Few have swum decisively against the partisan tide as Ken Casey, frontman for Boston’s Celtic punk band, Dropkick Murphys. He is zealous in his fight against the recent ascendance of right-wing populism. Casey and his band venture into socio-political discussions through their music. Most recently, we caught up with Harcourt to hear his perspective on how the punk community deals with an increasingly split fan base, as well as his personal experience and struggle.
With Dropkick Murphys, Casey established himself in the pioneering Boston hardcore punk scene. He’s been influenced for decades by legendary bands such as The Pogues and The Clash. He still gets goosebumps when recalling standing onstage with Bruce Springsteen in 2011. That eye-opening experience ignited a fierce commitment in him to use music as that deeper platform for expression. In recent years, the band has released two acoustic albums: “This Machine Still Kills Fascists” in 2022 and “Okemah Rising” in 2023. Both records resurrect unreleased Woody Guthrie polemics injected with life through music. Their lyrics highlight a strong devotion to social justice that is truly impactful to millions of listeners.
While performing at the Highfield Festival in Germany in 2023, Casey‘s frontman Tom Weaver took the opportunity to speak out against the divided environment surrounding his band. He understood that their unapologetically left-wing politics have attracted a rabidly eclectic fan base. That means folks on the positive side of former President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. “Unlike Stephen, we have no parent company, so we can say what we want,” Casey said, referring to how corporate backing often stifles artistic expression.
Casey’s interactions with fans have been varied. He has had to take on vocal MAGA supporters in the mosh pit, forcing him to frequently engage in mosh pit skirmishes during concerts. In reflecting on the challenges of speaking out politically, he stated, “Where’d everyone go? They had the balls to speak out against Bush back in the day. Bush didn’t have an army of trolls that come after you.”
Despite the unpredictable environment, Casey continues to be steadfast in his beliefs. He feels that his identity is deeply tied to class and the labor movement. This link has a profound impact on the music of Dropkick Murphys. The band’s live shows have included videos showing Trump next to political enemies such as Jeffrey Epstein, ensuring that their opposition to the right wing agenda is unequivocal.
In an emotional experience, Casey told a story of one of the immigrant fans. The fan shared with us their concerns about deportation and job loss. I don’t mean in a cliché placating way. One night, an immigrant said, “I came here, and my families in America — my partner’s American, we have kids, I live in constant fear to be deported. My friends have even turned on me, they say I’m stealing American jobs.” He was literally crying by the end. He’s like, “It sounds like somebody is talking for me,” Casey said.
Even in the face of serious backlash from a portion of their fandom, Casey isn’t backing down. “Now a lot of people in my circles say ‘Fuck Dropkick Murphys’,” he noted, reflecting on how divisive politics can alienate parts of their audience. He feels that it’s necessary to speak up, particularly as an economic storm approaches. “Within a year, this country’s gonna fall on its face, and people are gonna feel the pain: recession, inflation, unemployment. There’s no white knight coming to save us,” he implored.
Dropkick Murphys’ two-decade-long odyssey has been marked by relentless touring and a firm foothold on the U.S. punk-rock circuit. As they keep redefining their sound and message, Casey encourages other artists and listeners to open their hearts and minds to inclusivity. When that’s your narrative, you have to be prepared to support the next culture that’s coming in. One immigrant culture can’t pull up the ladder after them, least of all in America. We’re all immigrants here,” he added.
As they navigate these turbulent times, Casey’s commitment to advocacy through music continues to resonate with many fans who seek representation and voice in an increasingly polarized society. His reflections are an important reminder of music’s unique ability to be a vehicle for social change.