By Marisa Dawson
The Dropkick Murphys delivered a high-energy, sold-out performance at The Admiral in Omaha on Thursday, February 26 as part of their “For the People…In the Pit St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Tour.” The intimate venue was packed beyond capacity—attendees described it as more full than ever before—with fans shoulder-to-shoulder, creating an electric atmosphere of camaraderie and chaos that perfectly embodied the band’s working-class punk spirit.
The night featured three strong openers, building momentum toward the headliners. First up was Slugger, a California-based punk outfit known for their raw, anti-fascist street-level rock ‘n’ roll. The band, which self-describes as delivering high-speed, stripped-down aggression with classic West Coast punk influences, kicked off the evening with urgency and directness. Their set featured anthems calling out social injustices, resonating with the tour’s themes of unity and resistance.
Next came Haywire 617, the Boston hardcore punk band that brought both intensity and humor to the stage. Frontman Austin Sparkman and the crew kept the energy high, frequently engaging the crowd with heartfelt moments. They shouted out “love you guys” to the audience and encouraged fans to “find your friend, tell them that you love them, give them a hug!”—prompting a wave of hugs and positive vibes throughout the packed house. A highlight was their performance of the title track from their new collaborative record with Dropkick Murphys, “New England Forever,” a fired-up hometown pride anthem born from the split release. The collaboration highlights the shared New England roots and mutual respect between the bands, with Haywire’s sharp hooks and chant-ready energy fitting seamlessly into the night’s punk celebration.
Los Angeles reggae/ska veterans The Aggrolites provided a refreshing change of pace, infusing the bill with upbeat, groove-heavy rhythms and undeniable variety. Known for their authentic reggae sound and lively stage presence, the band moved energetically across the stage, ensuring no bad seat in the house during their intimate set. They had the crowd singing along enthusiastically, even tossing in fun covers like “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” to keep spirits soaring. Their engaging, feel-good performance offered a perfect breather while maintaining momentum ahead of the headliners.
When Dropkick Murphys finally took the stage—comprised of Ken Casey (lead vocals), Tim Brennan (guitars, tin whistle, accordion, piano, vocals), Jeff DaRosa (guitars, banjo, mandolin, vocals), Matt Kelly (drums, percussion, vocals), James Lynch (guitars, vocals), Kevin Rheault (bass), and Campbell Webster (bagpipes and Uilleann pipes)—the room erupted. Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, the Boston Celtic punk legends expressed deep gratitude, with Casey thanking the crowd “from the bottoms of our hearts.” He rallied fans with calls like “who wants to act a fool, let’s pick up the pace!” and “let’s all get connected, put your arms around your neighbors, doesn’t matter if ya know ‘em!”—turning the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd into a unified mass of singers, dancers, and mosh pits.
The set drew heavily from their ethos of speaking out against injustice, tying into their latest album For The People (released amid their return to full-volume punk roots after acclaimed acoustic Woody Guthrie collaborations). The record symbolizes renewal and courage in the face of division, class warfare, and grief—evoking the black rose’s dual meaning of mourning and new beginnings. Tracks and themes empowered the audience to stand together, reflecting the band’s long-standing commitment to workers’ rights and human dignity. The performance blended high-octane anthems, crowd sing-alongs, joking banter, and raw emotion, leaving fans exhilarated.
This Omaha stop on the tour, part of a run featuring strong support acts and a new DKM/Haywire split LP available at shows, proved once again why Dropkick Murphys remain a force: their music isn’t just heard; it’s lived, with fans walking away feeling more connected and ready to stand up for what’s right.
