Photo: Ken Susi

Live Review: Dropkick Murphys – St. Patricks Day ‘Still Locked Down’

Oh, St Patricks Day. A day where you can get as drunk as you like and no one will judge you for it. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my St Patricks Day evening than with a nice cold beer and a Dropkick Murphys show. The American Celtic punk band went above and beyond by offering a free live stream event for anyone who wanted to attend. It’s a shame that we couldn’t be there in person however due to the current climate around the world, this was the next best thing. Here’s my review of the ‘Still Locked Down’ event!

The show started with a comical skit with ‘Tony’ and ‘Evan’ muppets doing a backstage segment. It was a nice and lighthearted way to open the show featuring “interviews” with the band members that were less than professional, to say the least. It captured the Dropkick charm perfectly and had me laughing throughout.

Up first was a cover of ‘The Lonesome Boatman’ that leads straight into ‘Hang em’ High’ and right of the bat, it is clear that the band have put there all into this. A simple stage set with every member of the band in their space so they are front and centre. A high level of energy is given off by the Dropkick Murphys and they sound top-notch. Following that was ‘Out Of Our Heads. The way the band treated the show was class as they didn’t just play to the camera like some bands tend to do in these Livestream shows. The intensity remained high and the vibes were still good. A solid start to the show.

Nothing quite says St Patricks Day like not giving a damn and ‘Middle Finger’ is the perfect song to encompass that feeling. The stage set is a real marvel to see. Despite its simplicity, The surround screen allows for some great visuals and kept catching my eye. The band seems slightly less into it than they have when I’ve seen them in person but I feel that is part and parcel with no crowd being present. Speaking of a lack of crowd, I felt that their cover of ‘The Fields of Athenry’ really could have done with the drunken screams of the Dropkick fans. It was clear to see the band tried their hardest to make the song feel as large as it normally does but without fans, some songs just don’t have the same impact as expected.

‘Surrender’ came in all guns blazing and it sounded awesome. Al Barr’s vocal delivery on this one completely stole the song. The raw power behind each word could be felt through the screen and it made for one hell of a viewing experience. Continuing the assault was the emphatic ‘Which Side Are You On’. I found myself captivated by Matt Kelly’s drumming throughout this one. A seriously infectious beat that carries the song beautifully to its climax

Unfortunately, ‘Walk Away’ once again felt the hit of a lack of a crowd, however, the level of energy the band put into it may have just saved it. It’s very obvious that this kind of music is made to be enjoyed with your friends and family and a live stream was never gonna beat an actual show. ‘Peg o’ My Heart’ was a joy to hear live and the virtual crowd seemed to love it. Singing along in the comment sections was an awesome thing to see. Even when they are apart, the Dropkick fans are in unison.

Keeping the constant pace we had ‘Climbing A Chair To Bed’. God that banjo will never get old! The song was accompanied by a decent light display and a more old school feel as the surrounding screen had been turned off for it. It felt like a gig from an earlier time. In contrast to that, ‘God Willing’ was accompanied by a biblical looking stained glass display. The chemistry between Al and Ken is unrivalled and their joint vocal sections on this track were something to behold.

It’s time for a classic in ‘Wild Rover’. The scene of togetherness from the band was clear to see throughout this one and the fans in the chat were eating this one up. A fan favourite on the night and for good reason. ‘James Connelly’ came across as a little weak in my opinion however I can’t deny that it was a perfect fit for a St Patrick’s Day show. The song just didn’t hit the mark for me and was a bit disappointing.

A royal performance was exactly what you got for ‘Queen Of Suffolk County. I have to give massive props to Ken for his vocal performance. It was almost as if someone had turned him onto overdrive because he became a completely new beast during this song. Fair Play to him for carrying this one on his back. A touching tribute to Billy and Walter. Two men who had been a big inspiration to the band from their early days who are sadly no longer with us. ‘I Wish You Were Here’ followed (this was the songs live debut) and you could hear the emotion in the entire band’s voices during this. An absolute hearth robbing tribute too two men that meant the world to the band.

To liven the mood, the band assaulted us with ‘Smash Shit Up’. The whole band seemed more motivated than ever during this song and it resulted in the song sounding tight and near flawless. Continuing the rebellious feel was ‘The Gauntlet’. Al has an incredible knack for turning the spoken word into a lyrical juggernaut. He dominated this song and it was incredible to see.

Ken introduced Erin MacKenzie from the Doped Up Dollies to sing ‘The Dirty Glass’. The virtual crowd went crazy for this one. The extra vocal presence helped the song feel larger than life. Erin nailed it and the chemistry between all three vocalists was top notch. Following that was ‘Rude Awakening’. It had been a while but this song didn’t hit without a crowd present. Another victim to circumstance, unfortunately.

Luckily ‘Rose Tattoo’ arrived perfectly. No matter if there is a crowd or not, this song will always be a staple in a Dropkick show. The whole band played their part perfectly and everything just fell into place. This was a standout song for me. An ambush followed in the form of ‘Citizen C.I.A’. It‘s an absolute beast of a song that managed to somehow still kick ass in these unprecedented times. The show may be coming to an end but the Dropkick Murpheys show no sign of slowing down

If there is one song that comes to mind when you think of the name “Dropkick Murphys” it has to be ‘I’m Shipping Up To Boston’. Nothing will beat seeing this one live while a tsunami of beer fills the sky around you but this will have to do for now. This was followed by a real deep cut. ‘Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced’ may be the perfect song for St Patricks Day. Despite being a song that was intended to be a sing-along, Ken managed to make the song stand out big time. The longer the show goes on, the band get more and more comfortable performing in an unusual setting.

‘Skinhead On The MBTA’ was never gonna disappoint and the high energy tune delivered in all areas. Al and Ken’s vocal contrast was on full display during this song and it’s an excellent example of just how well they pair together. I won’t lie. Hearing them cover ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ by AC DC was probably the last thing I thought I’d hear however they nailed it. I think the boys need to get this one on a record in the future! A complete surprise that paid off perfectly.

The final song was ‘Having A Party’. A great way to send the fans home by playing a song that would have every person in the crowed linking arms and singing at the top of their lungs. A real feel-good song that would fit perfectly at the end of any show.

The Dropkick Murphies sure know how to put on a good show and this was no exception. Despite the show feeling off at times due to the lack of a crowd, the band managed to put on one hell of a performance to lighten up St Patricks Day. I feel that for a live-streamed gig the band did a decent job and for it being a free stream I have to give credit to the energy the band put into each song. It’s far from the best show I have seen during this pandemic however I still had a good time and at the end of the day, that’s what really matters. Let’s hope the next time we see the Dropkick Murphy’s, It’s in person! The band’s new album ‘Turn Up That Dial’ comes out April 30th. If you want to check out the show for yourself you can do so here: