Dropkick Murphys
Live, the Dropkick Murphys are a force of nature. The Irish-American band's atmospheric songs present themselves as a colorful mix of hardcore punk, Irish folk, punk rock and rock. On tour, the Dropkick Murphys bring the halls to a boil - good mood guaranteed!
The band was founded in 1996 in the US state of Massachusetts, to which one of their songs was later dedicated. Of the three founding members Mike McColgan (vocals), Rick Barton (guitar) and Ken Casey (vocals, bass), Casey is the only one left in the current line-up. Singer Mike McColgan left the band in 1998, since then Al Barr has been the front man and singer of Dropkick Murphys. James Lynch replaced Rick Barton on guitar from 1999.
Today, the Dropkick Murphys are a sextet that is often accompanied live by a bagpipe player and other musicians. Their sound is varied and dynamic. Almost swaying, he is reminiscent of a hardcore uptempo variant of folk songs from the Irish pub - in fact, almost all band members also have Irish roots. In addition to vocals, guitar, drums and bass, instruments such as mandolin, flute, accordion, bagpipes and banjo play a central role in the band's songs.
The first album in the Year 1998 is a unique blend of punk, rock and folk. Many Irish Americans live in Boston, the band's home on the east coast of the USA - and the traditions of their ancestors are alive here. This is reflected in the attitude towards life and also in the music of the Dropkick Murphys. The central meeting place is and remains the pub, where it can be both sociable and loud over a good beer or whiskey.
A group of friends who want to party and make music becomes over one of the most famous punk bands in the USA for years. Traditional folk songs are interpreted as fast punk versions or classic hits and hit the nerve of the audience. As wild and dangerous as the hustle and bustle on and in front of the stage may sometimes seem, dealing with each other is actually as harmless and familiar.
Musical work
The Dropkick Murphys have always stayed true to their style and every tour offers a welcome opportunity for fans to really celebrate the songs from the new long player. As passionate live artists, the band members live for playing in front of an audience - for this, the Dropkick Murphys are rewarded with regularly sold-out tickets for their concerts.
The following studio albums are already part of the band's portfolio :
- 1998: "Do Or Die"
- 1999: "The Gang's All Here"
- 2001: "Sing Loud, Sing Proud!"
- 2003: "Blackout"
- 2005: "The Warrior's Code"
- 2007: "The Meanest Of Times"
- 2011: "Going Out In Style"
- 2013: "Signed And Sealed In Blood"
- 2017: "11 Short Stories Of Pain & Glory"
- 2021: " Turn Up That Dial”
There are also several live albums that capture the Dropkick Murphy's unique vibe and live acoustics on tour. If the sound alone isn't enough for you, you can also experience the performances and feel of a Dropkick Murphy show with the help of the video albums, including 2010's "Live On Landsdowne". their live gigs.
One of the regular dates of the Dropkick Murphys is the annual performance in Boston on St. Patrick's Day, one of the most important Irish holidays. Irish folk songs about war and famine come full circle here again, effortlessly blended with moody, loud punk music.
The band's popularity is limited not only on stage: Various Dropkick Murphys songs are used in films, series or even video games. Her song "I'm Shipping Up To Boston" can be heard on the comic show "The Simpsons" and also in the film "Departed" by Martin Scorsese. With the "Guitar Hero" video and console game, fans can download a free track pack to play three of the band's songs - the ideal way to get in the mood for the next concert visit.
