Dropkick Murphys Kick Off St. Patrick’s Day Weekend with Energetic Boston Show

Dropkick Murphys launched their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a high-energy performance at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston on March 13, 2026. The show, part of a weekend of festivities, showcased the band’s 30-year legacy and their continued commitment to social and political commentary.

A Night of Fan Favorites and New Material

The band, supported by The Vigilantes, Haywire and Showcase Showdown, opened with “Barroom Hero” and launched into a setlist packed with fan favorites like “The State of Massachusetts” and “The Boys Are Back.” According to a review in Boston.com, the crowd’s energy was immediately palpable, and the band responded in kind.

Dropkick Murphys also incorporated songs from their 1998 album, “Do or Die,” including “Caught in a Jar,” “Boys on the Docks,” and “Never Alone.” Frontman Ken Casey acknowledged the demanding schedule of multiple shows, stating, “This weekend makes us a better band because we have to play so many songs. Thanks for giving a s—t.”

Political Statements and Social Activism

The concert wasn’t solely a musical event; Dropkick Murphys used the platform to address social and political issues. The band has long been vocal about their support for immigrants, and Casey dedicated “Boys on the Docks” to “the children and grandchildren of immigrant parents.”

Casey also delivered a pointed criticism of current political figures, stating, “There’s a dementia-ridden pedophile in office starting wars. F–k that!” before launching into “Who’ll Stand With Us?” from their latest album, “For the People.”

The band debuted their new song “Citizen I.C.E.”, an updated version of their 2005 track “Citizen C.I.A.”, protesting the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. The song’s lyrics and footage of ICE arrests were displayed on stage during the performance. “Citizen I.C.E.” is featured on the split EP “New England Forever,” released with Boston-based hardcore punk band Haywire.

A Boston Tradition Continues

MGM Music Hall at Fenway has become a familiar venue for Dropkick Murphys’ St. Patrick’s Day concerts. The band closed their main set with “Rose Tattoo” and “Worker’s Song” before returning for an encore that included a live debut of “Only the Strong” and their signature hit, “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” followed by “The Large Man.”

Dropkick Murphys will continue their St. Patrick’s Day weekend with performances on March 14 and 15 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, and at the House of Blues on March 17. More details are available at dropkickmurphys.com.

Setlist: Dropkick Murphys at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, March 13, 2026

• Barroom Hero
• The State of Massachusetts
• Mick Jones Nicked My Pudding
• The Boys Are Back
• Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya
• The Gang’s All Here
• Pipebomb on Lansdowne
• Caps and Bottles
• Caught in a Jar
• Boys on the Docks
• Never Alone
• This One’s For You (The Trouble cover)
• Which Side Are You On? (The Almanac Singers cover)
• Who’ll Stand With Us?
• The Dirty Glass
• God Willing
• Forever
• Citizen I.C.E.
• The Men Behind the Wire (The Barleycorn cover)
• Rose Tattoo
• Worker’s Song

Encore:

• Only the Strong (Live debut)
• I’m Shipping Up to Boston
• The Big Man