The band started in 1996 in Quincy, Massachusetts and was made up of lead vocalist Mike McColgan, bassist/vocalist Ken Casey, guitarist Rick Barton, and drummer Jeff Erna. Erna was later replaced the next year by Matt Kelly. The band is named after professional wrestler Dr. John "Dropkick" Murphy. The band first started playing in the basement of a friend's barbershop and soon began to tour and record music. The band's first big break was when the were selected by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones to be the opening act for their 1997 tour in support of "Let's Face It".