The Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, OH, became a raucous haven of Celtic punk on a night filled with high-energy performances, camaraderie, and a crowd that was ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend the best way possible—through music, moshing, and plenty of Guinness-fueled singalongs. The Dropkick Murphys, along with support from The Menzingers and Teenage Bottlerocket, delivered an unforgettable show that had the entire venue engaged from the first chord to the final chant.
Opening the night was the fast-paced punk rock energy of Teenage Bottlerocket. The Wyoming-based punk outfit wasted no time in getting the crowd fired up, unleashing a tight and furious set filled with their signature blend of humor, speed, and infectious melodies.
Set highlights included fan favorites like "Necrocomicon", "Bigger Than Kiss", and the anthemic "Skate or Die." Their relentless energy and tongue-in-cheek attitude kept the crowd bouncing, setting the perfect foundation for the rest of the night.
As direct support, The Menzingers took the stage next and immediately connected with the audience through their blend of heartfelt lyrics and anthemic punk rock. The crowd erupted as they opened with "I Don’t Wanna Be An Asshole Anymore," a staple in their catalog. Songs like "Good Things," "Anna," and "After the Party" resonated with fans, with passionate singalongs heard throughout the venue.
The band’s ability to mix introspective storytelling with raw energy created an electric atmosphere, solidifying them as one of the most consistent live acts in modern punk. By the time they closed their set with "Lookers," the crowd was fully warmed up and ready for the main event.
As soon as the lights dimmed and the opening notes of "Captain Kelly’s Kitchen" rang out, the energy inside the venue reached a fever pitch. The Dropkick Murphys stormed the stage, delivering a performance filled with their trademark blend of punk aggression and Celtic folk instrumentation.
The band powered through a 23-song setlist that spanned their entire career, mixing old classics with newer material. From the anthemic "The Boys Are Back" to the rousing "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya," every song had the crowd singing at the top of their lungs.
A particularly special moment came with their rendition of "The Bonny" (a Gerry Cinnamon cover), which saw a sea of arms raised in unison, swaying to the heartfelt tune. The band also paid tribute to their folk-punk roots with a powerful cover of "Which Side Are You On?"
The set reached its peak with "Rose Tattoo," "The State of Massachusetts," and "I'm Shipping Up to Boston"—each song sending the crowd into a frenzy of movement, fists in the air, and circle pits forming throughout the floor.
For the encore, they closed the night with the working-class anthem "Worker’s Song," a perfect send-off to a night filled with unity, rebellion, and pure punk rock spirit.
The Dropkick Murphys' "St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration 2025 Tour" was nothing short of spectacular. Every band brought their A-game, and the energy in the Andrew J Brady Music Center was electric from start to finish. Teenage Bottlerocket’s breakneck punk, The Menzingers’ heartfelt anthems, and Dropkick Murphys’ Celtic-punk chaos combined for an unforgettable evening.
For those who attended, it was a night of camaraderie, sweat, and beer-soaked singalongs. For those who missed it—don’t make that mistake again next time. Sláinte!