LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: NOFX, Dropkick Murphys in Brockton, MA (09.01.24)
This year’s Punk in Drublic Craft Beer & Music Festival took place at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, MA and was a 2-day event which had previously taken place in Worcester. This was a riotous celebration of punk rock, culminating in a spectacular farewell performance by NOFX, who is calling it quits after 40 years as a band. With Dropkick Murphys kicking off the night, the event was a potent blend of nostalgia, energy, and raw punk ethos. I had never seen NOFX live, so I figured this was my chance, now or never. Located on the south shore about 40 min from Boston, this was a full day affair featuring beer tasting from 12-3pm followed by 7 artists hand selected by NOFX, before headlining the end of the night. I am reviewing night 2, which featured Dropkick Murphys, Lagwagon, The Flatliners, Teenage Bottlerocket, Catbite, From From Finished, and Colin of Arabia. I had missed most of the opening acts but made sure to catch the marquee names.
Dropkick Murphys took the stage with a fiery intensity that set the tone for the evening. Opening with “Barroom Hero,” they immediately ignited the crowd, their Celtic punk anthems reverberating through the stadium. Outside of stopping after the first song to speak to the crowd with Fat Mike about the weight of this event, the band’s energy was relentless as they tore through “Boys on the Docks” and “The State of Massachusetts,” each song met with cheers and sing-alongs from an eager audience. The inclusion of “Sirens,” a new, unreleased single, was a highlight, showcasing the band’s knack for blending classic punk sounds with fresh elements. Special guest Colin of Arabia joined them for “Caps and Bottles,” adding a touch of surprise to their set. The cover of “Which Side Are You On?” was a nod to punk’s historical roots, and “Skinhead on the MBTA” brought a nostalgic roar from longtime fans. Their setlist flowed seamlessly, from the driving rhythms of “Rose Tattoo” to the powerful “Worker’s Song.” Dropkick Murphys proved once again why they’re one of the genre’s most enduring acts and a hometown favorite.
As the sun set, NOFX took the stage for what would be an electrifying and emotional farewell. A quote featured on the event website from Fat Mike said, “We’ve played over 2000 shows in 33 countries, in more than 300 cities and darn it…we’re a bit tired. One thing I know in my heart…this is going to be the most emotional, heartbreaking, greatest tour of our career. I’ve never been so excited and at the same time terrified. Mostly excited…” Opening with a powerful rendition of “Dinosaurs Will Die,” complete with an AC/DC “Riff Raff” intro, the band immediately captured the crowd’s attention. The setlist was a high energy fun romp through NOFX’s career, balancing crowd-pleasers with deep cuts. The first half of their set was a whirlwind, with “Stickin’ in My Eye” and “Murder the Government” showcasing their signature blend of humor and political commentary. “Falling in Love” and “The Brews” were met with a lot of enthusiastic crowd cheers, while “Quart in Session” served up a mashup of Franco Un-American lyrics, a testament to their playful punk whimsy. The highlight of their performance was undoubtedly “The Decline,” a sprawling epic that closed the night with a powerful statement. But the set wasn’t all serious; “I Love You More Than I Hate Me” and “Drugs Are Good” provided plenty of the band’s characteristic irreverence. The inclusion of “Amoeba,” with its altered lyrics, was a nod to their longtime fans, and “Green Corn” offered a raw, energetic burst.
The encore was a heartfelt conclusion to their career, featuring “Timmy the Turtle,” “We Called It America,” and “Johnny Appleseed,” each song resonating with the crowd’s mixed emotions. “Reeko” and “I’m So Sorry Tony” added a touch of the band’s signature humor, while “The Decline” brought the evening to a monumental close. It was amazing to include so many songs in this set, but keep in mind, most barely broke the 2 minute barrier.
As a whole, the Punk in Drublic Festival was a fitting tribute to punk rock’s rich legacy. Dropkick Murphys set the stage with their signature Boston Irish sound, while NOFX delivered a bittersweet farewell that left fans both elated and melancholic. As the final notes of “The Decline” faded, it was clear that NOFX’s impact on punk rock was profound and enduring. The night was a powerful reminder of punk’s vibrant, rebellious spirit and a fitting send-off for one of its most influential bands.
Photos – NOFX, Dropkick Murphys at Punk in Drublic Festival in Brockton, MA on September 1st:
