February 15, 2024 Grand Sierra Resort & Casino Reno Nevada
If you didn't have one fist in the air and a drink in the other than you were the odd one out as
the Dropkick Murphys hit the Grand Theater stage Thursday night bringing their Arena sized working man's pub music to the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.
Celebrating St Patrick's Day a month early the Dropkick Murphys, hailing from Boston, are out on the road parting with their fans until March 17th. Pennywise and The Scratch in support.
Opening the night with their style of Irish Folk crossed with rock/punk DKM hit the stage with a vengeance ripping through a quick rendition of "For Boston" followed by the ever classic "The Boys are Back" The energy extruded by the band immediately bled over into the crowd. Every foot was stomping, and every fist was in the air as singer Ken Casey's vocals belted out the lyrics with his rough but solid voice.
DKM consist of the forementioned Casey on vocals. On guitar, banjo, and mandolin is the ever so talented Jeff DeRosa. An amazing banjo and mandolin player who's skills were on display throughout several songs. Tim Brennan on guitar, accordion, and piano. James Lynch on guitar, and the backbeat to it all Matt Kelly on drums and on bass a guy who had a smile on his face the whole night Kevin Rheault. One thing I think DKM needs to be credited for is their backing vocals live. These lads can sing. Alot of people credit Def Leppard for their live backing vocals almost as an industry standard. I believe Dropkick Murphys backing vocals live would give Def Leppard's a run for their money any day of the week.
Not letting up DKM tore through 24 songs this night. Songs with a heavy Irish beginning such as "Climbing a Chair to Bed", "Prisoners Song", and "The Hardest Mile" brought on cheers and circles of fans doing Irish jigs as beer sloshed out of their cups.
The highlight of the night was when singer Ken Casey pulled a young boy named Jack from the crowd and brought him up on stage to sing "Rose Tattoo". Young Jack nailed the vocals not missing a beat and then crowd surfed back to his folks. After this DMK gave us their version of AC/DC's TNT with bassist Kevin Rheault handling the vocals.
Closing out this energy packed night was their acclaimed hit "I'm Shipping out to Boston".
This followed by four encores DKM again confirmed why they are Boston's rock n roll underdogs turned champions. The musicianship and energy this night was through the roof. The response from the crowd the entire night only confirmed this even more.
Dropkick Murphys will be celebrating St Paddys day with their fans as they tour across the country. They arrive back in Boston on March 14th for four nights ending the tour on St Paddys Day. If your a fan of Irish Folk Rock music catch DKM on their St Patrick's Day tour 2024. If your lucky enough to be attending the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville Kentucky catch Dropkick Murphys that Saturday September 28th.
