Live: Flogging Molly, Austin

Flogging Molly played at the new ACL Live venue in Austin.

Editor’s Note: Our Austin correspondent Lily Angelle attended a taping of “Austin City Limits” at the TV show’s new home, a 2,700-person-capacity venue called ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. Irish punk rockers Flogging Molly taped an episode for the venerable TV show’s 37th season on PBS, premiering this fall (exact airdates TBD).

“Austin City Limits” welcomed the energetic Celtic punk band Flogging Molly Tuesday night, who flew all the way from Belgium to perform for an episode of ACL’s 37th season, and to also give a show at Stubb’s the following night.

It was my first time to see the new ACL studio, and I was impressed with the new layout. While still maintaing the intimate setting, the new studio provides much more seating, and has bars on either side of the stage. The signature Austin skyline backdrop, slightly altered, glowed casually behind the stage; the UT tower and State Capitol buildings were nicely illuminated, and the new Frost Bank Tower takes its place now on the famous TV backdrop.

The new Austin skyline as seen on "Austin City Limits."

Flogging Molly shared a few songs off their latest album Speed of Darkness, while also appeasing the crowd with favorites such as “The Worst Day Since Yesterday,” and “If I Ever Leave This World Alive.” Their blend of traditional folk with punk caused much foot stomping, clapping and head bobbing. Frontman Dave King engaged the audience with stories of his father, daughter and life in Ireland and Detroit. Their set was on point and lasted a little over an hour, which proved to be a perfect and satisfying performance.

Last year “Austin City Limits” moved its production from the University of Texas to the new theater downtown. The night before Flogging Molly, Mumford and Sons appeared for a taping of the show and more appearances this summer will include Raphael Saadiq (June 9), Adele (June 13), Florence and the Machine (June 16), Black Joe Lewis and the Relatives (June 20) and Miranda Lambert (July 20).

Austin City Limits official website

Flogging Molly official website

Flogging Molly - catch 'em on tour this summer.