For many years, I have been enjoying the raucous music and song of the Dropkick Murphys and so, I was delighted to be able to attend their gig at the O2 in Birmingham. The Murphys (who hail from Boston in the U.S.A.) play what is often referred to as "Celtic Punk;" a combination of punk rock with Irish folk/traditional music and it makes for a great evening of entertainment. We were treated to many of the classics for which the Murphys have been known and I enjoyed singing, swaying and clapping along from my position close to the stage.  Support was provided by Gogol Bordello , a band from the Lower East Side of New York, who played a fascinating combination of punk rock with  traditional Eastern European music and were accompanied for part of the set by Scratch, who added their own sound to the proceedings. 

After the show, it was great to chat to Al Barr (lead vocalist with The Murphys) and I hope that I will have the opportunity to catch the group live again at some stage. I am particularly grateful to my son, Evan, as my ticket was generously provided by him for my Christmas present.  Here's to continued success for the bands on their tours in 2025.