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From Boston, Massachusetts,
USA, the Dropkick Murphys, (their name taken from
a local rehab centre) initially formed in 1996
with the sole intention of jamming punk cover
versions. Original members, Mike McColgan (vocals),
Ken Casey (bass), Rick Barton (guitar) and Matt
Kelly (drums) soon progressed to writing original
material, the future live staple "Barroom
Hero" being their earliest effort. Split
singles with the Bruisers and the Anti-Heros,
and the Boys On The Docks EP, brought the Dropkick
Murphys to the attention of Rancid guitarist/vocalist
and Hellcat label boss Tim "Lint' Armstrong.
Produced by Armstrong's band-mate Lars Frederiksen,
January 1998"s Do Or Die was predictably
rowdy. Blending traditional folk instruments (bagpipes
and tin whistle) with the ever-present guitars,
the band drew heavily on both Boston's Irish heritage
and the city's punk-rock legacy. With songs ranging
from punk singalong to sombre acoustic folk it
was a compelling debut. Released to excellent
reviews, tours across Europe and America followed
before McColgan, unable to commit himself to constant
touring left the band. Replaced by ex-Bruisers
vocalist Al Barr, "Curse Of A Fallen Soul"
confirmed Barr's suitability in time for The Gang's
All Here. Again produced by Frederiksen, the album
continued where the former had left off.
Another bout of prolonged
touring followed, this time including Australia
and Japan, during which time Barton also quit
(after picking his replacement, James Lynch of
the Ducky Boys). Deciding to add some beef to
the live sound the band recruited second guitarist
Mark Orell, who as a self-taught accordionist
could contribute to the band's more traditional
leanings. The addition of Spicy McHaggis (bagpipes)
and Ryan Foltz (mandolin/tin whistle) also broadened
the band's live sound as well as adding a new
impetus to the material. Sing Loud, Sing Proud!,
which was produced by Casey, had more pronounced
Irish leanings, exemplified by the collaboration
with Shane MacGowan on "Good Rats" and
"The Wild Rover". Elsewhere Cock Sparrer
vocalist Colin McFaull featured on "The Fortunes
Of War", while Barr and Casey's furious vocal
trade off on "The Rocky Road To Dublin"
perfectly demonstrated the band's ability to seamlessly
combine different genres.
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