Dropkick Murphys

What began as a shits-‘n’-giggles-in-the-basement kind of band has grown into an unstoppable street punk/Oi! force to be reckoned with. The Dropkick Murphys even have a competitive hockey squad in the Boston area. So ten years, five full-lengths, and a bucketful of singles later, these Irish-American rovers stand atop the heap of every band that’s come after the Pogues and tried to blend Irish folk with punk rock (well, the Tossers do it pretty good too, and they’re on this bill). Last year was hectic, with the album The Warrior’s Code released, singer Al Barr hospitalized in October with severe stomach pains, and touring England with the Pogues in December. This year is already looking fully loaded, with long tours planned and maybe a single or two. All in favor, say Oi!