Dropkick Murphys Thrill at Unusual Show (For Them) at The Factory
–by Keith Brake
So, what if I told you I attended a Dropkick Murphys show and there was no mosh pit or crowd surfing? What if I also told you that they played nine songs that they did not write the lyrics to and that this was a seated show? Now, what if I told you that this show did not suck but rather it was one of the better DKM shows I have been to? Yeah, you are going to need an explanation and that is exactly what I am here to do.
Hello MwRw friends and family I hope and trust that you are all well and healthy! The Dropkick Murphys were in town last Friday (11-18-2022) at The Factory for their theatre tour “This Machine still Kills Fascists”. The tour carries the same title as the album that has been available for just over a month now. Probably the only negative point that will be made in this review is the fact that the tour has, by now, has come to a close and if you missed it…you truly missed out.
The DKM were allowed access to unrecorded lyrics of Woody Guthrie to create an album in their style with Woody’s lyrics. I heard nine songs from this album at the show live and immediately listened to the album in entirety the following day. It is good… very good. Not a typical DKM album but so worth a listen. The live show, as usual, left nothing to desire from the group. As stated previously they played nine songs from the new offering, and they were all performed with energy and charisma. Those in attendance were obviously enjoying these songs and even though they are quite new offerings some fans were singing back to Ken Casey as he belted out a phenomenal set.
Highlights for me from the evening were “Talking Jukebox”, “Two 6s Upside-down”, “Rose Tattoo” and of course “Shipping up to Boston”. The Murphys had a good deal of fun on this evening in STL. It was the second to last stop on the tour and surprised the opening act, and fellow Bostonian, Jessie Ahern on stage dressed as (I think) The Village People. Ken Casey also joined on another number as Ahern was sharing the stage with fellow support act Jaimee Wyatt. According to accounts of both supporting acts this had not happened at any other show on this tour so STL was lucky enough to have these highlights and they were definitely stand out moments.
All in all the show was tremendously enjoyable from start to finish. Ahern and Wyatt provided very solid and enjoyable sets in support of DKM and I highly recommend looking into either of both of these talented musicians. Especially if you enjoy singer-songwriter stylings. The DKM are set to kick off another tour in 2023 but I expect it will be back to wince they came so we will once again have our beloved mosh pits and crowd surfers that we all love so much. For “This Machine Still Kills Fascists” tour? Truly a gem of a show and I count myself fortunate to have watched it live. If you missed it be sure to check out the album.
Have a great holiday season, everyone and as always thanks for your continued support of MwRw.
