Dropkick Murphys / O2 Academy / Birmingham

A road trip across the midlands from East to West tonight, for a show we didn’t want to miss, with American Celtic punks, the Dropkick Murphys were in town. With four bands on the bill, it’s an early start and we head inside for the first act, Jesse Ahern. From Quincy Massachusetts ‘punk’n’roller’ Jesse performed a solo set with acoustic guitar and harmonica to the early lucky punters. A great set of working class protest songs about the struggles of life, family and those in power. Jesse had a great interaction with the crowd as well, who clearly enjoyed his all too short set.

After a short break, next up we had the Australian band The Rumjacks. I first saw The Rumjacks back in 2018 or so, supported by the Silk Road. With a similar Celtic-punk influenced feel to the Dropkick Murphys, The Rumjacks fitted the bill brilliantly. With a solid discography behind them we enjoyed tracks such as One for the Road and Kirkintilloch but of course the highlight of their set was their hit An Irish Pub Song. Singer Mike Rivkees was on fine form tonight, mixing vocals with pennywhistle, his gritty vocals bringing the tracks to life. Just as good as they were before, The Rumjacks had the crowd dancing and shouting along to the lyrics.

The crowd now was getting noticeably bigger as So-Cal punks Pennywise came on stage. Formed in 1988 and named after the Stephen King character, Pennywise are a more old school punk-rock band and consist of Jim Lindberg (vocals) Fletcher Dragge (guitar), Randy Bradbury (bass) and Bryon McMackin (drums). They hit the ground running with pace with opening track Fight Till You Die. The crowd were really into it and the first signs of a circle pit developed. This felt more raw and edge and was a nice addition to the line up. Singer Jim Lindberg was full of energy as he prowled round the stage . The intensity didn’t let up through tracks such as My Own Country and My Own Way of Life.

As the set progressed there were some classic old school Pennywise tracks, such as F&*k Authority and the brilliant Same Old Story. Their fans were loving it and the crowd surfers were now starting to come over. Pennywise know how to entertain a crowd and were on top form tonight. As the set drew to a close, they delivered a great version on Ben E King’s classic Stand By Me which the crowd eagerly joined in with.

A great set, that had the crowd jumping around and they closed their set with the classic track Bro Hymn. I’m an old school punk at heart, and in particular US punk such as Black Flag, Bad Religion and The Dead Kennedy’s. Pennywise sit alongside these bands very well, and I look forward to seeing them live again.

A slightly longer break to set the stage for the headliners. The stage set somewhat different to many, with lace cloths on the risers and candles and crosses, photos and a statue of the Virgin Mary. More like someone’s auntie’s front room than a stage set, but of course, it had that ‘homely’ Celtic feel to it. The band walked out onto the stage to huge cheers from the now full house.

Without lead singer Al Barr, who has taken some time away from the band for personal reasons, on this tour Ken Casey has stepped up to the lead role, and I have to say, based on tonight’s performance – WOW !

Starting with The Lonesome Boatman (a Fureys cover) they go straight into one of their biggest hits in The Boys Are Back. The crowd are bouncing and the bodies are starting to come over the barrier into the pit. It would remain a steady stream throughout the set !

Singer Ken doesn’t stay still all night striding from one side of the stage to the next, and climbing down onto the barrier in the pit, to shake hands and mix with the crowd at every opportunity.

Thye set continues and it’s banging track after banging track including the likes of Middle Finger (which starts with everyone holding up before mentioned digit), All You Fonies sees the tempo notched up a few more levels as more crowd surfers come over, and then Good as Gold and The State of Massachusetts, which keep a fast pace going non-stop. Tim Brennan jumps between guitar and banjo climbing up on to the monitors playing skills and winding up the crowd into even more of a frenzy.

As the main set draws to a close, we get the simply beautiful Rose Tattoo one of my favourite songs from any band. It’s delivered perfectly and the crowd are singing along to the chorus with gusto, before it draws to a close with the wonderfully titled Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced.

After a short break and loud shouts for more from the crowd, the band take to the stage again fort a four song encore including a cover of Dirty Old Town (another great singalong track) and the iconic Shipping Up To Boston.

The energy levels were at fever pitch from start to finish and the Dropkick Murphys delivered a killer performance. Fast, frantic, lively and powerful, what more could you want.

All four bands complimented each other so well, the evening held together really well. I’m glad I finally got the chance to see The Dropkick Murphys live. It’s a fantastic night and I’d recommend if you get the chance to see a show ? Grab it with both hands !

Set List

The Lonesome Boatman (The Fureys cover)

The Boys Are Back

Turn Up That Dial

Ten Times More

Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya

Middle Finger

Two 6's Upside Down

All You Fonies

Curse of a Fallen Soul

Mick Jones Nicked My Pudding

God Willing