyrics ring true in my heart, and my friends.. and we scream along drunkenly at the stereo here in chicago. thank you!!!
You are a fucking awesome ENGLISH band! Saw you in Myrtle Beach and went directly home and bought a bunch of your stuff on ITunes. Keep up the good work!
Is sad to hear so many so called irishmen/women slagging off their fellow countrymen. I very much doubt these people are from Ireland or even associated. I would have to say been a second generation Irishman brought up as an irishman in England I would have to say yes, on occasions we can over glamorise our history and make it a bit magical, (This is what americans will hear) Im sure though for the people that were dealing with the problems for 800 years would have been a lot different. Frank I have to say, yes 90 years is a long time but some families are still directly hit in regards to lost relatives etc. I would class the rape, beatings and murder which the english inflicted as Terrorism as well and it wasnt that long ago that this stopped. I do not believe in an eye for an eye and am tottally opposed to the so called new wave batch of IRA. When the IRA was first formed in 1913 it was formed to claim back not just land but also human rights and civil liberties which the British took away from most of Ireland. Now we are in 2010 and the british army are in Afganistan trying to remove al-quada so that the Afgham people are able to live freely and without persecution. How times change. Irish people are not racist and now all irish people get on with English people (except we like to see them lose at sport). Yes people should move on but you cannot forget your bad past because without that how do you build a better future.
I love music and the journey music can take you on. From listening to English songs at a rugby match" "God save the Queen", "Swing Low" to standing proud next to my father watching him sing in welsh "land of My Fathers" to having child hood memories in the west of Ireland singing Irish songs. I think Frank is a brilliant English folk singer and I am looking forward to seeing him in December in Brixton. If anyone is interested look up Damien Dempsey who is a modern Irish folk singer who also takes you on a musical journey.
@ Anonymous. I made a sick version of me singing God Save the Queen if anyone is interested. It's a cross betweem the rock Band Queen and a modern sports anthem...
Let me know ktvainfo1@gmail.com I'll send you a copy. :-)
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