Dropkick Murphys

Dropkick Murphys
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Name	Dropkick Murphys
Caption	Dropkick Murphys performing in 2014.
Origin	Quincy, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genre	Celtic punk, punk rock, hardcore punk
Years active	1996–present
Label	Hellcat Records, Born & Bred Records
Website	dropkickmurphys.com
Current members	Al Barr, Ken Casey, Tim Brennan, Jeff DaRosa, James Lynch, Kevin Rheault, Lee Forshner
Past members	Mike McColgan, Rick Barton, Spicy McHaggis, Ryan Foltz, Marc Orrell, Scruffy Wallace, Matt Kelly

Dropkick Murphys are an American Celtic punk band formed in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1996. The band is known for its loud, energetic live performances and lyrics that often celebrate working class life, Boston heritage, and themes of loyalty and perseverance. They gained mainstream recognition following the inclusion of their song "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" in the Martin Scorsese film The Departed and have remained a prominent force in the punk rock scene for over two decades.

History

The band was founded in 1996 by bassist Ken Casey, guitarist Rick Barton, and drummer Matt Kelly; their original lead singer was Mike McColgan, a former Boston Fire Department firefighter. They quickly became a staple of the local Boston music scene, releasing their debut album, Do or Die, on Hellcat Records in 1998. Following McColgan's departure to form the band Street Dogs, Al Barr, formerly of The Bruisers, joined as the new co-lead vocalist alongside Casey. The band's breakthrough came with their 2001 album Sing Loud, Sing Proud!, which featured increased use of traditional Irish folk instruments. Their commercial peak was achieved with the 2005 album The Warrior's Code, which contained their signature hit "I'm Shipping Up to Boston", featuring lyrics from an unpublished Woody Guthrie poem. The band has continued to record and tour extensively, performing at major festivals like the Vans Warped Tour and organizing their own annual hometown concerts around Saint Patrick's Day.

Musical style and influences

Dropkick Murphys' sound is a fusion of traditional Irish folk music with the aggression of American hardcore punk, a style often categorized as Celtic punk. Their instrumentation typically includes standard punk rock elements like distorted electric guitar and driving drums, augmented by traditional instruments such as the bagpipes, tin whistle, accordion, and banjo. Lyrically, they draw heavily from their Boston roots, with songs about working class struggles, local history, family, and solidarity. Primary musical influences include early punk rock acts like The Clash and Stiff Little Fingers, as well as iconic Irish folk groups such as The Dubliners and The Pogues. Their anthemic, chant-along choruses and raucous energy have also drawn comparisons to fellow Celtic punk pioneers Flogging Molly.

Band members

The band's current lineup features co-lead vocalists Al Barr and Ken Casey (who also plays bass), lead guitarist Tim Brennan (who also plays accordion and tin whistle), multi-instrumentalist Jeff DaRosa (banjo, mandolin, bouzouki), guitarist James Lynch, drummer Kevin Rheault, and piper Lee Forshner. Notable former members include founding vocalist Mike McColgan, original guitarist Rick Barton, longtime piper Scruffy Wallace, and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Marc Orrell. Drummer Matt Kelly, a founding member, was a constant presence until his departure in 2022. The band has maintained a stable core for much of its history while incorporating a rotating cast of musicians to handle its expansive folk instrumentation.

Discography

The band's studio album catalog includes Do or Die (1998), The Gang's All Here (1999), Sing Loud, Sing Proud! (2001), Blackout (2003), The Warrior's Code (2005), The Meanest of Times (2007), Going Out in Style (2011), Signed and Sealed in Blood (2013), 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory (2017), Turn Up That Dial (2021), and This Machine Still Kills Fascists (2022). The latter album consists entirely of lyrics by Woody Guthrie. They have also released numerous EPs, live albums such as Live on St. Patrick's Day from Boston, MA, and compilation albums including The Singles Collection, Vol. 1 & 2 and Boxing.

Cultural impact and legacy

Dropkick Murphys are widely credited with popularizing Celtic punk music in the United States and beyond, inspiring a wave of similar bands. Their music is intrinsically linked to Boston culture and is frequently used at sporting events for teams like the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots. The band is also known for its philanthropic work, notably through the Claddagh Fund, a charity they established to support organizations aiding veterans, children, and individuals battling addiction. Their annual Saint Patrick's Day concerts in Boston have become a major cultural event. By blending punk rock ethos with folk music traditions, they have created a durable and uniquely American sound that resonates with a broad, multi-generational audience.

Category:American punk rock groups Category:Musical groups from Boston Category:Celtic punk musical groups