Dropkick Murphys Defy MAGA Narrative with Punk Rock Activism

Boston Irish punk band uses music and merchandise to challenge right-wing extremism

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Dropkick Murphys, a long-running Boston Irish Celtic punk band, have become unlikely political activists, using their music and merchandise to counter the MAGA movement. After one of the band's t-shirts was prominently worn by former DC police officer Michael Fanone during a high-profile Congressional hearing, the band saw a spike in sales and a renewed interest from fans. Lead singer Ken Casey discusses the band's decision to speak out against MAGA policies and rhetoric, even at the risk of losing some fans.

Why it matters

The Dropkick Murphys' outspoken stance against MAGA represents a growing trend of musicians using their platforms to challenge right-wing extremism and misinformation. As the band's fanbase overlaps with the demographic that has embraced MAGA, their willingness to take a stand is seen as an important counterweight to the narrative pushed by Trump and his allies.

The details

The Dropkick Murphys have been outspoken critics of MAGA policies and rhetoric for years, with lead singer Ken Casey using the band's music and live shows to voice opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies and attacks on the working class. The band recently announced they are parting ways with an agency whose founder was linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. When former DC police officer Michael Fanone, who was brutally attacked during the January 6th insurrection, wore a Dropkick Murphys t-shirt to a high-profile Congressional hearing, it sparked a surge of interest and sales for the band's 'Fighting Nazis Since 1996' merchandise.

  • The Dropkick Murphys have been outspoken critics of MAGA for years.
  • Michael Fanone wore a Dropkick Murphys t-shirt during a Congressional hearing in January 2026.
  • The band announced they are parting ways with an agency whose founder was linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal on Tuesday.

The players

Ken Casey

The lead singer of the Dropkick Murphys, who has been outspoken about the band's opposition to MAGA policies and rhetoric.

Michael Fanone

A former DC police officer who was brutally attacked during the January 6th insurrection and has been vocal in countering MAGA narratives about the event.

Dropkick Murphys

A long-running Boston Irish Celtic punk band known for their riotous live shows and socially conscious lyrics.

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What they’re saying

“Michael is an old friend. He was at our very first Dropkick show in D.C. in 1996, so it's not like he's some kind of jump-on-the-bandwagon guy. I appreciate just how vocal he is. It's one thing to talk the talk, but it's another to walk the walk and be showing up at all those events, and really putting himself out there.”

— Ken Casey, Lead Singer, Dropkick Murphys (The Times)

“If executions in the streets of your citizens [by ICE agents] doesn't get people to speak out, then nothing will. But it's nice to finally see there's a wave starting to peak, out of frustration and realization.”

— Ken Casey, Lead Singer, Dropkick Murphys (The Times)

What’s next

The Dropkick Murphys and Michael Fanone, along with the band Rise Against, have started a collaborative called 'Down for the Cause' to encourage more punk bands to speak out against injustice and misinformation.

The takeaway

The Dropkick Murphys' willingness to challenge the MAGA narrative through their music and activism represents a growing trend of musicians using their platforms to counter right-wing extremism. Their actions have resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners, showing the power of punk rock to give voice to those fighting against intolerance and authoritarianism.