Dropkick Murphys

Dropkick Murphys are an American Celtic punk group from Quincy, Massachusetts, launched in 1996. The present lineup centers on co‑lead vocalist Ken Casey (the band’s lone constant since day one) alongside drummer Matt Kelly, guitarist James Lynch, multi‑instrumentalists Tim Brennan and Jeff DaRosa, and bassist Kevin Rheault. Co‑lead vocalist Al Barr has been on hiatus since 2022. From basement shows to sports anthems and arena sing‑alongs, the Murphys became synonymous with raucous, communal live sets and Boston pride.

The band’s first run on Hellcat Records yielded five releases and relentless touring across New England, the East Coast, and eventually the world. Their single “Tessie” (2004) re‑energized a century‑old Boston Red Sox chant and brought the band mainstream attention. “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” repurposing Woody Guthrie lyrics, appeared in The Departed (2006) and remains their lone platinum single. Since 2007 they’ve released music via their Born & Bred imprint (through ADA), added annual St. Patrick’s week blowouts in and around Boston, and continued to chart on Billboard with later albums.

Early years and first records (1996-1998)

The original quartet; singer Mike McColgan, bassist/voice Ken Casey, guitarist Rick Barton and drummer Jeff Erna (succeeded by Matt Kelly in 1997); took their name from Dr. John “Dropkick” Murphy’s alcohol‑detox clinic. After early EPs including Boys on the Docks (1997), Hellcat signed the band and issued the debut full‑length Do or Die (1998), produced by Lars Frederiksen of Rancid. McColgan exited mid‑1998; while he later joined the Boston Fire Department, the band noted in contemporaneous liner notes that his interest in the group had waned. He returned to punk in 2002 with Street Dogs.

Hellcat ascendance and wider reach (1998-2007)

Al Barr of The Bruisers auditioned and became co‑lead vocalist, debuting on the 1998 single “Curse of a Fallen Soul,” then on the second LP The Gang’s All Here (1999). As recording for the third LP began, Barton departed; the lineup expanded with guitarist James Lynch, teenage guitarist Marc Orrell, mandolin/tin‑whistle player Ryan Foltz, and dedicated piper Robbie “Spicy McHaggis” Mederios (replacing studio piper Joe Delaney). The result, Sing Loud, Sing Proud! (2001), blended street‑punk bite with overt Irish instrumentation and featured cameos from Shane MacGowan and Colin McFaull. A hometown St. Patrick’s weekend stand yielded the live album Live on St. Patrick’s Day from Boston, MA (2002).

Foltz moved on and Tim Brennan entered as a multi‑instrumentalist; McHaggis left in 2003, replaced by piper Scruffy Wallace. The fourth LP, Blackout (2003), folded in fan favorites (“Walk Away,” “Fields of Athenry,” and a new take on “The Dirty Glass” with Stephanie Dougherty) and a Bruins tribute, “Time to Go.” The band kept a high profile through Warped Tour dates and a 2004 re‑working of “Tessie,” featured in Fever Pitch and MLB video games, which became a Fenway staple.

The Warrior’s Code (2005) closed the Hellcat chapter, debuting at No. 49 and bundling “Sunshine Highway,” the title track (a salute to boxer Micky Ward), and a newly recorded “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.” The latter; built on Guthrie’s lyrics; exploded after its use in The Departed, soundtracking everything from championship parades to player walk‑ups.

Own imprint, bigger stages, and chart climb (2007-2013)

With Born & Bred Records, The Meanest of Times (2007) arrived at No. 20, propelled by “The State of Massachusetts.” After guitarist Marc Orrell’s 2008 departure, Brennan shifted to full‑time guitar and Jeff DaRosa joined. The band’s Boston presence grew; sellouts, annual March residencies, and collaborations such as appearances with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band in 2009.

Going Out in Style (2011) debuted at No. 6 with guest turns by Springsteen, Fat Mike, Chris Cheney, and Lenny Clarke and was followed by a Fenway Park bonus edition (2012). Signed and Sealed in Blood (2013) brought enduring staples: “Rose Tattoo,” “The Boys Are Back,” and the holiday‑season sing‑along “The Season’s Upon Us,” and set up the band’s biggest Boston St. Patrick’s shows to date at TD Garden.

Later albums, livestream era, and recent activity (2014-2025)

Notable moments included a 2014 USS Constitution performance; a fatal highway incident that same year forced a Tulsa cancellation; and Ken Casey’s launch of Murphys Boxing in 2015. Piper Josh “Scruffy” Wallace departed in 2015; Lee Forshner took over live piping until 2022. The band issued 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory (2017), then weathered Casey’s 2018 spinal injury (long‑time tech Kevin Rheault stepped in on bass live and later became the official bassist).

During the COVID‑19 shutdown, the Murphys pivoted to landmark livestreams; Streaming Up to Boston (March 2020) and Streaming Outta Fenway (May 2020 with remote appearances by Bruce Springsteen); raising significant funds for Boston‑area causes and securing multi‑year support from Pegasystems for hometown shows and streams. The band returned with Turn Up That Dial (2021) and a run of singles.

In 2022 Al Barr stepped away to care for his mother (Lewy body dementia). The group pressed on with Casey handling lead vocals and guests helping live. That fall brought the fully acoustic This Machine Still Kills Fascists (2022) and its companion Okemah Rising (2023), both drawing on unused Woody Guthrie lyrics and supported by an intimate theater tour and the short film This Machine Rising (2024). New singles followed, including “Sirens” (2024), plus road testing of fresh material in early 2025. The thirteenth album, For the People (July 4, 2025), arrived with appearances by Al Barr, Billy Bragg, The Scratch, and The Mary Wallopers; the band marked the release with a free two‑hour Quincy show reportedly drawing roughly 10,000 fans.

Sound, roots, and recurring influences

The Murphys’ template mixes Oi! and street‑punk grit with traditional Irish instrumentation (bagpipes, whistles, bouzouki, accordion) and pub‑chorus hooks. Early inspirations included the Ramones, the Clash, Sex Pistols, Swingin’ Utters, and Greenland Whalefishers, alongside the Pogues, Stiff Little Fingers, and the Dubliners. Casey has joked the band aims to be “the AC/DC of Celtic punk”; sticking to an identity while writing songs built for sweaty rooms, terraces, and arenas.

Organizing, politics, and public stands

Long aligned with organized labor and the AFL-CIO, the band has released union‑benefit merch, cut issue‑focused videos (“Tomorrow’s Industry,” 2008), and dedicated proceeds from “Take ’Em Down” (2011) to workers’ rights efforts. Over the years they’ve spoken out against fascism and extremist co‑optation of their music, endorsed candidates (including a 2020 virtual set for Joe Kennedy III), and advocated on Capitol Hill for radio performer royalties (2021). The group’s 2022-23 Woody Guthrie projects extended that tradition with “All You Tories,” supporting UK strike actions with the RMT. In 2024-25, new material like “Sirens” continued to address division and inequality; the band also appeared at mass protest and veterans‑support events.

Support for veterans and remembrance

Charity singles and appearances have honored fallen service members (notably Sgt. Andrew K. Farrar Jr. in 2005 and Maj. Michael Donahue in 2014) and raised funds for veterans’ causes, culminating in a nine‑song set at the “Unite for Veterans, Unite for America” rally (June 2025). Beyond military support, the band’s Claddagh Fund (founded 2009) has backed youth programs and addiction‑recovery efforts and mobilized quickly after crises such as the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the 2019 Worcester firefighter tragedy.

Personnel

Current core: Ken Casey (lead vocals; bass in studio through 2025), Matt Kelly (drums, bodhrán, vocals), James Lynch (guitar, vocals), Tim Brennan (guitar, accordion; also mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, keys), Jeff DaRosa (banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, guitar, keys, harmonica, whistle, vocals), Kevin Rheault (bass, vocals). Al Barr remains a current member on hiatus. Touring since 2022: Campbell Webster (bagpipes, whistle, violin).

Notable alumni: Jeff Erna (drums), Mike McColgan (lead vocals), Rick Barton (guitar), Robbie “Spicy McHaggis” Mederios (pipes), Ryan Foltz (mandolin/whistle), Marc Orrell (guitar/keys), Scruffy Wallace (pipes), Lee Forshner (pipes). Guest/touring contributors have included Joe Delaney, Kirsten de Boer, and Stephanie Dougherty.

Selected discography

• 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)
• This Machine Still Kills Fascists (2022)
• Okemah Rising (2023)
• For the People (2025)