Dropkick Murphys performing during the For the People… In the Pit St. Patrick’s Day Tour at the ACL Live Moody Theater in Austin, Texas on February 19, 2026, with Ken Casey, Tim Brennan, Jeff DaRosa, Matt Kelly, James Lynch, and Kevin Rheault. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Dropkick Murphys Bring Celtic Punk Thunder to ACL Live
When the lights dimmed and the first roar of guitars cut through the smoky air at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, it was clear this was no ordinary Thursday night show. Dropkick Murphys arrived in Austin as part of their For the People In the Pit St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Tour, a run designed to bring their signature blend of Celtic punk and rock energy to clubs and theaters across the country. Known for their ability to turn every venue into a shared celebration, the band lived up to that reputation from the moment they hit the stage.
The crowd was electric, a mix of longtime fans and newcomers drawn by tales of raucous singalongs and relentless intensity. The Moody Theater, a space beloved for its acoustics and sightlines, was filled with bodies moving together, voices rising in unison, and the unmistakable feeling that Dropkick Murphys are a communal experience as much as they are a band. Their performance in Austin felt like the unofficial kickoff to the Irish holiday season, a night of sweat, shouting, and collective release.
Opening support acts set the tone early. The Aggrolites brought a soulful groove with their “dirty reggae” style that had fans swaying and dancing well before the Murphys took the stage. Haywire and Slugger added their own edge, pushing forward punk and hardcore influences that ensured the energy stayed high from first note to last. By the time Dropkick Murphys hit the stage, the floor was already a boiling sea of motion and anticipation.
Once the band launched into their set, there was no letup. The performance felt like a master class in how to harness raw musical force and direct it into connection. Lead vocals rode over blazing guitars, bagpipes wove through the sound, and the entire ensemble embraced the gritty spirit that has defined their career. The pacing was relentless yet welcoming, with bruising anthems turning into singalongs that had the entire room shouting back in rhythm.
The setlist drew from a broad span of the band’s catalog, mixing classic favorites with newer material from their recent expanded edition album For the People. Songs like “The State of Massachusetts,” “Rose Tattoo,” and the inevitable high energy blast of “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” felt like singular rituals of release. Fans clad in jerseys, kilts, and band tees answered every call and response, turning each chorus into a shared pledge of defiance and joy.
What set this performance apart was not just the music but the palpable sense of community. At moments the band paused to acknowledge the crowd, thanking Austin fans for showing up and creating an atmosphere that transcended just a typical rock show, a shared space where sweat, voice, and heartbeat merged into something communal and joyous.
Despite the Celtic punk thunder and aggressive pacing, there were quiet moments of connection woven throughout. Dropkick Murphys used the energy of the pit and the intimacy of the venue to shift between riotous celebration and heartfelt reflection, proving once again why they remain such a powerful live act. The show was cathartic from start to finish, a blend of working class grit, melodic momentum, and unfiltered punk spirit that refused to let the night end quietly.
By the time the final chords faded and the lights rose, it was clear this had been more than just a concert. It was a shared experience, a rally of voices celebrating a band that has spent decades building its legend on connection, sweat, and fidelity to the stage. Dropkick Murphys at ACL Live delivered exactly what fans had come for: a night of unrelenting energy, unison singing, and that rare feeling of having lived something truly memorable.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at the ACL Live Moody Theater
Monstah! Thirty years and DKM are still rockin' it with that blue collar working man's brand of rock often imitated but never duplicated. This is generational music, evidenced by the crowd at the show. There were graybeards and school kids, and maybe even a pre-schooler or two representing everybody from Boomers to Gen Alphas, without fear or favor. And they all got their money's worth. The Murphs still bring that contagious energy they've always had, and the only thing I didn't like about this show was that it was over way too soon!
Great band and performance, couldn’t have had a better time!
If you want a good concert experience the dropkick Murphy show will not disappoint. They had three openings acts so bands you might not hear if you don't know them. Every time I see DKM I find an opening act I want to see again. Then when DKM gets on stage they bring the love start to finish. Mixing in classic up to recent songs. Really it's just a great way to spend a night.
Dropkick Murphys are a band everyone needs to see live. They are killer, Ken and his political rants make the crowd cheer, and it's a fun atmosphere! It was a sold-out show and the merch line was out the door all the way across the back of the smoker's patio! We will see them every time we can!
Dropick's show was epic as always. Venue was great, merch line was insane, but that happens.
Great line up. Great venue. The opening bands, who were all really good, did their work to warm up the crowd who was ready to sing along and completely embrace the vibe the Murphs were puttin' out that night. Can't wait until they come back!
- Deeds Not Words
- The State of Massachusetts
- The Gang's All Here
- The Boys Are Back
- Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya
- Gonna Be a Blackout Tonight
- James Connolly
- God Willing
- Caught in a Jar
- Boys on the Docks
- Never Alone
- Sirens
- Who'll Stand With Us?
- School Days Over
- The Green Fields of France
- Barroom Hero
- Citizen C.I.A.
- The Bonny
- Finnegan's Wake
- Rose Tattoo
- Out of Our Heads
- Worker's Song
- I'm Shipping Up to Boston
- The Big Man
Dropkick Murphys was the main act at the ACL Live Moody Theater with guests The Aggrolites, Haywire, and Slugger. They continue across the United States and Europe with the last stop at the Highfield Festival in Leipzig, Germany on August 14 - 16, 2026.
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