Ken Casey co-founded the Dropkick Murphys in Quincy in 1996. Named after John “Dropkick” Murphy, a local professional wrestler who operated a rehabilitation facility, the band forged a signature sound that combines punk rock, Irish traditional music, and a uniquely Boston-centric view of the world. In 2004, the band’s song “Tessie” became an anthem for the World Champion Red Sox, and the Dropkicks’ ties to the team continue to bring their music to a wider audience.
Casey wrote the 2005 platinum single, “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” after delving into the archives of American folk singer Woody Guthrie. The band released two albums based on Guthrie material, This Machine Still Kills Fascists (2022) and Okemah Rising (2023), reimagining the folk singer’s work songs as urgent calls for justice today. The band’s Claddagh Fund has raised more than $20M since its inception and supports community-based non-profits, with a focus on programs that support children, veterans’ organizations and alcohol and drug rehabilitation.
