The band Flogging Molly have confirmed in a statement that their Dublin-born frontman Dave King is "battling a very serious health condition".

They shared the news in a statement on social media, saying that they would be cancelling their scheduled shows for this year. They did not disclose specific details about King’s condition and have asked for "privacy at this time".

Flogging Molly had been set to start their US tour on February 24. This would have led up to their three- day ‘Shamrock Rebellion’ Patrick’s Day weekend celebration in Las Vegas, Tempe and Los Angeles, with dates in the U.S. scheduled across February and March, and shows throughout Europe and Canada planned across June, July, and August.

King performs in the group alongside his wife, violinist and singer Bridget Regan.

Flogging Molly wrote in the statement: “Our fearless leader, the inimitable Dave King, is currently battling a very serious health condition.

“Dave and Bridget ask everyone to respect their privacy at this time, we will share as we can. Any good thoughts or prayers you can send Dave’s way, he and we would appreciate it.”

The band continued: “Unfortunately Flogging Molly will be unable to perform shows in 2025.

“With the Salty Dog Cruise 12 days away, the boat will sail as planned with 18 bands, and members of Flogging Molly, on board to celebrate the cruise, the community and our captain, Dave King. Thank you, Flogging Molly.”

See the full statement below:

 

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King, who was born in Dublin, formed Flogging Molly in LA in 1994. He had previously performed as the main vocalist in the hard rock band Fastway with ex-Motörhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke and ex-UFO bassist Pete Way.

In an interview with Hot Press he explained the makings of the band: "I met Bridget in a pub in Los Angeles called Molly Malone's – and it all just kind of kicked off from there.

"Musically, I didn't really know where I was going," he reflects. "I was painting houses, and doing whatever I could do. Then Bridget told me that she played the fiddle. The next day, I went over to her apartment, and she started playing over the songs I already had. It all just fell together then, with the rest of the band.

"We put two microphones in Molly Malone's, one on the stage and one on the crowd, and we recorded a live album," he continues. "We were hoping that we'd be able to get enough money through that to make an actual studio album. And then, the next thing you know, we're up in Chicago with Steve Albini. It's just ridiculous."