Dropkick Murphys
Location
Quincy, MA
Website
Bio
Dropkick Murphys are a celtic punk band formed in Quincy, Massachusetts, United States in 1996. First playing together in the basement of a friend’s barbershop, the band has made a name for itself for their relentless touring, as well as their annual St. Patrick’s Day weekend shows in Boston. The subjects of their songs often deal with the working class environment in which they grew up.
The band put out a series of EPs and were signed by Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong’s label Hellcat Records. In 1998, they released their first full length album, Do or Die. Lead singer Mike McColgan left the band later that year and was replaced by The Bruisers lead singer Al Barr. In 1999, they released their follow-up album, The Gang’s All Here. In 2001 they released their third album, Sing Loud, Sing Proud. The album showcased their developing sound, and included collaborations with The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan and Cock Sparrer’s Colin McFaull. It also marked a significant lineup change for the band. Original guitarist Rick Barton was replaced by former The Ducky Boys guitarist James Lynch and Marc Orrell, and additional instruments were added and played by new members Ryan Foltz and Spicy McHaggis.
Their next album, Blackout, was released in 2003. The new album included the radio hit “Walk Away,” as well as the songs “Fields of Athenry” & “The Dirty Glass”.
