On July 29, 2025, I headed to Oakland, California, to catch a fantastic show at the Fox Theater. The sold out concert featured Dropkick Murphy’s co-headlining with Bad Religion, along with special guests The Mainliners. This event was part of “The Summer of Discontent” tour, and it was electric from the start.
The Mainliners opened the show, and they certainly did not disappoint. With influences ranging from TSOL to D.I. to The Descendents, their performance was filled with energy. They played a shorter set, but their aggressive style kept the audience engaged. The band highlighted that their drummer, Jackson, had written one of the songs, which added to the excitement. They delivered their set with the skill and determination of the bands they admire. Everything from their stage presence to their music suggests that The Mainliners are on the verge of something special.
Follow The Mainliners band members on social media
Cash Mathieu – vocals
Colin Martin – guitar
Adrian Morris – bass
Jackson Fox – drums
No Setlist Available
Bad Religion was up next, and the crowd was fully engaged. As soon as the lights dimmed, the applause filled the air. From the very first note, the pit was in motion, with people outside either joining in or jumping with excitement. They opened with “Recipe of Hate” and closed with “American Jesus”, playing an impressive set of 25 songs without a single complaint from the audience. They could have played twice as long, and everyone would still have left with smiles on their faces.
The hits they performed set the tone for the night. After kicking off with “You Are (the Government)”, “Stuck A Nerve”, and “New Dark Ages”, they continued with powerful anthems like “I Want to Conquer the World”, “Do What You Want”, and “True North”. Each song was filled with rebellion and angst, inspiring the audience to take action. While “21st Century (Digital Boy)” is likely their biggest hit, you couldn’t tell from the crowd’s reaction—every song received enthusiastic applause that vibrated through the venue.
When they started “Infected”, it felt as if they had read everyone’s mind; the energy in the room was electric. As they began “American Jesus”, we knew the set was coming to an end—at least for Bad Religion. It was an outstanding performance delivered to perfection.
Follow Bad Religion band members on social media
Greg Graffin – lead vocals
Jay Bentley – bass, backing vocals
Brian Baker – guitar, backing vocals
Mike Dimkich – guitar
Jamie Miller – drums
Setlist
1). Recipe for Hate
2). Supersonic
3). You Are (the Government)
4). Candidate
5). No Control
6). Struck a Nerve
7). New Dark Ages
8). Modern Man
9). My Sanity
10). Faith Alone
11). I Want to Conquer the World
12). Fuck Armageddon… This is Hell
13). Fields of Mars
14). Do What You Want
15). True North
16). Atomic Garden
17). We’re Only Gonna Die
18). Generator
19). You
20). 21st Century (Digital Boy)
21). Infected
22). Cease
23). Anesthesia
24). Sorrow
25). American Jesus
When the Dropkick Murphys hit the stage, the energy was electric. The crowd erupted in excitement, and the band thrived off the enthusiastic atmosphere. They opened with “Who’ll Stand With Us” after performing Sham 69’s “If the Kids Are United”, and the audience remained hyped throughout the entire set. Everyone was eager to see them, and the band reciprocated that excitement.
As they played “The State of Massachusetts”, the crowd sang along with every word, creating a special connection in the venue. They followed with “Going Out in Style”, which was a treat for fans. One of the highlights was when they dedicated “The Boys Are Back” to a young man celebrating his 10th birthday. The audience loved it.
The band showcased six songs from their new album, *For the People*, and each one was delivered flawlessly, with “Longshot” standing out in particular. They then revisited their first album with the fan-favorite “Barroom Hero”, which earned a hearty round of applause from the crowd.
Next, they performed “Which Side Are You On?”, a song from the 1930s that still resonates today, thanks to their unique interpretation. Following that were “Bury the Bones” and “Out of Our Heads”, both of which were exceptional tracks. They also played “Chesterfields & Aftershave”, a nostalgic nod that felt right at home in the setlist.
The energy ramped up with “Finnigan’s Wake”, a stellar song, which transitioned seamlessly into two more classics: “Caught in A Jar” and “Skinhead on the MBTA”, both performed with incredible energy.
“Streetlights” was next, and the band delivered a fantastic performance. After that, they played three outstanding songs: “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya”, “Citizen CIA”, and “Rose Tattoo”. The penultimate song was “Working Man”, which struck a chord with the crowd as they sang along passionately.
After “Working Man”, instead of leaving the stage, the band huddled briefly and then launched into “I’m Shipping Up to Boston”, a hit from the album *The Warrior’s Code*, which they executed brilliantly.
They closed the night with “The Big Man”, a perfect encore to end the evening on a high note. It was a wonderful concert, and I’m looking forward to seeing them again the next time they come through town.
Follow Dropkick Murphy’s band members on social media
Ken Casey – lead vocals
Matt Kelly – drums
James Lynch – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Tim Brennan – lead guitar, accordion
Jeff DaRosa – banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, rhythm guitar
Kevin Rheault – bass
Setlist
1). If the Kids Are United (Sham 69 song)
2). Who’ll Stand With Us
3). The State of Massachusetts
4). Going Out in Style
5). The Boys Are Back
6). Longshot
7). Barroom Hero
8). Which Side Are You On? (The Almanac Singers cover)
9). Bury the Bones
10). Out of Our Heads
11). Chesterfields & Aftershave
12). Finnegan’s Wake (traditional)
13). Caught in A Jar
14). Skinhead on the MBTA
15). Streetlights
16). Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya
17). Citizen CIA
18). Rose Tattoo
19). Worker’s Song
Encore
20). I’m Shipping Up to Boston
21). The Big Man
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