DROPKICK MURPHYS/PENNYWISE – CROSS INSURANCE ARENA
The Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine, throbbed with the electrifying fusion of bagpipes and punk as Dropkick Murphys commandeered the stage. With their trademark blend of Celtic heritage and punk rock rebellion, the band unleashed a storm of energy, leaving the audience breathless and exhilarated.
For fans of Dropkick Murphys, their St. Patrick’s Day tour is an annual highlight not to be missed. As the doors of the venue swung open at 6 pm, it became apparent that the DKM family was out in full force to support their Boston Under-Dog heroes. Portland marked the final stop before the band’s series of hometown performances in Boston leading up to Saint Patrick’s Day. Despite the proximity of the next stops, the arena was already packed with fans eager to immerse themselves in the infectious blended spirit of the evening.
Kicking off the festivities was The Scratch, a Dublin-based band renowned for their fusion of traditional folk melodies with a contemporary punk-rock flair. With Conal McIntyre on vocals and guitar, Danny Radford on bass and vocals, and Aidan Storey on drums and vocals, each member brought their own unique style and influences to the group, setting the stage for an electrifying night of music and merriment.
The band kicked off their set with “Cheeky Bastard,” a high-octane anthem that embodies the rebellious spirit of punk rock while infusing it with the infectious energy of traditional Irish folk music. From the opening chords, it’s hard to sit still as the song grabs hold of your senses and refuses to let go, propelling you into a whirlwind of pulsating rhythms and electrifying melodies.
This happened throughout the night. The crowd was even treated to a fantastic cover of The Pogues’ classic “Sally Maclennane,” delivered with the band’s signature blend of raw energy and heartfelt passion. The addition of Campbell Webster on stage to play the pipes for “Cúnla” added an extra layer of authenticity and excitement to the performance, showcasing the band’s commitment to honoring their Irish roots and punk sound.
What sets this band apart is their ability to seamlessly mix the sounds of Irish folk music with the raw power of punk rock, creating a unique and exhilarating musical experience. With each song, they invite listeners on a journey that is equal parts exhilarating and nostalgic, reminding us of the rich tapestry of musical traditions that continue to inspire and influence artists today.
Pennywise took the stage next, swapping out folk for unadulterated punk rock rebellion. They served as the rallying cry for the misfits and outcasts in attendance, their lyrics resonating with a raw honesty and urgency that mirrored the frustrations and aspirations of an entire generation. With their unmistakable blend of aggression, energy, and social consciousness, Pennywise wasted no time in launching into a relentless barrage of anthems that spoke to the disenfranchised and disenchanted.
Lead vocalist Jim Lindberg commanded the stage with a fierce intensity, his gravelly voice cutting through the air like a call to arms. Alongside him, guitarist Fletcher Dragge, bassist Randy Bradbury, and drummer Byron McMackin laid down a ferocious sonic backdrop that set the crowd ablaze. As they plowed through songs like “Straight Ahead” and “My Own Way,” the pits began to open up, drawing fans into the frenzy of the music.
Pennywise didn’t just deliver music; they took fans on a journey through the roots of punk rock. Lindberg paused to reflect on bands that influenced them, hailing from their tiny town of Hermosa Beach, California, like Black Flag, the Circle Jerks, and The Descendants. Amidst the banter, Lindberg joked about playing something from those bands but acknowledged the crowd’s desire for tracks from The Ramones or The Beastie Boys. The latter won the crowd’s favor, leading Pennywise into a punk rock rendition of “Fight for Your Right,” igniting a new wave of energy and enthusiasm among the audience.
Once again, finishing the night off with bringing members of the other bands on stage to sing and play. The tone was set for what the crowd was about to experience for the next hour and a half. If you take The Scratch’s Folk/Punk sound and add Pennywise into the mix, you get exactly what the crowd had been waiting for all night: Dropkick Murphys.
As 9 pm arrived and the lights dimmed, the massive video board, once covered by a cloth, blasted the words “Dropkick Murphys” on it. Every time the smoke would stream by the words, the crowd cheered louder and louder until eventually, Ken Casey, running onto the stage with a huge smile on his face, was joined by his bandmates: Tim Brennan (guitars, tin whistle, accordion, piano, vocals), Jeff DaRosa (guitars, banjo, mandolin, vocals), Matt Kelly (drums, percussion, and vocals), James Lynch (guitars and vocals), and Kevin Rheault (bass). Together, they dove straight into “For Boston,” igniting the crowd with their electrifying performance.
As a Bostonian, I can attest that there’s something about the Dropkick Murphys that ignites our souls like nothing else. Perhaps it’s the deep connection to our local roots, or maybe it’s the profound passion they infuse into every song, which reverberates with the spirit of our city. More likely, it’s a potent combination of both.
The setlist was a powerhouse, packed with songs that straddled the line between Celtic/Irish history and punk rebellion. From anthems like “The Boys Are Back” and “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya” to crowd favorites like “Going Out in Style” and “Shipping Up to Boston,” each track was steeped in Bostonian history and lore. The lyrics resonate with tales of resilience, camaraderie, and the indomitable spirit of our city, weaving a tapestry of Boston pride that is impossible to resist.
This was particularly evident when they launched into songs like “Barroom Hero”, “Flannigan’s Ball”, and “Rose Tattoo”. The pits transformed from your standard mosh pit to something more profound – with arms around each other, fans sang along passionately as bodies collided, forming circles filled with people locking arms and belting out the lyrics to their favorite tunes. It was a seamless transition from the raw intensity of a punk rock concert to the intimate camaraderie of being surrounded by friends in an Irish bar, united in song and spirit.
The interwoven melodies of electric guitars, bass, and drums, combined with the gritty vocals, bagpipes, and accordions, create a rich tapestry of sound that sets Dropkick Murphys apart. Each layer adds a unique dimension to the band’s music, blending seamlessly to form their distinctive sound. But it’s not just their musical prowess that makes them stand out – it’s also their unwavering passion for their city and their fans
For anyone, especially a Boston native, experiencing Dropkick Murphys live is an essential rite of passage. Their performances are more than just concerts; they’re celebrations of Boston’s rich heritage and the unbreakable bond between the band and its fans. As the night drew to a close, the unmistakable strains of “Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced” filled the air, beckoning Ken Casey to venture into the crowd. It was a moment of pure magic, encapsulating the raw energy and camaraderie that defines a Dropkick Murphys show. In that moment, as voices rose in unison and arms wrapped around each other, it was clear that this wasn’t just a concert; it was a shared experience that would be cherished for a lifetime.
Long after the lights dimmed and the last notes faded away, the memories of this incredible night will continue to resonate, reminding us of the power of music to unite us all. As fans poured out of the venue, exchanging high-fives and sharing stories of their favorite moments, it was evident that tonight would be etched in our hearts as one of those magical evenings we’ll cherish for years to come.
Dropkick Murphys are gearing up for an exciting journey overseas this June, taking their electrifying performances to fans across the globe. But fear not, Bostonians, for the boys will be back just in time for the Punk In Drublic Fest, kicking off on August 31st as part of NOFX’s final tour. It’s bound to be an epic homecoming for Dropkick Murphys, and a fitting finale to NOFX’s legendary career. So mark your calendars and get ready to rock out with two of punk rock’s finest acts, right in the heart of Boston. It’s a show you won’t want to miss!
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