LIVE REVIEW: DROPKICK MURPHYS @ THE FORUM 17/11/24

Drop Kick Murphys, probably your dad’s favourite band if you live in the inner city- is a Celtic Punk band that graced Melbourne last Sunday, coming all the way from Boston. Their sound is a beautiful concoction of traditional rock and Irish folk with a punk twist, which was a unique experience to see live.

I walked into the Forum to a homogenous crowd of men over 40 with beards, a proliferation of neck tattoos and all black flannies. Dropkick Murphy fans don’t mess around – they are some of the most hardcore punk revellers I have ever seen- pink mow hawks and all. It was for sure a night of Celtic celebrations-the Irish- American group came out with tartan Kilt’s and a set of Bagpipes to the roaring audience beneath. It definitely made me feel more connected to my Irish heritage.

The atmosphere was seething with testosterone as they opened with “the boys are back” and prompted a chant amongst the front row, arms flailing in the air. The energy from the band was palpable as they rocked out to the bass and drums solo.

Matt Kelly really put on a stellar performance; it was staggering at the amount of stamina he maintained on drums for the shows entirety-
his long hair majestically swayed as he headbanged to the drums beat.

Ken Casey was just as engaging – he has this rough, passionate edge that perfectly matches the energetic and rebellious nature of the band’s music. He makes the performance feel incredibly raw and raucous as he literally hands the microphone to different audience members to make them feel a part of the show. He got them so pumped up that there was crowd surfing and even some impromptu moshing.

One thing about Dropkick Murphys is they certainly know how to rev a crowd up, and I have never felt higher on adrenaline as they finished up with an energetic rendition of “Workers Song”. What is interesting about Dropkick Murphys is that are able to capture a unique spirit in their live show in the way they blend punk rock aggression with Celtic folk energy.

The rowdy atmosphere that I experienced at the Forum on Sunday is something that cannot be matched or replicated.
The boys are truly back; and they are certainly looking for trouble.