The Dropkick Murphys

They come to us from Boston, are tattooed all over and are labeled as hard-core punks with Irish blood in their veins! Dropkick Murphys is one of the most inspired Irish punk bands of their generation, and they’re an international celebrity! We love their rock anthems clearly influenced by a touch of Irish folk music… It has to be said: the association of punk guitars with traditional Irish instruments is a pleasure to listen to!

Dropkick Murphys Quarry

Formation of the Group in 1996

The Dropkick Murphys group was founded in 1996 in Boston, one of the American cities where Irish influence is particularly present (Boston has long been the destination of Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine).

At the beginning, the band consisted only of Mike McColgan on vocals, Rick Barton on guitar, and Ken Casey on bass. But in 1997, the band welcomes Matt Kelly, a real tenor on drums. Together, the 4 men play punk songs, clearly influenced by bands such as The Clash, the Ramones, or traditional Irish music bands. It is this Irish influence that will give them a real sound identity…

From 1996 to 1998, the American 4 went on to make a name for themselves in the American-Irish punk scene. They soon embarked on a tour of the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. The success is phenomenal, and their energy electrifies the stage and a growing audience!

The Dropkick Murphys Line-Up is evolving

In 1998, the band released the album “Do or Die”, one of the greatest Dropkick Murphys opus. Unfortunately, Mike McColgan left the band just afterwards, and was replaced by Al Barr on vocals, and Rick Barton followed him closely, leaving the band at the end of 1998 to be finally replaced by guitarist and singer James Lynch.

But the Dropkick Murphys’ line-up doesn’t stop there and welcomes new musicians such as Marc Orrel (guitar, vocals and accordion), Ryan Foltz (mandolin), and Scruffy Wallace (bagpipes). From now on, the band has an outstanding line-up, capable of taking Irish punk music to the next level:

• Al Barr (vocals)
• Ken Casey (Lower)
• Matt Kelly (Baterrie)
• James Lynch (Guitar)
• Marc Orrell (Guitar, Accordion)
• Ryan Foltz (Mandolin)
• Scruffy Wallace (Bagpipes)

The Dropkicks become the biggest Irish punk band on the American scene..

In 1999, they released the album “Gan’s all here”, then “Single Collection” in 2000, and “Sing Loud, Sing Proud” in 2001. The concerts didn’t end there, and the Dropkick Murphys’ inspiration seemed to be boundless. In 2003, they recorded “Blackout”, a new album that was always more peachy.

From 2003 to 2008, not a year goes by without the band releasing a new album. The quality of their composition gains in maturity with each album, and the intervention of new instruments, such as the banjo for example, give their songs new breaths, always frankly inspired by Irish music.

Success was also achieved in Ireland itself, where the Dropkicks Murphys managed to seduce the Irish without too much difficulty, with muscular pieces, with many melodies borrowed from the Irish folk repertoire.

Dropkick Murphys’ discography

• Fire And Brimstone – 1997
• Tattoos & Scally Caps – 1997
• Do or Die – 1998
• Curse Of A Fallen Soul – 1998
• The Gang’s All Here – 1999
• The Early Years – 1999
• Mob Mentality – 2000
• Sing Loud, Sing Proud – 2001
• The Singles Collection – 2002
• Blackout – 2003
• Back to the Hub – 2003
• Singles Collection Vol. 2 – 2004
• The Warrior’s Code – 2005
• Whiskey In The Jar – 2006
• The Meanest of Times – 2007
• State of Massachusetts – 2008