Dropkick Murphys @ The Fillmore, Charlotte, North Carolina 2-22-26

The boys are back! Yes, that’s right, everyone’s favorite Celtic punk band, Dropkick Murphys are back out on tour bringing their unique brand of street punk Boston badass to the masses. The “For The People…In The Pit St. Patrick’s Day Tour 2026” is officially underway with the band playing a sold-out show at the Fillmore Charlotte Sunday night.

This past year has been a busy one for the band with the release of their 13th studio album, ‘For The People’, which was released for streaming only on July 4th and later dropped on all platforms in October. Fans were lined up outside, snaking around the block as they eagerly awaited their chance to hear these new songs live and in person.

The stage setup this time was minimal, with only a Dropkick Murphys banner adorning the rear of the stage. The lights went dark, and the sound of bagpipes could be heard as the crowd erupted in cheers. A spotlight shone on bagpiper Campbell Webster at the rear of the stage before the rest of the boys made their way out quickly. They kicked things into overdrive with “Barroom Hero,” as lead vocalist Ken Casey took immediate control of the audience. Wearing a Boston Bruins Gilmore jersey, Casey ran out onto a small riser in front of the stage, leaping over to the barricade to interact with the fans up front. He would do this throughout the night, holding the microphone out to the lucky fans in the pit, singing along, pointing, and getting everyone involved with the show. Of course, Jeff DaRosa was not about to be left out of all the fun as he made his way out to the fans, playing his banjo at the barricade for all to see. This is why a Dropkick Murphys show isn’t just a concert, it’s an immersive experience.

Fans danced and partied as the band ran through a set featuring five songs off the new record, as well as a great selection of fan favorites. Things really cranked up with Dropkick Murphys brought out opening act Haywire to help on “Citizen I.C.E.,” which is a reworking of their 2005 song “Citizen C.I.A.” This brought out a few boos from some small groups, but the majority were cheering, and the circle pits opened up in force. They followed that up with “Smash Shit Up.” It kept the pits moving and the crowd stomping their feet.

As the beer flowed and the dancing continued, we were soon shipping up to Boston and admiring each other’s rose tattoos. One thing is for sure: you will never leave a Dropkick Murphys show disappointed. You may leave sweaty, hoarse, and blissfully exhausted; but never, ever disappointed.

The tour continues for the next month, wrapping up in mid-March with four Boston shows, including an already sold-out banger on St. Patrick’s Day. The band has also announced a special free acoustic performance in Minneapolis on March 6th, honoring the lives of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, ahead of their St. Paul concert. Be sure to check out the band’s website for details.

Set List:

Barroom Hero

The State of Massachusetts

The Gang’s All Here

The Boys Are Back

Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya

Bury the Bones

Gonna Be a Blackout Tonight

Sooner Kill ’em First

(Known tour debut)

Fightstarter Karaoke

(Known tour debut)