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Quincy Today
By the People, for the People
Dropkick Murphys' Ken Casey On Speaking Out In Song
The punk rock veteran discusses the band's tradition of addressing social and political issues through music.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:56pm
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The Dropkick Murphys' unapologetic punk rock activism continues to inspire fans and challenge the status quo.Quincy TodayKen Casey, the singer and bassist of the punk rock band Dropkick Murphys, discusses the band's long history of using their music to speak out on social and political issues. Casey talks about how the band's punk and folk influences have shaped their socially conscious songwriting, and how they have continued this tradition with recent songs like 'Citizen I.C.E.' that tackle current events. He also shares insights from the band's recent trip to Ukraine and their efforts to support local communities through their Claddagh Fund charity.
Why it matters
The Dropkick Murphys have been using their platform to address important social and political issues for decades, carrying on the tradition of socially conscious punk and folk music. In an era where many artists shy away from taking strong stances, the band's willingness to speak out on topics like workers' rights, government overreach, and international conflicts is notable and impactful.
The details
Casey discusses how the band's punk and folk influences, including the music of artists like Ronald Reagan-era punk bands and folk singer Woody Guthrie, have shaped their approach to socially conscious songwriting. He describes how the band's recent single 'Citizen I.C.E.' reworks the lyrics of their earlier song 'Citizen C.I.A.' to tackle current issues around immigration enforcement. Casey also shares details about the band's recent trip to Ukraine during the ongoing war, where they saw firsthand the resilience of the Ukrainian people and were inspired to continue using their platform to advocate for important causes.
- The Dropkick Murphys recently released a new split EP called 'New England Forever' with the Boston hardcore band Haywire.
- The band is set to return to the road in June, touring internationally through August.
The players
Ken Casey
The singer and bassist of the punk rock band Dropkick Murphys, who has led the band's tradition of using their music to address social and political issues.
Dropkick Murphys
A punk rock band from Boston that has been advocating for workers' rights, opposing government overreach, and addressing other social and political issues through their music for over 30 years.
Haywire
A Boston-based hardcore punk band that collaborated with Dropkick Murphys on the new 'New England Forever' split EP.
Billy Bragg
A folk singer who has appeared on a recent Dropkick Murphys studio album, continuing the band's tradition of collaborating with socially conscious artists.
Bruce Springsteen
A rock musician who, like the Dropkick Murphys, has a history of addressing social and political issues through his music.
What they’re saying
“Listen, if watching citizens get executed isn't enough to make you write a song, what is? If the Epstein files aren't? If another useless war isn't? I think they're gonna come pouring off the sidelines now.”
— Ken Casey, Singer and Bassist, Dropkick Murphys
“I'd just love to see America get back to having some class and dignity again at the very least, you know?”
— Ken Casey, Singer and Bassist, Dropkick Murphys
What’s next
The Dropkick Murphys are planning a tour in June that will take them abroad through August, continuing to bring their socially conscious punk rock to audiences around the world.
The takeaway
The Dropkick Murphys' longstanding commitment to using their music to address important social and political issues, drawing on both punk and folk traditions, has made them a rare voice of dissent in an era when many artists shy away from taking strong stances. Their willingness to speak out, even in the face of backlash, underscores the band's belief in the power of music to provoke conversation and inspire change.
