Dropkick Murphys Weather the Storm in Asbury Park

Written By Melissa Lawlor

The skies over Asbury Park were dark and threatening as punk legends Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion were set to take the stage at the iconic Stone Pony Summer Stage. With a storm rolling in fast, Bad Religion’s set was pushed up—a change that, unfortunately, meant I missed them entirely. By the time I arrived, the crowd was already being evacuated due to nearby lightning. It wasn’t just a drizzle—thunder cracked overhead, and a torrential downpour soaked the boardwalk.

Safety comes first at outdoor shows, and this one proved why. Fans huddled under any cover they could find while we waited out the weather. Over an hour passed in a tense, soggy limbo until, finally, an announcement: doors would reopen at 8:30 p.m.

As the gates swung back open, fans rushed in through a persistent mist. The stage crew sprang into action—wiping down gear, laying towels, and prepping the space to make it as safe as possible. Despite the setbacks, Dropkick Murphys hit the stage just before 9:00, and the crowd exploded with energy like the storm had never happened.

Led by Ken Casey, the band ripped through a storm-defying set full of both classics and new material. Staples like “Good Rats,” “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya,” and “Rose Tattoo” kept the crowd roaring, fists pumping in the rain. Newer songs like “Who’ll Stand With Us?” and “The Big Man” were met with equal enthusiasm. A standout moment came late in the set with a nod to Jersey legend Bruce Springsteen—a cover of “American Land” that felt right at home on the wet, windswept Jersey Shore.

Thanks to a curfew extension from 10:00 to 10:30 p.m., Dropkick Murphys were able to deliver a full, fiery set—one that didn’t just survive the weather, but triumphed in spite of it. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a testament to the power of live music, fan loyalty, and a band that refuses to be rained out.

Melissa Lawlor

I was born and raised in New Brunswick, NJ surrounded by creativity and the arts. My parents always loved listening to music, so I was exposed to an array of genres from an early age. As my own tastes developed, I found myself drawn to performers who weren’t so mainstream. It was during college, while studying art and photography, that I embraced the punk scene and spent most of my free time “going to shows.” Whether it was in a local VFW Hall, a small club in the tri-state area, or somewhere on Rutgers campus, I was usually there with a camera. I became involved with local bands, working on photo shoots and designing artwork for them. After receiving my BFA in graphic design, I moved in the direction of publishing while always keeping an interest in photography. I currently live in Freehold, NJ and although concert photography still remains my favorite, I also like to incorporate portrait and wildlife work as well. Asbury Park has practically become a second home to me, and to this day you’ll still find me, whether working or in the audience, 'going to shows.’ 

https://www.facebook.com/MLPNY/
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