The sold-out Burton Cummings Theatre was buzzing with energy as Winnipeg welcomed Dropkick Murphys, Pennywise, and The Scratch for the 2024 Fall North American Tour on October 19, 2024. Fans packed into the historic venue, eager for an evening of Celtic punk, hardcore, and plenty of singalongs. This lineup promised high energy, and it delivered in full force from The Scratch’s witty Irish charm to Pennywise’s defiant punk anthems to Dropkick Murphys’ raw energy, it was an unforgettable night of unity, rebellion, and unstoppable energy in Winnipeg.
The Scratch. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
The night kicked off with the Irish acoustic punk band The Scratch, who instantly charmed the audience with their unique blend of folk storytelling and raucous humour. Opening with "Cheeky Bastard," the Dublin natives brought the house down with their infectious, rebellious spirit. By the time they reached "Latchico" and a spirited cover of The Pogues’ "Sally MacLennane," the crowd was fully on board, clapping along and shouting lyrics. "McAlpine’s Fusiliers," a cover of Dominic Behan’s classic, was a definite crowd favourite, channelling the working-class resilience and Irish pride that set the night’s tone perfectly.
Pennywise. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Pennywise took the stage next, immediately diving into "Peaceful Day," and didn’t let up for their entire set. Every song was a crowd-pleaser, from "My Own Country" to "Fuck Authority," igniting a mosh pit that never slowed down. The raw punk attitude of "Society" and "You'll Never Make It" was balanced by a fun, unexpected NOFX medley that saw the band perform "Bob," "Kill All the White Man," and "The Brews," that brought fans back to the 90s SoCal punk scene. They capped off their set with "Bro Hymn," with everyone chanting along in unison, turning the theatre into a sea of voices and raised fists.
Dropkick Murphys. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
As the headliners, Dropkick Murphys brought an electrifying energy that could only be matched by their legendary Celtic-punk catalogue. They kicked things off with "Cadence to Arms" before launching straight into "The Boys Are Back," sending the crowd into an instant frenzy. Tracks like "The State of Massachusetts" and "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya" showcased their powerful blend of punk and traditional Irish instrumentation, with the audience belting every single word back to the band. The fans showed unwavering love during songs like "Rose Tattoo" and "Barroom Hero," while "The Fields of Athenry" added a moment of emotional unity.
The encore was the cherry on top, as they returned to the stage with "I'm Shipping Up to Boston," sparking an explosive response and a full-blown singalong that echoed throughout the entire Burton Cummings Theatre. They closed out their massive twenty-four-song set with "Worker's Song," a fitting anthem to end a night dedicated to the spirit of the working class, camaraderie, and the power of punk rock.