When The Waterboys’ “Whole of the Moon” played just before the lights dimmed, it set the perfect vibe. Although The Waterboys aren’t Irish, neither are Boston’s Dropkick Murphys—a band that initially didn’t realize how much Irish music had influenced them. Now, they’re popularly dubbed a Celtic punk rock band. Witnessing fans wearing Boston hockey uniforms and Scally caps, it all comes together.
You can’t be bored at a Dropkick Murphys concert. First, depending on how much the band wants to deviate from the recordings, songs might stretch out to four minutes. If you don’t like one, the next is right around the corner. Second, they’re not about to break into an arena rock power ballad just to please the ladies. That’s just not something a punk rock band does. Third, the lighting system never stops—it’s in constant motion, keeping the energy up. And finally, there’s Ken Casey. Sure, there are six other very active band members, but Casey is undeniably the heart of the show.
Casey, one of the band’s founding members, originally played bass and shared vocal duties. Now, whether temporarily or permanently, he has taken over lead vocals and shines as a frontman. He paces the stage relentlessly, moving left to right, weaving between his bandmates, and making sure no corner of the venue is left out. But what truly sets him apart is his connection with the audience.
If you want the best experience, arrive early and stake out a general admission spot as close to the front and center as possible. Sure, you might be asked to help a crowd surfer stay afloat, but it’s worth it. Casey thrives on crowd engagement—if you sing along and pump your fists on every chorus, he’ll notice. He’ll literally cross the pit chasm to sing to you, shove the microphone in your face, and give you a proper fist bump. In that moment, you’re the world to him. Don’t be scared. He has one of the cheeriest faces in rock music.
And if you’re further back, don’t worry. Casey constantly scans the floor, the high balconies, and the sides of the venue. Where he sees enthusiasm, he gives it right back. If he doesn’t see it, he calls for it. And if you happen to bring a kid to their first concert, he’ll love that—and might even find someone’s guitar pick to toss your way.
The band mixes up their setlist every night, but the fan favorites are always there. That said, even if it’s a work night, don’t leave early. “Rose Tattoo,” “The State of Massachusetts,” “The Irish Rover,” “Worker’s Song,” and “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” all showed up at the end—just after a fantastic cover of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll).”
As anything “punk” is expected to have an edge to it, it’s hard find much of that with Casey’s stage presence. Still, those paying attention at the beginning of the encore caught an understated intro to “Dig A Hole” by Woody Guthrie, “written about World War II and fascism.” If you’re on the fence about catching them on this tour or their recently announced summer tour, don’t hesitate. Where else are you going to hear bagpipes live?
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