Dropkick Murphys Deliver Punk Rock and Protest in Port Chester
On February 13th, Dropkick Murphys kicked off their 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Tour stop at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, with a 90-minute, 23-song set that blended high-energy punk with powerful activism. The veteran Boston band kept the mosh pit active all night while sharing strong messages about social justice.
Music Meets Message
Dropkick Murphys have been vocal critics of ICE and the Trump administration, and they didn’t shy away from their views at this show. Before playing their new anthem “Who’ll Stand With Us?” from the album For the People, frontman Ken Casey urged the crowd to speak out, saying, “If you got a microphone and you love this country, you better fuckin’ use it right now. Fuck Donald Trump. Fuck ICE!” The band then launched into the fiery track, later performing their reworked anti-ICE song “Citizen I.C.E.” (based on 2005’s “Citizen C.I.A.”) with Austin Sparkman from support act Haywire. Casey led “Fuck ICE” chants, turning the song into a rallying cry.
Setlist Spans Decades and Styles
The concert featured a mix of classic hits and newer material, showing the band’s range. They opened with “Deeds Not Words” and played fan favorites like “The Gang’s All Here,” “The Boys Are Back,” and “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya.” The set included emotional covers such as “School Days Over” and “The Green Fields of France,” along with upbeat tracks like “Boys on the Docks” and “Never Alone.” The main set closed with the heartfelt “Rose Tattoo,” leading into the explosive encore.
Encore Highlights
- “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” – the iconic anthem that always gets the crowd roaring.
- “The Big Man” – a powerful finish that left everyone pumped.
Openers Set the Stage
The night started with three support acts: The Aggrolites brought reggae/ska vibes, Haywire added punk energy, and Slugger delivered hardcore intensity. Each band helped build the lively atmosphere before Dropkick Murphys took over.
Tour Dates and How to Join
The St. Patrick’s Day Tour rolls on with a five-show residency in Boston in mid-March. Tickets for remaining dates are available online, so fans can still catch the band’s unique blend of music and activism.
Conclusion: More Than a Concert
This show proved Dropkick Murphys are a force—mixing punk rock spirit with real-world activism. From moshing to chanting, the night was a reminder that music can be both fun and fierce. For teens and fans everywhere, it’s an experience that rocks hard and stands for something bigger.
