DROPKICK MURPHYS/PENNYWISE – CROSS INSURANCE ARENA
By Kerri Nelson
The Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine, pulses with the electrifying fusion of bagpipes and punk as Dropkick Murphys he commanded the scene. With their trademark blend of Celtic heritage and punk rock rebellion, the band unleashed a flurry of energy, leaving the audience breathless and excited.
For his fans Dropkick Murphys, their St. Patrick's Day tour is an annual highlight not to be missed. As the doors of the venue opened at 6pm, it became apparent that the DKM The family was out in full force to support the Boston Under-Dog heroes. Portland marked the last stop before the band's St. Patrick's Day run of shows in the city of Boston. Despite the proximity of the next stops, the arena was already full of fans who wanted to immerse themselves in the infectious mixed spirit of the evening.
Kicking off the festivities were The Scratch, a Dublin-based band known for fusing traditional folk tunes with a modern punk-rock feel. Featuring 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 scene for an electrifying night of music and fun.
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, propelled into a whirlwind of throbbing rhythms and electrifying melodies.
This happened all 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 show, showing the band's commitment to honoring their Irish roots and punk sound.
What sets this band apart is their ability to seamlessly blend the sounds of Irish folk music with the raw power of punk rock, creating a unique and exciting musical experience. With each song, they invite listeners on a journey that is equal parts exciting and nostalgic, reminding us of the rich tapestry of musical traditions that continue to inspire and influence artists today.
Pennywise then took the stage, trading folk for unadulterated punk rock rebellion. They served as a rallying cry for the misfits and outcasts in attendance, their lyrics reverberating with a raw honesty and urgency that reflected the frustrations and aspirations of an entire generation. With his unmistakable blend of aggression, energy and social consciousness, Pennywise wasted no time in launching a relentless barrage of anthems that spoke to the disenfranchised and downtrodden.
Lead actor Jim Lindbergh commanded the stage with a fierce intensity, his thin voice piercing the air like a call to arms. Joining him, guitarist Fletcher Dragge, bassist Randy Bradbury and drummer Byron McMackin set a ferocious soundstage that set the crowd on fire. As they plowed through songs like 'Straight Ahead' and 'My Own Way', the pits began to open, drawing fans into a frenzy of music.
Pennywise didn't just provide music. took fans on a journey through the roots of punk rock. Lindbergh paused to think about the 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, Lindbergh joked that he was playing something from those bands, but acknowledged the audience's desire for tracks by the Ramones or the Beastie Boys. The latter won favor with the audience, leading Pennywise into a punk rock rendition of 'Fight for Your Right', sparking a new wave of energy and excitement in the audience.
Once again, finishing the night by bringing members of the other bands on stage to sing and play. The tone was set for what the crowd was to experience for the next hour and a half. If you take the Folk/Punk sound of The Scratch and add Pennywise to the mix, you have exactly what the crowd has been waiting for all night: Dropkick Murphys.
As 9 p.m. and the lights dimmed, the huge video board, once covered by a cloth, read “Dropkick Murphys” get him. Each time the smoke cleared from the words, the crowd cheered louder and louder until finally, Ken Casey, running on stage with a huge smile on his face, was joined by his band mates: 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 launched right into 'For Boston', electrifying the crowd with their electrifying performance.
As a Bostonian, I can attest that there is something to it Dropkick Murphys that ignites our soul like nothing else. Maybe it's the deep connection to our local roots, or maybe it's the deep passion they infuse into each song, which resonates with the spirit of our city. Most likely, it is a powerful combination of both.
The setlist was a dynamic one, filled with songs that straddle 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 history and the Boston tradition. The lyrics resonate with stories of resilience, camaraderie, and our city's indomitable spirit, weaving a tapestry of Boston pride that's impossible to resist.
This was particularly evident when songs such as “Barroom Hero”, “Flannigan's Ball” and “Rose Tattoo” were released. The pits turned from your typical mosh pit into something deeper – with arms around each other, fans sang passionately as bodies collided, forming circles filled with people locking arms and belting out the lyrics to their favorite songs . 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.
Interwoven melodies of electric guitars, bass and drums, combined with powerful vocals, bagpipes and accordions, create a rich tapestry of sound that captivates Dropkick Murphys apart. Each layer adds a unique dimension to the band's music, blending seamlessly to form their signature sound. But it's not just their musical prowess that sets them apart – it's also their unwavering passion for their city and their fans
For anyone, especially a Boston native, experienceng Dropkick Murphys Live is an essential ritual. Their shows are more than concerts. It's a celebration of Boston's rich heritage and the unbreakable bond between the band and their fans. As the night drew to a close, unmistakable renditions of “Kiss Me, I'm Shitfaced” filled the air, prompting Ken Casey to venture into the crowd. It was a moment of pure magic, encompassing the raw energy and camaraderie that defines a Dropkick Murphys projection. In that moment, as voices rose in unison and arms wrapped around each other, it was clear that this was more than just a concert. it was a shared experience that I will cherish for a lifetime.
Long after the lights have dimmed and the last notes have faded, the memories of this incredible evening will continue to reverberate, reminding us of the power of music to unite us all. As fans spilled out of the venue, exchanging high-fives and sharing stories of their favorite moments, it was clear that tonight will be etched in our hearts as one of those magical nights we'll cherish for years to come.
Dropkick Murphys are gearing up for an exciting overseas trip this June, bringing their sensational performances to fans around the world. But fear not, Bostonians, because the boys will be back just in time for Punk In Drublic Fest, which kicks off August 31st as part of NOFX's final tour. It's sure to be an epic homecoming Dropkick Murphys, and a fitting finale to NOFX's storied career. So mark your calendars and get ready to rock out to two of the best punk rock acts, right in the heart of Boston. It's a show you won't want to miss!
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