Opening up this evening are Dublin band The Scratch, who express their gratitude for being part of the tour. They mention how the Dropkick Murphys have been supportive, especially given that they are performing as a trio due to guitarist Conor ‘Dock’ Dockery staying home for a family emergency. Despite the setback, the remaining members deliver a strong performance.
They begin with a high-energy version of their 2018 track ‘Flaker’, immediately drawing attention with its distinctive lyrics. Their sound, a mix of Irish folk with unexpected influences, instantly has the crowd onside. Tracks like ‘Joseph Ronald Drew’ and ‘Pulling Teeth’ maintain the intensity, blending traditional folk with heavier riffs. ‘Blaggard’ from their 2023 album ‘Mind Yourself’ lands perfectly, and ‘Foolin’ Noone’ carries a powerful dedication to a family affected by the crisis in Gaza. They close with the new track ‘Gladrags’, leaving an impression on the growing audience.
Next up are special guests Gogol Bordello, whose vibrant stage presence and eclectic mix of punk, folk, Latin, and Romani influences create an immediate buzz. Frontmen Eugene Hütz and Pedro Erazo command attention, urging the crowd to embrace the chaos. Tracks like ‘Not a Crime’ and ‘Wonderlust King’ highlight their genre-blending approach, while ‘My Compajera’ brings a lively, theatrical energy. Their collaboration with Puzzled Panther on ‘Dance Around The Fire’ and ‘From Boyarka to Boyaca’ adds variety, while ‘Immigraniada (We Comin’ Rougher)’ and ‘Start Wearing Purple’ ensure a memorable conclusion to their set.
Dropkick Murphys take the stage with an opening combination of Sham 69’s ‘If The Kids Are United’ and Dafydd Iwan’s ‘Yma o Hyd’, setting a defiant and celebratory tone. They launch into ‘Captain Kelly’s Kitchen’, and the energy remains high with crowd favourites like ‘The Boys Are Back’ and ‘Prisoner’s Song’. Ken Casey, ever the engaging frontman, leads the band and crowd through a fast-paced set. ‘Mick Jones Nicked My Pudding’ adds a touch of humour, while ‘Which Side Are You On?’ serves as a stark reminder of their working-class roots.
Other highlights include ‘The Warrior’s Code’, ‘Going Out In Style’, and ‘Bastards on Parade’. ‘Rose Tattoo’ receives an enthusiastic response before the band closes with ‘I’m Shipping Up To Boston’ and ‘Until The Next Time’. With a setlist spanning their career and a performance that holds nothing back, Dropkick Murphys prove once again why they remain such a force in Celtic punk.
