'You've given us all a lot of hope': Dropkick Murphys play outdoor Abolish ICE benefit

Dropkick Murphys dropped into the Twin Cities on Friday to play a free outdoor concert across the street from the Alex Pretti memorial before the band's sold-out concert at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul.

More than a thousand fans turned up despite a light drizzle — nice weather for Minnesota in March — for a seven-hour "Abolish ICE" benefit show that raised funds for several Twin Cities organizations, including a rent relief fund, the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and Show Up for Eat Street.

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Following performances that included the Twin Cities-based Irish band Wild Colonial Bhoys and a surprise appearance from comedian Kathy Griffin, the Bostonian band took the stage for an acoustic performance that wasn't short of energy and political fury for its lack of distortion, bass, and drums.

"We cannot thank you enough for all you've done on behalf of freedom and democracy in America," singer Ken Casey said, opening the show. "I know you're defending your own spot, but you've done a lot more than just defend your own neighborhood. You've given us all a lot of hope and spirit.

"To be standing here across the street from Alex's memorial is something I feel like every American should have to come witness with their own eyes."

The band opened up with the working class solidarity anthem "Who'll Stand With Us?," filling the almost hour-long set with a mix of fan favorites — "Rose Tattoo," "Worker's Song" — as well as new songs before closing out with "I'm Shipping Up to Boston."

This story was originally published by Bring Me The News on Mar 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Lifestyle section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.