Formed in 1996, Boston group Dropkick Murphys have, over the past fifteen years, developed a fierce reputation as both a recording and especially as a live act. Along with the traditional punk influences, such as The Ramones and the New York Dolls, the band are also fiercely proud of both their Boston and Irish hertiages. Lead by lead vocalists Al Barr bassist and Ken Casey, the band’s Anglo-Celtic origins and roots are very much in the mix of their musical style, along with a strong social and political conscience and an unwavering, uncompromising love of and belief in what they do.
Tone Deaf recently spoke to Dropkick Murphys guitarist James Lynch on the eve of their upcoming Australian tour. Considering the band has been going for nearly a quarter of a century, Lynch is still incredibly passionate and enthusiastic about what he does. “This is a dream for me, to be able to make a living off something I truly love”, says Lynch. “The reception from fans old and new is really what makes this all worthwhile.”
The band, on the impending tour of Australia, will be promoting their recent album called Going Out In Style, their seventh full length studio release. This is very much a concept album, as Lynch explains. “I discovered photos and letters from my grandfather, Cornelius. This lead to the band members exploring their ancestry through their music. The idea of an album is that of a wake celebrating the life of a fictional character, Cornelius Larkin.”
The album explores the histories of the band members’ Boston/Irish heritage on both a personal and folklore level. It is definitely the band’s most personal album to date. At the same time, Lynch understands the appeal of the Murphys. “The most important thing is to stay true musically to what works. It’s the classic ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ kind of thing, but at the same time not getting stale or boring.”
The band have a very strong bond with Australia, returning to our shores every chance they get. “Australia reminds me a great deal of Boston,” says Lynch. “I have some very close friends in Australia. It’s also my favourite destination when we tour around the world. Australia is one of those places I would go back to in a heartbeat every chance I get.” Another Australian connection for the band has been their well documented love of AC/DC and the influence that they have had on the Murphys as a band.
Lynch says his love of guitar goes back to his father, who was also a guitar player. “My dad taught me the basics; what I need to know to play guitar. My style was very much inspired by the likes of The Ramones and Johnny Thunders from the New York Dolls. I try not to steal too much or be obvious when I do,” Lynch adds with a laugh, in that rich Boston accent.
What can Australian fans expect when they see the Dropkick Murphys live later this month in Australia? “A big party,” replies Lynch. “Our fans are what truly make this worth it.”
This promisise to be a ferocious and joyous tour from one of the most compelling live acts currently playing around the world.
Tour dates for the October 2011 Dropkick Murphys Australian tour are as follows:
Wednesday 19 October – The Tivoli, Brisbane. Get Tickets
Thursday 20 October – The Enmore Theatre, Sydney. Get Tickets
Friday 21 October – Panthers, Newcastle. Get Tickets
Saturday 22 October – Theabarton Theatre, Adelaide. Get Tickets
Sunday 23 October – Metro City, Perth. Get Tickets
Tuesday 25 October – Forum Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday 26 October – Forum Theatre, Melbourne Get Tickets
