Dropkick Murphys

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Dropkick Murphys
Dropkick Murphys playing at The National Shamrock Fest in Washington, D.C. in 2011
Dropkick Murphys playing at The National Shamrock Fest in Washington, D.C. in 2011
Background information
OriginQuincy, Massachusetts, United States
GenresCeltic punk, Hardcore punk, Oi! (early)
Years active1996–present
LabelsBorn & Bred, Hellcat, Taang! Records
MembersKen Casey
Matt Kelly
Al Barr
James Lynch
Tim Brennan
Josh "Scruffy" Wallace
Jeff DaRosa
Past member(s)Rick Barton
Mike McColgan
Jeff Erna
Joe Delaney
Marc Orrell
Spicy McHaggis
Ryan Foltz
Websitewww.dropkickmurphys.com

Dropkick Murphys is an American Celtic punk band from Quincy, Massachusetts. The band has currently has seven members. The members are Ken Casey, Matt Kelly, Al Barr, James Lynch, Tim Brennan, Josh "Scruffy" Wallace, and Jeff DaRosa. The band made a name for themselves locally after frequent touring and yearly St. Patrick's Day week shows that were held in and around Boston.

The band released their later album Signed and Sealed in Blood on January 8, 2013.[1]

History[change | change source]

The band started in 1996 in Quincy, Massachusetts and was made up of lead vocalist Mike McColgan, bassist/vocalist Ken Casey, guitarist Rick Barton, and drummer Jeff Erna. Erna was later replaced the next year by Matt Kelly.[2] The band is named after professional wrestler Dr. John "Dropkick" Murphy.[3] The band first started playing in the basement of a friend's barbershop and soon began to tour and record music. The band's first big break was when the were selected by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones to be the opening act for their 1997 tour in support of Let's Face It. [4]

The band released a series of EPs before they were signed to Hellcat Records. They released their debut studio album Do or Die on January 27, 1998. The album was produced by Lars Frederiksen of Rancid.[5] Lead singer Mike McColgan would leave the band later in the year to become a Boston firefighter (He returned to the punk scene later as the singer of the Street Dogs).[6]

Band members[change | change source]

Current
Former
  • Rick Barton – Guitar (1996–2000)
  • Mike McColgan – Lead vocals (1996–1998)
  • Jeff Erna – Drums (1996–1997)
  • Joe Delaney – Bagpipes (1998–2003)
  • Marc Orrell – Guitar, accordion, piano (2000–2008)
  • Spicy McHaggis (Robbie Mederios) – Bagpipes (2000–2003)
  • Ryan Foltz – Mandolin, tin whistle (2000–2003)

Discography[change | change source]

Albums[change | change source]

References[change | change source]

  1. "Dropkick Murphys - Signed and Sealed in Blood". AllMusic. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  2. "Dropkick Murphys to Perform in Newport". Newport Patch. 29 April 2013. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  3. "Why did they choose the name Dropkick Murphys?". Dying Scene. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  4. "Dropkick Murphys stumble upon a sonic pot of gold". Houston Chronicle. 5 March 2006. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  5. "Dropkick Murphys - Do or Die credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  6. "A spirited brand of old-school punk". Hampton Roads. Archived from the original on 2014-10-06. Retrieved 2014-07-08.

Other websites[change | change source]