The original members included: Mike McColgan (vocals), Ken Cassey (bass), Rick Barton (guitar), and Matt Kelly (drums). The bands first intention was to be totally unoriginal, but soon decided to write their own material. Their earliest hit was “Barroom Hero”. After having various hit singles, the Dropkick Murphys won the attention of Hellcat label. The owner Tim Armstrong was also a band member to the group Rancid.

The Dropkick Murphys had a sound that uniquely tied in with both their Boston Irish heritage and the punk-rock domain of the city. They incorporated traditional folk instruments to their metallic music. They used bagpipes and whistles and guitars to form their melodic sound.

Their debut album Do or Die received excellent reviews and sent the band touring across Europe and America. McColgan soon found himself unable to commit to the constant touring and quit the band. He was replaced by Al Barr who was quick to pick up where the later had left off. The band later lost Barton for the same reason. To replace him they added James Lynch. The Dropkick Murphys found themselves in need of more live sound, so they added three additional members to the group: Mark Orell (second guitarist), Spicy McHaggis (bagpipes), and Ryan Foltz (mandolin/tin whistle).

They produced six albums with Hellcat Records and are still going strong. Check out their fashionable T-Shirts that consist of their coat of arms and white shamrock. It’s time to take part in the music vibe.