Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys: Fighting for the ‘True American’ Bad Bunny

## A Legacy of Resistance in Massachusetts

Massachusetts boasts a long tradition of standing up against tyranny and excessive governance, with the **Dropkick Murphys** playing a key role in Boston’s history of defiance since the 1990s. The band’s frontman, **Ken Casey**, has become an outspoken critic of Donald Trump’s policies, calling on fellow punk artists and musicians to “never take shit from a bully” and to “stand up and push back” against the administration.

### Advocating for Workers’ Rights

Casey emphasizes the importance of workers’ rights, lamenting that Trump consistently prioritizes the elite over the working class. He shares, “It’s our duty to speak out on behalf of regular people, punk rock, and America as a whole.” His campaign to rally punk musicians is being launched in collaboration with **Home of the Brave**, a nonprofit created by former Republicans to highlight the adverse effects of Trump’s agenda.

### A Call to Action

The partnership sees Casey stepping into an advisory role within Home of the Brave, where he will share videos addressing activism and a call to action. He questions, “If we’ve been vocal during less severe times, why wouldn’t we amplify our activism now, with the stakes higher than ever?”

### Sharing Real Stories

In his work with Home of the Brave, Casey appreciates the platform it provides for individuals to share their experiences. “Too many Americans depend on narratives that may not reflect reality; nothing tells the story better than real voices,” he explains.

As the year progressed, Casey and the **Dropkick Murphys** became increasingly vocal against the president. They dedicated their single “First Class Loser” to Trump during a performance at the Warped Tour, criticizing his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein. In another instance, they confronted a fan waving a MAGA hat for interrupting their set and emphasized their commitment to speaking out against divisive rhetoric.

### Dismissing Divisiveness

“This is America; we have no kings here,” Casey told the disruptive fan. He reflects on their legacy of activism, asserting that the band has been “playing music for the people” for three decades. Casey believes it is crucial to speak truth to power, especially in a time when divisiveness is at an all-time high.

### Reactions from the Music Community

While Trump has yet to respond directly to the Dropkick Murphys, other artists critical of his administration have faced backlash. Trump threatened to investigate Bruce Springsteen after his endorsement of former Vice President Kamala Harris, and he suggested Beyoncé be prosecuted over unfounded claims regarding her endorsements.

### Cultural Backlash and Support for Other Artists

The administration’s reaction to cultural figures continues to stir controversy, notably the backlash over Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance. Casey shared his admiration for Bad Bunny’s activism and remarked on how the administration aims to control narratives.

“It’s crucial to get involved now, or you might lose your chance to make a difference down the line,” Casey warns. He stresses that complacency may seem unharmful initially, but could have far-reaching consequences.

Are you ready to stand up and be part of the conversation?