Boston’s own Dropkick Murphys have unveiled plans for their new album, For the People, scheduled for release on July 4th. Alongside the announcement, the band has debuted a politically charged lead single, “Who’ll Stand With Us?,” now available for streaming.
The track is characterized by its intense punk energy, prominent bagpipes, and powerful vocals that proclaim, “We’ve been robbed of our freedom.” This serves as a direct call to action, reflecting singer Ken Casey‘s recent statements about the ongoing “class war” in America.
According to a press release, “Who’ll Stand With Us?” is “a call for unity, a return to sanity, and a look at what – and who – is really dividing us. It gets straight to the point: When the billionaires and broligarchs get done neutering society, what’s left for the rest of us? The song aims to frame class warfare for what it is. And, like all Dropkick Murphys songs, it empowers listeners to take action.”
Casey elaborated on the album’s core themes, emphasizing the band’s consistent message. “We’ve always had the same message and haven’t been afraid to speak out about what’s important to us,” he stated. “But for me now, I think about my kids’ future, and the next generation. That could be anything from speaking out against injustices, or just simply making sure you take the time to tell the people close to you how important they are to you.”
The upcoming LP features several notable collaborations. The album concludes with “One Last Goodbye,” a tribute to the late Pogues singer Shane MacGowan, which includes a guest appearance by The Scratch. Longtime Dropkick Murphys co-vocalist Al Barr, currently on leave for family matters, is featured on “The Vultures Circle High.”
Casey confirmed Barr’s continued connection to the band: “Al is still taking time off for family, but he’s still part of our family, so we thought it would be nice to have his voice on this record.” Other guest artists on the album include Billy Bragg and The Mary Wallopers.
Dropkick Murphys are scheduled to perform at the “Unite for Veterans, Unite for America” rally this Friday, June 6th, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. In July, they will also embark on a co-headlining US tour with Bad Religion.
The full tracklist for For the People is as follows:
- “Who’ll Stand With Us?”
- “Longshot” (feat. The Scratch)
- “The Big Man”
- “Chesterfields and Aftershave”
- “Bury The Bones” (feat. The Mary Wallopers)
- “Kids Games”
- “Sooner Kill ‘Em First”
- “Fiending For The Lies”
- “Streetlights”
- “School Days Over” (feat. Billy Bragg)
- “The Vultures Circle High” (feat. Al Barr)
- “One Last Goodbye” (Tribute to Shane) (feat. The Scratch)
Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion 2025 Tour Dates:
07/22 – Spokane, WA @ BECU Live at Northern Quest *
07/23 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater *
07/24 – Tacoma, WA @ Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park *
07/26 – Reno, NV @ Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort *
07/29 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater *
07/30 – Sacramento, CA @ The Backyard *
08/01 – Pocatello, ID @ Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre *
08/02 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union *
08/04 – Kansas City, MO @ Grinders *
08/05 – Indianapolis, IN @ Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park *
08/06 – Buffalo, NY @ Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B *
08/10 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion *
08/13 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage *
08/15 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino *
08/16 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion *
08/17 – Big Flats, NY @ Mich Ultra SummerStage at Tags *
- = w/ The Mainliners
