Flatfoot 56

ByLets Go Punk
Chicago’s Flatfoot 56 blend Celtic tradition with punk grit

Flatfoot 56 is a Celtic punk band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 2000. Known for their raucous live shows and use of Highland bagpipes, they combine traditional folk melodies with street punk grit. Their sound sits alongside bands like Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly, but with a distinct Midwest identity rooted in working-class anthems and community-driven lyrics.

How The Band Got Started

Brothers Tobin, Justin, and Kyle Bawinkel formed Flatfoot 56 in 2000, later joined by Josh Robieson on bagpipes and mandolin, giving the group its signature Celtic edge. The band’s early years were spent touring the Midwest relentlessly, releasing a self-titled EP in 2001 followed by their debut full-length Rumble of 56 in 2002. A year later, Waves of War expanded their sound and following, powered by underground radio play and their relentless live energy.

Breakthrough and Knuckles Up

Flatfoot 56’s breakout moment came in 2004 with Knuckles Up, released independently and later reissued through Flicker Records. The album solidified their Celtic punk identity and became a fan favorite, helping them book national tours and major festival slots like Cornerstone. Their next release, Jungle of the Midwest Sea (2007), refined their songwriting while keeping their bagpipe-punk fury intact.

Black Thorn and Wider Recognition

In 2010, Flatfoot 56 released Black Thorn on Old Shoe Records. The record debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and cracked the Billboard 200 at No. 160, signaling their arrival on the national stage. Singles like “Courage” and “Born for This” showcased their mix of anthemic punk and Celtic flair. The video for “Courage” even earned a regional Emmy nomination, and Spin magazine later listed the album among its “7 Life-Changing Records.”

Toil and the Paper + Plastick Years

After catching the attention of Vinnie Fiorello from Less Than Jake, the band signed with Paper + Plastick Records. Their 2012 release Toil built on their blue-collar reputation, pairing roaring guitars with messages of hope, faith, and perseverance. Critics praised the album’s authenticity, noting how the band’s moral and political stance set them apart from typical punk tropes.

Recent Work and Odd Boat

In 2017, Flatfoot 56 crowdfunded and released Odd Boat on Sailor’s Grave Records, followed by The Vancouver Sessions EP in 2018. They continued to experiment with their sound while maintaining the heart and grit of their early work. In 2022, they collaborated with The Rumjacks for a split EP featuring the tracks “Mud” and “Sorry,” further cementing their place in modern Celtic punk.

In Popular Culture

Their music has appeared in television and sports entertainment, including multiple tracks featured on Sons of Anarchy and WWE entrance themes for wrestlers like Sheamus and Johnny Curtis.

Band Members

  • Tobin Bawinkel – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Kyle Bawinkel – bass, vocals
  • Dan Alfonsi – drums
  • Josh Robieson – bagpipes, mandolin

Discography

  • Rumble of 56 (2002)
  • Waves of War (2003)
  • Knuckles Up (2004)
  • Jungle of the Midwest Sea (2007)
  • Black Thorn (2010)
  • Toil (2012)
  • Odd Boat (2017)

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