The first act to be announced at the 2020 edition of the biggest non-commercial festival in Europe is the Boston born and bred Dropkick Murphys. The band is currently working on its new album, to be released in the autumn of 2020. They will he release the first single from the album on 31 January.
Established in 1996 in southern suburbs of Boston by bassist Ken Casey, the outfit combines hardcore punk with Celtic folk music. Dropkick Murphys merge hardcore, which is faster-paced, harder, and more aggressive than other forms of punk rock with Irish folk tunes. Traditional Celtic folk instruments such as bodhran, tin whistle, and bagpipes join electric guitars and percussion in their high-energy, high-power live performances. Dropkick Murphys take the traditional sea shanties to the next level, turning them into fighting anthems for generations of music fans across the world. One of their best-known songs, the fast-paced 'I'm Shipping Up To Boston' was featured in Oscar-winning Scorsese film, The Departed.
The band released nine studio albums, with four most recent LPs released through their own independent label. Since their gigs at local pubs, the band has played over 5 000 shows, performing at major European festivals such as Download, Hellfest Open Air, and Rock am Ring
Even though their high-voltage performances are in demand across the world, Dropkick Murphys always make sure to appear during shows celebrating the St Patrick's day in Boston. The band's lasting success can be attributed to their authenticity and integrity. Their 1998 debut LP Do or Die set the band's intentions loud and clear. Dropkick Murphys never strayed from their course - they are proud of their community, proud of their Irish heritage and committed to supporting causes they believe in.
Rooted in the tradition of working-class Bostonian ethos, the band champions labour union causes. Musicians never shy away from making a political statement, and they put their money where their mouths are. Dropkick Murphys support different worthy causes. The band has teamed up with children's cancer research charity, holds benefit concerts for war veterans, and donated all money from the sales of their charity EP, which featured Bruce Springsteen vocals on a re-recorded single Rose Tattoo, to the victims of Boston Marathon bombing. The Claddagh Fund established by Casey aims to support the community-based non-profits focusing on children's welfare, veteran organizations, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation programmes. In 2016 the band received the Robert F. Kennedy's Children's Action Corps award for their long-time commitment to charity work.
A band which is built on authenticity and committed to social involvement is a suiting first act to be announced by Pol'and'Rock Festival, which is a non-commercial event.
Dropkick Murphys line-up: Ken Casey, Matt Kelly, Al Barr, James Lynch, Tim Brennan, Jeff DaRosa.
