On Sunday, Dropkick Murphys concluded their For The People…In The Pit St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Tour alongside up-and-coming Haywire and Boston-known friends, Ducky Boys and The Unseen, with a special Red Bandana Night dedicated to the late Welles Crowther.
Dropkick Murphys began their set with the sound of Campbell Webster’s roaring bagpipes, playing “Deeds Not Words.” The audience sang along to the chorus, knowing that this show was going to be a success.
The energy continued with their 2007 track “Famous for Nothing,” showcasing the heavy punk that elevated them to the world stage. Across the crowd, bodies crashed, and heads banged.
“Hurro, Hurro” echoed across the floor at the MGM Music Hall while Dropkick Murphys performed their number “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya.”
Singer Ken Casey could barely get the words out of his mouth—the crowd’s cheers drowned him out. Along with bringing his incomparable stage presence, Casey also engaged with the crowd during each song. Whether reaching the microphone out into the crowd or holding fans up while they’re crowd-surfing, his love for the audience was palpable.
“How fortunate we are to be here doing something we love,” said Casey, who later went on to praise the other Boston punk bands he’s shared the spotlight with for over thirty years.
The stage’s backdrop changed as the songs passed. The slideshow featured several Dropkick Murphys-related logos from throughout the years.
One of the band’s multi-instrumentalists, Jeff DaRosa, sent a shockwave across the venue as his banjo kicked off “The State Of Massachusetts.” It was a haunting performance, serving as a commentary on how addiction tears apart families.
“Barroom Hero” is another one of the band’s older recognizable tracks from their 1998 album Do or Die. The snap of Matt Kelly’s snare with Tim Brennan’s power chords on guitar had the moshpit in a frenzy.
“First Class Loser” came next. The backdrop showcased a slideshow of President Donald Trump falling, pictures with Jeffrey Epstein, and countless other recent news headlines.
Alongside vocal criticism and open disapproval of Trump, the punk band performed their song “Citizen I.C.E.” An adaptation of their 2005 release “Citizen C.I.A.,” the song is a criticism of the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The updated song is also the opening track and single off their newest EP, New England Forever, released on March 17. The band collaborated with touring partner Haywire to assemble the EP.
Haywire also made an appearance on stage during the show. Both bands performed “Always By My Side,” another high-energy song with a chorus that any crowd can learn instantly.
“The Green Fields of France (No Man’s Land)” was a beautiful rendition of the Eric Bogle track that was covered on the 2005 album, The Warrior’s Code. Casey sang about the death of a young soldier in WWI, leaving the audience in awe.
Fenway fan favorites like “Tessie” and “The Boys Are Back” kick-started fans’ Massachusetts pride. Alongside a sea of rowdy Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins fans, the backdrop showcased the accomplishments of both teams throughout the years.
The themes of pride and permanency held through until the main event of the night, the presentation of a check to the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust. Welles’ mother, Alison Crowther, and other family members were present on stage.
When Casey spoke of Crowther’s heroism, a lull came over the crowd. Some shed tears, and others held those around them in solidarity.
The band belted out their 2025 release, “A Hero Among Many,” as Alison tossed red bandanas into the sea of green. The classic Dropkick Murphys sound rang through the venue, and the song’s infectious and adrenaline-filled riffs complemented lyrics that celebrate a hero.
Afterwards, the Boston College Marching Band joined the Dropkick Murphys onstage to play one of the undisputed Boston anthems, “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.” It was an inventive performance, with the band playing along and the fans bouncing about.
Dropkick Murphys delivered the perfect performance Sunday night, one that served as a powerful reminder of heroism and punk-rock social criticism. After thirty years, songs that had fans jumping in small-sized clubs had the same effect in the sold-out MGM Music Hall, as they will surely continue to do so for years to come.
