Dropkick Murphys delivering an exhilarating performance during their St. Patrick's Day concert in Boston.
Boston kicked off St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a vibrant concert by the Dropkick Murphys at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. The concert featured an energetic lineup, including performances by The Kilograms and The Menzingers, culminating in a high-octane show that showcased both music and political commentary. Lead singer Ken Casey engaged the crowd, emphasizing community spirit as the band brought traditional punk rock vibes to a packed house, setting a festive tone for the holiday.
Boston got a delightful taste of St. Patrick’s Day this past weekend as the Dropkick Murphys kicked things off with a raucous concert at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway on March 14. This much-loved band, a quintessential part of the Boston music scene since they formed in Quincy in 1996, drew a packed crowd eager for good vibes and traditional Irish-inspired punk rock.
This energetic show was just the beginning, with two more nights lined up at the MGM on March 15 and 16, before culminating in a performance at Citizens House of Blues on St. Patrick’s Day itself. Talk about a jam-packed weekend for Boston lovers of live music!
Before the Murphys took the stage, the crowd was treated to lively performances from the opening act, The Kilograms. This band includes some familiar faces, like Michael McDermott, who has drummed for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Joe Gittleman, the bassist for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Their set was filled with catchy tunes intertwined with important messages, including a heartfelt appeal for the protection of trans youth. They even threw in a brief cover of Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” that got everyone buzzing.
Next up was punk rock band The Menzingers, who are known for their thought-provoking songs like “America (You’re Freaking Me Out)”. They dedicated a song specifically to Boston, heightening the audience’s excitement as they awaited the main attraction.
When the moment arrived for the Dropkick Murphys to take the stage, the atmosphere shifted to pure exhilaration. They kicked off their set with a stirring cover of The Fureys’ “The Lonesome Boatman” and balanced their set with a mix of original compositions, such as “The State of Massachusetts”, alongside classic traditional songs like “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya.” It was a delightful blend that kept everyone on their toes.
Lead singer Ken Casey engaged seamlessly with the audience, inspiring crowd participation throughout the evening. He made it a point to acknowledge the electric energy radiating from the floor, cheerfully encouraging audience members to join in by singing along and even crowd-surfing, adding an extra layer of chaos and fun to the mix.
True to their form, the band didn’t shy away from political commentary during their performance. They voiced their stance against the MAGA movement and directly addressed the figurehead of that movement, President Donald Trump. Their commitment to speaking their minds resonated well with the audience, showcasing the punk ethos they represent.
A poignant moment of reflection occurred during the song “Forever,” which highlighted the importance of appreciation for loved ones. However, the high-energy atmosphere quickly returned with fan-favorites like “Tessie,” a song closely associated with the Boston Red Sox, and “Rose Tattoo,” a tribute to Casey’s grandfather. The main set was capped off with a wild rendition of “Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced.”
As the night drew to a close, the Murphys delivered an encore that included the rousing anthem “The Boys are Back,” accompanied by visuals of Boston Bruins players in action, before finishing with their iconic hit “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.”
Throughout the concert, Casey emphasized the significance of community, celebration, and pure enjoyment. It was clear that this concert not only marked the beginning of St. Patrick’s Day festivities but also underscored the bonding atmosphere that the Dropkick Murphys bring wherever they perform.
This sold-out concert was a testament to the band’s lasting popularity in the Boston area, and an exhilarating glimpse into the traditional yet rebellious spirit of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, a perfect way to kick off the weekend.
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