Iconic Irish punks Dropkick Murphys hosted a St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza in Boston this past weekend and it was exactly the level of insanity you might expect.
Sunday was the last of a 4-night show inside MGM Music Hall at Fenway, where the atmosphere was electric. For perspective, Lansdowne Street by Fenway Park on a Sunday afternoon is generally interesting already in its own — Throwing St. Paddy’s Day into the mix takes this Irish city to a whole other level. (After all, it is Boston.)
Kicking off the night were Irish Hip-Hop openers, Kneecap. Their energy hyped up the crowd and set the tone for the second supporting act — west coast punks, Pennywise. No one brings the heat like this band. At any moment, it felt like the photo pit could turn into the mosh pit. My voice still hurts from singing “Bro Hymn” as they closed out.
With the stage lined from left to right with low lit candles, legendary musician Billy Bragg hit center stage while the infamous Irish-patriot anthem, “The Foggy Dew” played. He joined Dropkick Murphys onstage as the band fired up with their insanely catchy song “There’s Power in a Union.” Shortly thereafter, chaos ensued. From the moment they took the stage, the audience was swept up in a whirlwind of sonic Celtic mayhem, fueled by the infectious energy that has defined Dropkick for generations. Amidst a sea of green-clad fans young and old, the band’s iconic blend of bagpipes and blistering riffs ignited a frenzy.
Original bassist turned full-time vocalist Ken Casey immediately jumped on the barricade. With the crowd in his hands and microphone in their faces, everyone sang along to “State of Massachusetts,” creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration that epitomizes the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in Boston. Kids were on top of their parents’ shoulders singing their hearts out with unmatched excitement and thrill. The entire string of shows was a much-needed dose of unity for all. Dropkick Murphys’ performance was not just a concert, but a testament to the enduring power of community and tradition in the face of adversity. In the ever-changing world of music, Dropkick Murphys created an evening noteworthy of their infamous Irish rock legacy.
