Dropkick Murphys' intriguing blend
Group provides mix of Celtic folk and punk combined with hard rock
Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
Created: 07/01/2011 01:45:41 PM PDT
POMONA - The Dropkick Murphys have built a strong following with their intriguing style of Celtic folk and punk combined with hard rock.
The group, formed in 1996 and known for singles like 2004's "Tessie" and 2006's "I'm Shipping Up to Boston," performs tonight at the Fox Theater.
They're touring in support of their latest album released in March, "Going Out In Style," which features guests performances by the likes of Bruce Springsteen.
Drummer Matt Kelly said in a recent email interview he doesn't get tired of playing the group's biggest hits.
"Now and then, but very rarely," Kelly wrote. "The only time I get sick of "Shipping" is when you see these kids who've jockeyed to the front of the stage and look like they're bored to death until we play that song, and then they disappear. With "Tessie," not so much, as it conjures up a lot of good memories from '04 and '07."
Kelly was asked if the group's strong working-class politics ever chases away fans.
"I imagine there must be a few, but if you need a band's values to directly mirror yours, maybe your beliefs/values/politics are on shaky ground. I personally listen to bands and have friends whose politics run the gamut and are often diametrically opposite of mine, but I have my values and have thought them through. People should take time to think out their opinions and be sure they're their own and not just recycled sound bites. We welcome everybody, no matter their opinions. We're here to have a good time. We've stood for what we have since day one, and never hidden it."
wes.woods@inlandnewspapers.com 909-483-8549
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