Originally Published 2 months ago — by Rolling Stone
Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys is actively speaking out against political issues, criticizing Donald Trump and supporting artists like Bad Bunny, emphasizing the importance of activism and standing up against tyranny and injustice.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by Rolling Stone
On D-Day's anniversary, the band Dropkick Murphys performed at a rally on the National Mall to protest proposed cuts to veterans' benefits and criticize President Trump, framing the event as a fight against fascism and political extremism, with veterans and activists emphasizing the importance of defending democracy and opposing totalitarian ideologies.
The Newton Teachers Association's strike in Newton continues, with negotiations ongoing and pressure mounting, including fines and calls for an end to the strike. Despite facing fines, the union received support from the band Dropkick Murphys, who performed a rendition of "Worker's Song" in solidarity with the striking teachers, expressing love and support for their cause.
Boston Calling 2023 kicked off with Yeah Yeah Yeahs cancelling their set due to illness, with Dropkick Murphys replacing them. The lineup included Razor Braids, Celisse, The National, and Foo Fighters, who played with new drummer Josh Freese and brought out Taylor Hawkins' son and Dave Grohl's daughter for some songs.
The Dropkick Murphys will replace the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in the opening night lineup of the Boston Calling music festival due to the latter's vocalist and pianist Karen O being sick. The festival will feature headliners such as the Foo Fighters, The Lumineers, and Paramore, as well as other acts including Alanis Morrissette and numerous New England performers.
The Dropkick Murphys will not be performing at the New York State Fair this year, but will be playing a concert at Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial in Syracuse on September 30th. The Interrupters and Jesse Ahern will open the show. Tickets go on sale on May 19th. The band is known for songs like “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” “Rose Tattoo,” and “The State of Massachusetts.”
President Joe Biden made his entrance to a song by the Dropkick Murphys in Ballina, Ireland, where he gave a speech marking the end of his four-day tour of the country. The band's frontman, Ken Casey, famously called former President Donald Trump the "greatest swindler" in history during a show in September 2022. Biden's choice of song may have been a subtle jab at Trump, his potential opponent in the next presidential election. The song, "I'm Shipping Up to Boston," is an Irish-American anthem beloved in both countries.