Dropkick Murphys are an
American Celtic punk band formed in
Quincy,
Massachusetts in
1996. The band was initially signed to independent punk record label
Hellcat Records, releasing five albums for the label, and making a name for themselves locally through constant touring and yearly
St. Patrick's Day week shows, held in and around
Boston. The 2004 single "
Tessie" became the band's first mainstream hit and one of their biggest charting singles to date. The band's final Hellcat release, 2005's
The Warrior's Code, included the song "
I'm Shipping Up to Boston"; the song was featured in the 2006
Academy Award-winning movie
The Departed, and went on to become the band's only Platinum-selling single to date, and remains one of their best-known songs. The band is known for their loud, energetic live shows.