Dropkick Murphys Headed To Grand Rapids

The Dropkick Murphys are bringing their own style of Celtic punk to the Grand Rapids on Feb. 19. Formed in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1996, the band had released five albums for the Hellcat Records label before making a name for themselves. In all, the band has recorded nine albums and has been touring constantly, while making it a point to appear in Boston for their traditional St. Patrick’s Day week shows. Their shows have been characterized as loud and energetic with a party atmosphere among their fans.

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Their first mainstream hit, "Tessie" has been one of their most popular and highest charting singles to date. In addition, their music can also be heard in the 2006 Academy Award-winning film, “The Departed”. Their song for that movie, “I’m Shipping Up to Boston”, from their album “The Warrior’s Code”, went on to be a Platinum-selling single and has remained their most well-known song.

Their earlier influences have been attributed to the noted punk bands; Greenland Whalefishers, Swingin' Utters, The Ramones, The Clash, and Sex Pistols. Their influences have also included Irish bands like the; The Pogues, Stiff Little Fingers and The Dubliners.

Initially, their first song “Barroom Hero” surprised them, when they noticed how much the tune sounded like old Irish music. Because of this, they came to the realization that the Irish music, which they had heard as children, had a huge influence on their style. Lead vocalist and bassist Ken Casey remarked, "Growing up in Boston, every time you went to a wedding or a wake or your grandparents' house, you heard that music. I went through a phase of hating it just because it's what my (folks) listened to.” Casey also remarked, "I think our goal is to be the AC/DC of Celtic punk rock. The worst thing we can do to the local fans who have stuck with us is to all of a sudden try to be “Fall Out Boy” with bagpipes.

The band had announced the release of their ninth album, “11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory”, on January 6, 2017. It was preceded by the singles “Blood”, “Paying My Way” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. As of today, the band is in the process of compiling the songs for their 10th album, which they soon hope to release.

On Twitter, the band has just informed us that their 17 & 18 April shows at Vicar Street in Dublin are currently sold out!

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