Three Decades After Forming in Quincy, Dropkick Murphys Remain Boston's Signature Band

Dropkick Murphys formed in Quincy in 1996. Vocalist Ken Casey is the only member who has been with the Celtic punk band since its founding.

The band signed with the independent punk label Hellcat Records and built its following through steady touring in New England and along the East Coast. Early in its career it began an annual series of St. Patrick's Day week concerts in and around Boston, a tradition that continues.

Two songs brought the band wider recognition. "Tessie," a 2004 reworking of a century-old Red Sox fan anthem honoring the Royal Rooters fan club, is still played at Red Sox games. "I'm Shipping Up to Boston," from the 2005 album "The Warrior's Code," was featured in the 2006 film "The Departed" and became the band's only platinum-selling single.

Co-lead vocalist Al Barr stepped away from the band in 2022 to care for his mother, who has Lewy body dementia, and Casey took over lead vocals. Barr made a surprise appearance at the band's March 17, 2026, St. Patrick's Day show at the Citizens House of Blues Boston, joining for the final four songs, including "I'm Shipping Up to Boston." It was his first performance with the band since the hiatus began.

The band's 13th album, "For the People," was released July 4, 2025, with appearances by Barr, Billy Bragg, The Scratch and The Mary Wallopers. About a week later, the band played a free two-hour concert in Quincy that drew 10,000 people, according to city and band representatives cited by CBS News. In July 2026, the album track "Dropped on My Head" became the theme song for the MGM+ series "The Westies."

Thirty years after forming, the band continues to center its identity on its South Shore roots.