Flatfoot 56

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, The Toasters, 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.