What a night! As the last strains of Sham 69’s ‘The Kids Are United’ gave way to Yma o Hyd, the lights dimmed, and the packed Great Hall of Alexandra Palace came alive. Bathed in green light, Dropkick Murphys exploded onto the stage, delivering a set filled with Celtic energy, punk passion, and political messages that resonated with the crowd. From the first note, the band had the audience in a frenzy, and the energy never let up throughout the night.
An Explosive Start
From the moment Dropkick Murphys kicked off with ‘Captain Kelly’s Kitchen,’ ‘The Boys Are Back,’ and ‘Prisoner’s Song,’ it was clear this was going to be an unforgettable night. Pits formed immediately, crowd surfers emerged, and fans sang at the top of their lungs. Frontman Ken Casey commanded the stage, engaging with the crowd, leaning over the barrier, and extending his mic for passionate fans to sing along. The entire venue transformed into a sea of movement, with fists in the air and voices united in song.
A Setlist for the Ages
Dropkick Murphys have never been a band to shy away from powerful setlists, and tonight was no exception. Fan favorites such as ‘(F)lannigan’s Ball’ kept the energy at a peak, while the union song ‘Which Side Are You On?’ reinforced the band’s working-class ethos. As expected, political undertones were woven throughout the show, with Casey delivering a scathing critique of global political figures, further rallying the already passionate crowd.
The setlist spanned their entire career, showcasing their impressive musicianship. Tim Brennan and Jeff DaRosa demonstrated their multi-instrumental talents, seamlessly shifting between guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, and accordion. Meanwhile, drummer Matt Kelly kept the energy at a fever pitch, providing the heartbeat for the high-energy performance.
A Crowd in Sync
One of the most remarkable aspects of the night was the unity among fans. Every song became a massive singalong, particularly during ‘The Warrior’s Code,’ ‘Bastards on Parade,’ ‘Rose Tattoo,’ and the unforgettable ‘The Irish Rover.’ The passion and energy of the crowd mirrored the intensity on stage, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and solidarity.
A Spectacular Finish
As the night drew to a close, Dropkick Murphys saved some of their biggest hits for last. ‘I’m Shipping Up To Boston’ sent the crowd into overdrive, with bodies moving and voices reaching new heights. ‘Until the Next Time’ wrapped up the night on a high, with Casey once again reaching out to fans, delivering fist bumps and heartfelt goodbyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Dropkick Murphys’ live performances so special?
Dropkick Murphys’ concerts are known for their high energy, audience engagement, and powerful setlists filled with Celtic punk anthems. Their ability to connect with fans and create an electrifying atmosphere sets them apart.
How do Dropkick Murphys incorporate politics into their music?
The band has long been vocal about social and political issues, often weaving messages of unity, workers’ rights, and activism into their songs and live performances.
What were some standout songs from the setlist?
Notable highlights included ‘The Boys Are Back,’ ‘Rose Tattoo,’ ‘The Warrior’s Code,’ ‘Bastards on Parade,’ and the closing duo of ‘I’m Shipping Up To Boston’ and ‘Until the Next Time.’
How did the audience react to the performance?
The audience was fully engaged from start to finish, forming pits, crowd surfing, and passionately singing along to every word. The energy was electric, making for an unforgettable night.
What instruments did the band members play?
Tim Brennan and Jeff DaRosa showcased their versatility by playing guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, and accordion, while Matt Kelly provided a driving beat on drums.
Conclusion
In these turbulent political times, music has the power to bring people together, and Dropkick Murphys delivered a night of raw energy, camaraderie, and defiant punk spirit. Their ability to merge traditional Celtic sounds with punk intensity makes them one of the most captivating live acts around. As fans left Alexandra Palace, there was no doubt in their minds—they had witnessed something truly special. Until the next time, Dropkick Murphys, we’ll be ready to sing, dance, and stand in solidarity once again.
