Photos and Review by Hillery Terenzi
If the ancient wisdom is to be believed, March comes in like a Lion. That lion roared loud and proud on March 4th when Boston’s beloved Dropkick Murphy’s brought their unique blend of Irish-Folk, Punk and Hardcore to the Tabernacle. Supported by Los Angeles’ countrified kindred spirits, Old Man Markley, and UK folk-rockers Jim Lockley and the Solemn Sun, The Dropkick’s nearly 2 hour long set spanned their impressive 17 year career catalog. Old favorites such as 1998’s “Barroom Hero” and brand new songs such as this year’s “Rose Tattoo” were received equally well by the frantically energetic crowd.
Set closer and perhaps their most well known song, “Shipping Up to Boston” (prominently featured in the Martin Scorsese film “The Departed”) was sung in its entirety by the crowd while the band maniacally played along. Their four-song encore upheld the Dropkick’s long-standing tradition of inviting any and all fans up on stage to sing, dance, and stage dive their heart’s content. In an age when the division between artist and audience is ever wider, it’s heartening to see the Dropkick’s have held fast to their roots and the true essence of Punk Rock.
