Ken Casey discusses punk rock, politics, and upcoming Dropkick Murphys album
Dropkick Murphys lead singer Ken Casey recently shared his insights on the band’s new album, “For The People,” as well as their increasing involvement in political activism. Casey mentioned how he would prefer to avoid controversy, but his punk rock roots and the band’s history of activism have brought them to this point of speaking out against the Trump administration.
Since Trump’s reelection, Dropkick Murphys have used their music and platform to address social and political issues. Their participation in protests and calling out fans wearing MAGA gear demonstrates their commitment to speaking out. The new album, “For The People,” set to release on July Fourth, is described as a response to injustices in the United States. Casey stated that some songs were written anticipating the current political climate, while others directly address current events.
The band’s vocalist expressed his surprise at the level of cruelty and mismanagement in the country, emphasizing the need for unity among regular people instead of fighting amongst themselves. He highlighted the album’s focus on societal divisions orchestrated by the powerful elite, leaving ordinary citizens vulnerable. Casey’s concern about the country’s division and potential rise in authoritarianism underlines the urgency of the band’s message in their music.
The first single from the upcoming album, “Who’ll Stand With Us?,” delves into the issues of missing persons and people disappearing from their workplaces. Originally intended as a metaphor for broader social problems, the song’s relevance increased with the rise of ICE raids across the country. Casey noted the significance of the visual imagery in the music video, showcasing the reality of vulnerable groups facing threats.
Despite the serious themes in the album, there are tracks that reflect better times as well. The record features a special appearance from Dropkick Murphys singer Al Barr, who returned to collaborate on a song after a hiatus. Casey shared his excitement about the vocal dynamic between him and Barr on the track and reflected on the band’s collaboration with the late Shane MacGowan of The Pogues on a tribute song. Casey’s personal connection to MacGowan’s music and their shared roots in punk rock and Irish heritage added depth to the collaboration.
As Dropkick Murphys continue to use their music as a platform for social commentary, their new album showcases a mix of powerful messages and nostalgic reflections. With a blend of timely and timeless themes, the band is poised to make a bold statement with “For The People” while honoring their roots in punk rock and activism.