Dropkick Murphys are a punk rock band formed in the Irish Catholic working class neighborhoods of South Boston, MA. They practised in the basement of a friend's barbershop, blending punk rock, irish folk , rock, and hardcore into something they could call their own. The sound of their music is rooted in such outfits like Stiff Little Fingers, The Pogues, AC/DC (one of the first bands to fuse bagpipes and rock and roll), The Clash, The Misfits and Motörhead. Their name was taken from a local rehab centre.

Band History

Dropkick Murphys was formed in 1995 by Mike McColgan (vocals), Ken Casey (bass), Rick Barton (guitar). After cycling through a series of drummers the band settled on Matt Kelly in 1997. The band put out a series of EPs and were signed by Hellcat Records releasing their first full length album, Do or Die, in 1998. Soon after the album's release vocalist Mike McColgan left the band citing his inability to commit to touring. McColgan was replaced by former Bruisers singer Al Barr. 1999 saw the release of their follow up album The Gangs All Here and major changes were on the way. Lars Fredriksen who had produced Dropkick’s first two albums exited to pursue other interest and Rick Barton left after getting married. James Lynch from local band Ducky Boys was picked by Barton to replace him in the group. The band also recruited another guitarist, Marc Orrell, (also a self-taught accordionist.) as well as Spicy McHaggis (bagpipes)and Ryan Foltz (mandolin/tin whistle). In 2001 Dropkick released the album Sing Loud Sing Proud. The album show cased the developing sound of the band and included collaborations with ex-Pogues Shane MacGowan and Cock Sparrer ’s Colin McFaull. Their next album Blackout) was released in 2003. Prior to the album's release, Spicy McHaggis left the band "because he was whipped," and Foltz also left. Scruffy Wallace filled in bagpipe duties, and Tim Brennan took up mandolin, tin whistle and acoustic guitar. The new album included the radio hit Walk Away, as well as the song Fields of Athenry which made its debut on the compilation album Atticus: Dragging the Lake Vol. 2. In 2005, the Murphys released Singles Collection Volume 2 , featuring covers, b-sides and other stuff which didn't make it onto previous albums. Their latest studio album, The Warrior's Code is set for a June 21st release.

Discography

Full Albums

Singles and 7' compilations

See also

• List of alternative music artists
• List of musicians in the second wave of punk music

External links

• Dropkick Murphys official web site
• All Music Guide entry for Dropkick Murphys