Dropkick Murphys • Pennywise • October 9, 2024 • The Union
Reviewed and Photographed by Marlo Matamoros
Dropkick Murphys performed at The Union Event Center on October 9, 2024. The American Celtic punk band brought Pennywise and The Scratch with them to join the show. Dropkick Murphys formed in the 90s and has incorporated traditional Irish folk into their sound. Dropkick Murphys formed in Boston and has had major success throughout the years including having their song “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” featured in the Oscar-winning film The Departed. American punk band Pennywise also have had their share of success. The members of the band all attended the same high school and got their name after Stephen King’s novel.
The Scratch
When I arrived at The Union Event Center the first thing I noticed was the merchandise that everyone was wearing. I noticed when walking into the venue was the long merchandise line that wouldn’t die down until after Pennywise hit the stage. The Scratch from Ireland started the event and brought the energy into the venue as it began to fill up. They would shout out Salt Lake City throughout their set and mention how it was a dream come true to travel the states and perform. Their sound was unique and left me wanting to hear more.
Pennywise
By the time Pennywise hit the stage the venue was a packed house, and the crowd was ready to cheer on. As I took photographs from the pit there was a lot of security surrounding the front of the stage ready to carry people out of the pit. The band mentioned how they were glad to be back in Salt Lake City and lead vocalist Jim Lindberg told a story on how his wife’s family is from Utah. Their set was full of energy and contained drinks being thrown in the air. The crowd knew and sang every lyric. One of my favorite performances from Pennywise was when they performed “Stand By Me” which was released in the 90s. The crowd was loud and had their hands in the air during the whole song.
Dropkick Murphys
The entrance for Dropkick Murphys included the sound of the bagpipe which added to the anticipation. Again, the crowd knew every lyric as Dropkick Murphys opened with “The Boys Are Back”. Ken Casey was interactive with the crowd running back and forth on the stage and taking the microphone into the crowd. Their stage setup included an extension of the stage which would put them closer to the crowd.
The energy of the concert never died down. Both fans and the band went all out throughout the entire show. Songs like, “Sirens” and “Good As Gold” seemed to go over really well with the capacity crowd. This style of music has a way of stirring something in a person to where they can’t contain their passion for the songs. Kilts and Hooligan hats could be seen in every direction. The Union was a great place to be.
I didn’t think The Union Events Center could be any more electric, but when the Dropkick Murphys returned to the stage for their encore and performed “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” the crowd was at another level. This is one of the best songs you could hear live.
Dropkick Murphys had great energy and met all expectations. A standout to me was seeing their passionate and loyal fanbase singing to every lyric and filling up their merchandise line.
