- Pro
FLATFOOT 56
Punk / Folk Rock / Rock
Since the year 2000, FLATFOOT 56 have steadily unleashed a rollicking barrage of Celtic punk and folk-tinged hardcore from the South Side of Chicago to an international audience with intense and positive party-like energy. The band's latest album, JUNGLE OF THE MIDWEST SEA, tightly packs the quartet's eclectic and driving musical charge into fourteen tracks that celebrate the pride of the working class and their Chicago roots.
The band’s sonic arsenal captures both the nostalgia of old-school punk and hardcore as well as inspiration taken from traditional Celtic folk. Within this musical fury, FLATFOOT 56 attacks dark and pressing subject matter—avarice, faithlessness and cowardice—that speaks volumes of the values and principles on which the band was founded.
Led by spirited front man Tobin Bawinkel (Vocals/Guitar) along with brothers Justin (Drums) and Kyle (Bass), and multi-instrumentalist Josh Robieson (Bagpipes/Mandolin/Bouzouki), the band is fueled by a sense of camaraderie that directly translates to their fans and live shows. "We really try to create a positive environment every time we play so people feel comfortable and can let loose. It's an experience that everyone is a part of," explains Tobin.
FLATFOOT 56’s live experience also features an improvised set list, an array of seamless instrument juggling (from guitar to mandolin and bagpipes and back around again), and an awe-inspiring crowd participation “wall of death†mosh pit while showcasing the band's grab bag of musical influences from Oi! and punk to folk and traditional Irish Celtic sounds.
With a relentless touring schedule, Flatfoot has logged over 1200+ shows on three continents including appearances in England, Scotland, Japan, Germany and The Netherlands and at major music festivals domestically and abroad like Cornerstone, Soul Fest, Milwaukee Summerfest, Sonshine Festival, Riot Fest, Flevofest (The Netherlands), and Xniozz Fest (Germany). The band has shared the stage with an array of punk legends and modern rock acts alike, including Dead Kennedys, The Misfits, Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, MxPx, The Briggs, Street Dogs and countless others.
By consistently delivering their distinct sound and fury worldwide, FLATFOOT 56 has amassed a loyal and ever-expanding following. Both the undeniable charm of the band’s eclectic musical power as well as their passion for upholding tradition and celebrating community with their fans has created what has become an international mob of Flatfoot followers.
Regardless of which end of the musical spectrum it is that listeners place FLATFOOT 56—whether impassioned or idiosyncratic—one thing is certain: The band will remain an unstoppable international force to be reckoned with.
Location: Chicago, IL
Members: Tobin, Justin, Kyle, and Josh
Joel
I love you guys! and now that I know your from Chicago
I love you even more! Keep rocking on!
posted Sep 10
CapnBen
amazing band...nothing better on a day like this...and
thats demon hunter in the backround, behind the
band...whataya know...you cant not smile while
listening to this
posted Aug 01
J Blanch
I SAW U GUYS IN CONCERT WHEN U CAME TO COLUMBUS, MS FOR
SHOUTFEST!!!
posted Jun 20
l3e11eJolie
Hey guys, its Hannah from He-Brews/my mom's house at
Fire Up. So how are all of you? This is the only
site that I can talk to anyone while I'm in school, so
I have to use this not myspace. :) Anyway, I'm
commenting cuz I have a video project due in Media
class and I'm using your music for it. But she told me
that I have to get your permission first. I figured you
would say yes, but I have to ask anyway :D I've
already made it and handed it in, but we wanna put it
on our school's site. So you should get back to me
sometime:) K. I hope your tours going good :D Stay
safe and happy. You're all really nice guys, thanks for
coming to He-brews and wherever else I've seen you
:D Hannah
posted Apr 17
Walter S. / Morhwal
oh btw how long av you been playing the pipes?
posted Apr 12
Walter S. / Morhwal
hey guys, i believe you guys are one of my fav bands
out there...celtic punk/rock is very hard to come by
being imersed in the celtic culture most of my life its
real cool to hear you guys...so many good memories.
well yeh, keep up the awesome music.
posted Apr 12
Love Through Music
ahoy, men. You music is amazing. I have to go out and
get one of 'em CDs (and a kilt).
posted Apr 09
JackTV
ello boyos! awsome show last night. me and the boys
can't thank you guys enough for letting us play with
you. we had the time of our lives. hope to see you guys
agian. take care, best of luck with everything.
posted Mar 02