Dropkick Murphys

Dropkick Murphys
Darkterp · CC0 · source
Name	Dropkick Murphys
Caption	Dropkick Murphys performing at the House of Blues in Boston
Background	group_or_band
Genre	Celtic punk, Punk rock, Folk punk
Years active	1996–present
Label	Hellcat Records, Born & Bred Records
Associated acts	The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Flogging Molly, The Pogues

Dropkick Murphys is a Celtic punk band known for their energetic live performances and catchy songs, often featuring bagpipes and accordion. The band's music is heavily influenced by Irish music, The Clash, and The Pogues, and they have been compared to other bands like Flogging Molly and The Tossers. With their unique sound, they have gained a large following in the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, and have performed at various festivals, including the Warped Tour and Download Festival. They have also been associated with bands like Rancid and NOFX.

History

The band was formed in 1996 in Quincy, Massachusetts, by Mike McColgan and Ken Casey, and was originally signed to Hellcat Records, a subsidiary of Epitaph Records. They released their debut album, Do or Die, in 1998, which featured the song Barroom Hero, and was produced by Lars Frederiksen of Rancid. The band's early sound was influenced by The Clash and The Sex Pistols, and they quickly gained a following in the Boston punk scene, alongside bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Dicky Barrett. They have also been influenced by The Dubliners and The Chieftains, and have covered songs by The Pogues and The Waterboys.

Music Style

The band's music style is a unique blend of Celtic music, Punk rock, and Folk music, with a strong emphasis on catchy melodies and energetic live performances. They are known for their use of traditional Irish instruments, such as the bagpipes and accordion, and have been compared to other bands like Flogging Molly and The Tossers. Their music often features lyrics about Irish heritage, working-class life, and social justice, and they have been influenced by bands like The Pogues and The Clash. They have also been associated with the Celtic punk genre, alongside bands like The Real McKenzies and Flatfoot 56.

Discography

The band has released several albums, including The Gang's All Here (1999), Sing Loud, Sing Proud! (2001), and Blackout (2003), which featured the song Walk Away. They have also released The Warrior's Code (2005), The Meanest of Times (2007), and Going Out in Style (2011), which featured the song Hang 'Em High. Their most recent albums include Signed and Sealed in Blood (2013) and 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory (2017), which featured the song Paying My Way. They have been signed to Born & Bred Records, and have worked with producers like Ted Hutt and Nathan Chapman.

Band Members

The current members of the band are Ken Casey (lead vocals, bass), Matt Kelly (drums, vocals), James Lynch (guitar, vocals), Tim Brennan (guitar, accordion, vocals), and Jeff DaRosa (guitar, banjo, vocals). Former members include Mike McColgan (lead vocals), Rick Barton (guitar), and Marc Orrell (guitar). The band has also featured guest musicians, such as Bruce Springsteen and Fat Mike, on their albums. They have been associated with other bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Dicky Barrett.

Tours and Live Performances

The band is known for their energetic live performances, which often feature crowd surfing and stage diving. They have toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia, and have performed at various festivals, including the Warped Tour and Download Festival. They have also performed at Wembley Stadium and Fenway Park, and have been supported by bands like Rancid and The Bouncing Souls. They have been associated with the Vans Warped Tour and the Punk Rock Bowling festival, and have performed alongside bands like NOFX and Bad Religion. Category:American punk rock bands