In an explosion of bagpipes, fiddles, and raucous cheers, Boston's own Dropkick Murphys returned to their beloved hometown to deliver an electrifying St. Patrick's Day performance at a sold-out MGM Music Hall. 

The air was charged with anticipation as fans clad in green queued up along Lansdowne Street - ready to revel in a night of Celtic punk rock. Kicking off the holiday weekend extravaganza, The Scratch took the stage with an infectious energy and enthusiasm that set the tone for the night ahead. They wasted no time in captivating the audience with their unique blend of metal, punk, and traditional Irish music.

Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, The Scratch brought a taste of the Emerald Isle to the heart of Boston, delivering a setlist filled with high energy rhythms. Throughout their set, The Scratch showcased a diverse range of influences, seamlessly blending traditional Irish folk tunes with the raw energy of metal and punk rock. Songs like "Old Dog" and “Another Round" were instant crowd-pleasers with their infectious hooks and anthemic choruses. 

Following up The Scratch, the crowd was treated to a domineering performance by the legendary punk rockers, Pennywise. They wasted no time in unleashing a barrage of high-octane riffs that had the crowd thrashing and moshing from the first note. Pennywise delivered a setlist that was equal parts nostalgic and fresh, catering to both die-hard fans and newcomers. A cover of Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right” took the crowd to a new level as their set came to a close. 

At 9pm, Dropkick Murphys took the stage to a thunderous applause. The hometown heroes wasted no time, starting the night with the shout-along hymn, “For Boston”. 

Frontman Ken Casey commanded the stage with his charismatic presence, his gravelly vocals soaring above the driving rhythms. From sing-alongs like "The State of Massachusetts" to heart-wrenching ballads such as "Rose Tattoo," the band showcased their versatility, effortlessly transitioning between moments of intensity and heartfelt emotion. The band’s ode to their hometeam, “Tessie”, was a crowd favorite as locals sang along to the Red Sox inspired tune. 

In the end, the Dropkick Murphys' St. Patrick's Day extravaganza was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of music, community, and the unbreakable spirit of Boston. As the final notes faded into the night, the crowd erupted into one last chorus of cheers and applause, united in their love for one of the city's most iconic bands.

Review & Photos by: Bryan Kuhlman

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