Dropkick Murphys Documentary

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Ken Casey is one of the founding members of the Dropkick Murphys, a band that mixes traditional Irish and punk music amongst its influences. The band, formed in 1996 is one of the most popular musical acts to ever come out of Boston and has fans around the world.
I sat down with him for an extensive interview about his band, his bar, McGreevy's with all of its Red Sox history and memorabilia and the band's charity, The Claddagh Fund.
The interview was only scheduled for half an hour but both Ken and I have the Irish gift of gab so we talked for about an hour and twenty minutes.
Some of the things we discussed are the origin of the band's name and grind of touring in the early days. Ken also expressed in detail how two of their best known songs came about, "Shipping up to Boston" and "Tessie."
Other topics include the Dropkick Murphys selling out two shows at Fenway Park in 2011, their annual St. Patrick's Day shows around Boston and his connection to the band's fans. Ken is friendly and always appreciative of the support the band has from its ever-growing fan base.
They have also raised a lot of money for charity, over one-point-five million dollars since The Claddagh Fund was founded in 2009. That money goes to non-profits supporting children's' charities, returning veterans and those dealing with alcohol and substance abuse.
If you are a fan of the band, this is definitely an interview you want to check out.
www.dropkickmurphys.com
A special thanks to Mark Reynolds for being the videographer on this project.
I have also written a novel based on the first murder during a bank robbery in American history which occurred in my hometown of Malden, Massachusetts on December 15, 1863 almost three years before Jesse James first assumed crimes.
michaelcloherty.com/
Check out my book trailer:
• The 1st Murder During ...
Cheers
Michael Cloherty

[@sumdude23]

He's the coolest guy. One of my favorite bands growing up. I'm a proud Murphy.

[@adrianmurphy5738]

I recently discovered this band. Fantastic. I'm proud too bro. Another Murphy from Buenos Aires Argentina

[@emiliavogt7352]

I know a guy from Murphy in Santa Fe :D

[@sk8n854]

The U.S. needs more Dropkick Murphys

[@penkop4282]

The WORLD needs more DKM

[@rat1026]

Why am I surprised? A very down to earth kinda work a day guy. If he did'nt have the success he would be working a regular job and still be the same person

[@hex_metal_barbie4]

That's most famous people.

[@CiobiWizz]

my favourite band of all time. i love how they incorporate all the history of what they love in their songs. not many bands have their soul in the songs they sing.

[@SMSmediaservices]

I have been Ken 2 times. Hands down the kindest, sweetest dude with a heart of gold when greeting fans that I have yet to see from any other musician. I didn't realize he had his charity and I thank you so much for sharing this.

[@Canadarago]

I can imagine a sailor in the early 1800s singing “Shipping Up to Boston”..

[@andycole3825]

Check out "Barrett's Privateers

[@darrenbacvar8250]

Thank you kindly for coming to North Bay Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 Awesome concert

[@Kegga_6]

I am Boston to the core born and raised there 43 years, moved away 7 years ago and during covid o when everything was shut down, a local restaurant had a special of cornbeef and cabbage on St. Patrick's day went picked it up cause take out was all you could do, found out from a friend in Southie the Murphys were doing a free show on you tube. It absolutely made my day boiled dinner and the Murphys on St Patty's day, what could be better. I always get a little homesick around that time. Made me feel like I was back home

[@MichaelCloherty]

Hi Steven. It was terrific to the band to perform a free show and meant so much to the fans! Cheers, Michael!

[@nymike06]

Very good interview. Humble guy.

[@cormacphillips2585]

Great interview. Loved the pub.

[@johnwesley2943]

I loved visiting Dublin as a young lad. An American said to a local, 'My ancestors are from Ireland.' The local replied with, 'So fucking what!'

[@cianwright212]

Yeah the Irish are sick of Americans claiming they are Irish because some great great grandfather was from there 😂 it seems to be an exclusively American thing to think that it's your culture even if it was several generations back lol

[@zurgena1004]

So excited...just got booked to go see them for the first time in January...cannot wait !

[@VagueVulture]

Nice to see this, really nice interview!

[@davidvinyard4710]

Great video. Made me love Dropkick even more, which I didn't think was possible.

[@DrGonzo125]

Great doc my friend been a long time fan of the Murphy's as well as any Irish music in general. Love the bar slash pub culture as I said great job amigo. Cheers

[@ATeamAdam]

That was a great interview. Do a full documentary on the whole band. Loved it

[@9HereticPrincess9]

Thanks for posting this, I'd definitely like to see more about what the Claddagh Fund is about. Dropkick Murphys are a great band :)

[@johngrepo9976]

Ken Casey is a true blue guy with a enormous heart,i wish him and his band and family love and success for generations to come 🍀

[@ryancraig536]

I’m a wounded warrior and I LOVE the Dropkick Murphys I want them to perform in Bend Oregon so I can go and actually see them

[@inultus1]

Great dude, love his attitude and I watched their awesome online concert by myself during the shutdown last year, a couple of days after I stepped in to barback at my local pub for their St. Patricks day celebration.

[@3lBR4V0]

Not an Irish but I fucking love my Hometown Boston and The Dropkick Murphys who doesnt lay back and just fucking chuggs like a maniac to this Kick ass Music,while watching the Bruins score!!

[@robinjohnson4613]

Great stuff! Dropkick Rules!

[@gwynnapnudd702]

Humble pride - so different from proud humility and so much better. Never seen a musician so grounded and without attitude. It's because he has a People and he'll never betray them for anything the world has to offer.

[@critter505]

When they did a show here in Albuquerque last month, they stayed after the show for an hour taking pictures and shaking hands. Awesome group of guys, and hell of a show! If you get a chance, go see them live, best concert I've been to in a long time.

[@nomas1989]

This was real interesting, one of my favorite bands, it's nice to hear in this setting as well, shout out to my bartender and Michael's cousin, JD for letting me know about this.

[@MichaelCloherty]

Cheers Daniel!

[@tfs94gt]

Good interview. Ken seems like a really genuine nice guy. Can't wait to hear their new album.

[@Tweezie1111]

awsome too see this. going to their show here in Norway on the 23. this mont. Cant wait

[@MichaelCloherty]

Cheers, Alison! You'll enjoy their show. The band makes the audience feel like part of the concert.

[@wildrover9650]

They are truly a bad ass band. Thanks for coming to St. Petersburg, Florida March 2017. First time I've seen ya hopefully not the last.

[@Dakuwanga1369]

I am going to see them for the first time on March 2 in Orlando can't wait!!!!

[@fightingpistols]

Great video, hell of guy humble and generous. Two of the best traits any human can have. Sure makes me like the music even more!

[@tfs94gt]

Their song writing certainly is. "Broken Hymns" from their last album was an absolutely phenomenal song and in my opinion some of if not the best work they've done to date. I believe that song will be around for generations, probably in several forms. Wonderful, wonderful song writing.

[@KingHayabusa384]

Such an underrated song. It's one of my top favorites.

[@scottrohland3841]

Cheers Ken. It's Magical.

[@GLACK802]

Great Interview! Ken is a great guy.

[@Sebulbatron]

I met Ken at the show in stockholm january 22st, he really is a nice guy. stayed for half an over after the gig and talked to the fans! :)

[@tedro1962]

Old Scots- Irish Boy. LOVE Ye Murphy's !

[@FyrFytr998]

Great interview.

[@MichaelCloherty]

I think they are getting better and better, It's cool that you and your dad are both fans of the band.

[@03cobraclone]

going to see their show at the house of blues next month on the 19th and just amped up havent seen them for about 10 years and taken my lil brother in law to his first show.... love being irish love the music ! "the gangs all here"

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thanks David. I feel the same after talking to him. Just a great guy.

[@MichaelCloherty]

I'm going to see them in March too. Cheers!

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thanks tfs94gt! I appreciate that. Ken is a a nice guy, no pretense at all. I like the new album and can't wait to see these new songs live.

[@Dakuwanga1369]

Great Interview..

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thank you!

[@RICOTERO084]

Muy buen documental, Saludos desde Argentina.

[@EvilClowns69]

Im going to see them in March again I cant wait

[@OldManTastic]

DKM would have been one of the biggest bands in the world if they would have got more Radio play.. i still think theyve had a big enough career to make the Hall of Fame

[@OldManTastic]

+Justin Schmidt One Direction and Katy Perry does not come on the radio stations I listen to

[@michaelschmitt3015]

I second that motion...DKM in Hall of Fame.

[@Darthzoey]

Awesome Job!!!!

[@MichaelCloherty]

Daniel, thanks for the comment. I felt the same way talking to him. It certainly makes it easier to really like a band when they appreciate their fans and the Dropkicks do.

[@christinaFaith84]

I'm watching on St Patrick's Day 2021. I'm only a little Irish but I live in Wisconsin so drinking is kind of a way of life hahaha

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thank you for liking the interview, Bravo! Go Bruins! Cheers!

[@GeoStar13]

Only interview I have seen of DKM Have had the pleasure of meeting Ken and band and sharing a beer backstage here Adelaide 2010 Awesome gig last year also....Do they ever stop? Am taking my 7yr old daughter to their next gig here April 3 1013 Lets Go Murphys \m/(*-*)\m/

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thank you for watching and your kind comment.. Slainte and Happy New Year, Prentiss!

[@dcron6]

Just saw them last weekend play in Sacramento at AfterShock and they played a great set there.

[@MichaelCloherty]

I would as well, boardgenx and hope one day he writes it. Thanks for watching all the way to the end since that was the last line! Cheers!

[@nicholasgarcia592]

Dropkick Murphy's Hell yeah

[@allroy0234]

I grew up in Mass., but heard the band living in Arizona. I came home from the Warped Tour one year when they played, and my dad laughed at the DKM shirt I was wearing. He know loves the band

[@MichaelCloherty]

Certainly good music to listen to and throw back a pint or two, Dylan.

[@davidoconnell4100]

The Seasons Upon Us is my favorite Christmas song. Funny, funny sick guys.

[@bdusk1973]

Mike McColgan original lead singer of dropkick miss those days! He was a great dude too.. Worked with him at BMC!

[@MichaelCloherty]

Have fun, big215able! I am going to see them next week.

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thanks for the comment, GeoStar13! I'm glad you liked the video! I am a big fan as you are and am very happy I was able to talk to Ken and put this video together. I was not entirely sure how it would turn out when I started but people seem to like it. Cheers! I am sure your daughter will enjoy DKM as much as you and I do.

[@PMac616]

Thanks for posting this vid, truly love it!!! Sláinte! d:D

[@MichaelCloherty]

You're very welcome, Scott. He is a great guy, loves his fans and loves giving back with the Claddagh Fund. Thanks for your comment. Cheers!

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thanks for liking the interview! You can contact the band's management through the link in this video's description. click the "more" tab and then look for contact at bottom of page. I tried to post the direct link in this comment but KZbin would not let me. Cheers and good luck.

[@stumodman]

"Murphy's Law" haha I love it

[@MichaelCloherty]

Have fun! Great live band.

[@ms.silencedogood7385]

Welcome to Boston, Loosahs!

[@johnbroadley5191]

Great band and ethos. HH Bhoys. Still top of the league.

[@hondorider74]

Awesome.

[@MichaelCloherty]

They are very passionate about Boston, the Red Sox and their history. Their song on the new album, Jimmy Collins' Wake a good example of that.

[@stainpain77]

I was extremely proud to see dropkick Murphy's in Massachusetts, as well as Washton DC with Mike singing for them. Absolutely PHENOMENAL!!! 10 years later I heard they were coming to Roseland in New York and a few of my "Irish" Friends took me to see them where the crowd was filled with kilts(must belong to klans they had no idea that the colors represented), kelly green, "kiss me I'm Irish" and Guinness sales were overpriced for profit opportunities. The moment I saw they had black and tan drinks at the counter I knew it had been marketed and the real values had been neglected. Didn't you notice the sign at that pub that clearly says black and tan!? It's called a half-and-half for reason, above for you to respond back to me without having to Google it. BTW you're not Irish unless you have citizenship. I for one have a door citizenship like my father. You can only get one if your parents were from Ireland and they have a passport as well. Otherwise you're the descent of an Irishman. I would love to see Mike punch Ken in the fucking mouth...

[@stainpain77]

Interesting choice of words "loyalty" 16:40 "for me" not FOR US? Sell out. Now you're trying to write a book and exploit it. Even to clarify and is not consistent graphic to Gaelic formations. Please don't get me wrong I do believe that the Claddah fund is amazing, but how can you host a alcohol abuse program for returning that and then open the fucking bar? Pretty fucking contradictive.

[@danbreen1916]

Being irish is a race and a nationality. If a dog is born in a stable does it make it a horse ? ......jagoff

[@thomasbourdon2879]

Dropkick Murphys are perfect. Definitely.

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thank you, Dmanashadow85! He is a cool guy, no question.

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thank you GLACK802! I agree, Ken is cool.

[@MichaelCloherty]

tfs94gt, I would agree. I think that song is great. 'Going Out in Style' as an entire album was a turning point for the band for bigger and greater things in my opinion.

[@Mark-xh1jw]

That looks like the bar in Good Will Hunting.🤙☘️

[@NitroxNcrocz]

Mark805 you must be wickedd Smahht ;)

[@Mark-xh1jw]

Blaine Lucas yeah the bah comm ahn naw 🤙☘️

[@Mark-xh1jw]

Blaine Lucas but I’m just a Irishmen from Southern California. 🤙☘️

[@Dmanashadow85]

good interview ken is cool:)

[@renita1231]

Guys love the interview, Heard that song I'm Shipping Up To Boston and i love it. where do i get the right to use it for the intro for my movie. Or can we work something out. Or can someone point me in the right place to get it. Cheers

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thanks, Tweezie1111! Cheers!

[@sterns787]

I would really like to bring this charity to San Francisco there is a huge is a huge Irish population that would be interested in there program! Also the wealth is unbelievable in the bay area.

[@blythewarland6688]

yep ya got a fan in Australia

[@yig_501]

drop kick murphys is an awesome band

[@boardgenx]

I would read that book!

[@treboryat]

manchester a week today, can't wait!

[@3lBR4V0]

And hey btw Great interview!!

[@amski5583]

this was good lets hope he does write a book .... a reality show could work as well

[@TangFiend1]

He sounds like two hundred old guys I know. Boston Strong.

[@willlima1297]

Ken is awesome!

[@MichaelCloherty]

Thanks Darthzoey!

[@cathead94]

would love to hear more about the claddagh fund to maybe start it here in virginia as I am straight off the boat irish lol and I salute the dropkick murphys as I know what the name meant lol class act been to boston a few times but my god seen the world but oh well any info would be greatly appreciated

[@ggandyman40]

What Dropkick Murphys song is used in the beginning? 00:13

[@lros209]

Memorial Day

[@WaldoTheWombat]

7:36 who's muisc? did they not compose the music of "shipping out to Boston" themselves?

[@dalegray3468]

Woody Guthrie. He's Arlo Gutheries dad. (Alice's restaurant)

[@MichaelCloherty]

I did state they formed in Boston. I have updated the text a bit per your suggestion to clarify your point, Eric. Cheers!

[@MichaelCloherty]

Very True

[@Uccioboss]

It's simple. Dropkick Murphys is one of the best band of all times. Go Ken! :)

[@wakeoftheflood2]

cant listen to anything after Do or Die, that was the shit back in the day

[@kanekochera57]

Irish pride

[@MichaelCloherty]

You'll have a good time!

[@RichardRedCloud]

The drop kick Murphy's r in town ... yyyeaahhh 😅