Punk frontman Ken Casey slams Trump onstage — then surprises fans by backing Maine newcomer Graham Platner in his fight against Sen. Susan Collins.
Dropkick Murphys never shy away from mixing politics with punk rock — and this weekend in Boston, frontman Ken Casey made sure the crowd at the Seisiún Irish music festival knew exactly how he feels about President Donald Trump.
During the band’s rain-delayed headlining set on Saturday, Casey laced into Trump with some very colorful language (NSFW, to say the least). But what came next was a twist: he used the moment to endorse a little-known candidate, Graham Platner, who’s taking on Maine’s longtime GOP senator, Susan Collins.
“This guy is ready to f—ing shake things up for the better,” Casey said, introducing Platner to fans as the band launched into their new song, Bury the Bones. He hyped Platner as a Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, calling him a friend and someone America needs in office.
Platner, 40, is running as a Democrat and pitching himself as a fresh, millennial voice ready to take on Trumpism — and even challenge his own party’s establishment when needed. In a Boston Globe opinion piece, columnist Eugene Scott described him as someone eager to bring “fresh air” into politics.
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Casey doubled down onstage, telling fans, “The Democratic Party needs people like him,” before dedicating the song to “all the people that are speaking up.”
The Dropkick Murphys have a history of political statements, often siding with working-class causes and progressive candidates. Their Boston shows are legendary for fiery energy — and Saturday night proved no exception, with Casey blending his trademark raw passion for both music and activism.
While Platner faces a steep uphill battle against Collins, Casey’s endorsement could bring him some buzz, especially among the band’s loyal fanbase in New England. For Platner, being introduced onstage at a Dropkick Murphys show may just be the kind of grassroots attention he needs to kickstart momentum.
One thing’s for sure: the Dropkick Murphys aren’t about to stay silent. And judging by the roaring crowd reaction, neither are their fans.
