Dropkick Murphys have made a surprise appearance at New England's most popular music festival.

The Irish American Celtic punk band, who formed in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1996, performed a rocking set in front of hundreds of music lovers at Boston Calling Music Festival on Friday, May 26, unbeknownst to many attendees.

The legendary group, who is behind the hit song "I'm Shipping Up To Boston", made the last-minute announcement that they would entertain crowds before headliners Foo Fighters due to an illness within the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

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In place of the 'Heads Will Roll' chanters, the festival added the city's own beloved ensemble to the lineup at the Harvard Athletic Complex in the Allston neighborhood, much to the delight of fans.

Jennifer Sargent wrote: "I’m disappointed we don’t get to see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I hope they are feeling better soon. But well done on replacing them at the last second with another great band!"

Tammy Miller seconded: "The Dropkick Murphys are awesome!" while Robert Armacost commented: "Dropkicks will be great."

Rebekah Lyn added: "Why am I not on a flight to Boston?!"

The band, which is currently made of Ken Casey, Matt Kelly, Al Barr, James Lynch, Tim Brennan, and Jeff DaRosa, posted a series of clips to Instagram belting out 'The Boys Are Back' while revelers danced and sang along in the sun.

A giant, green shamrock hung proudly center stage and crowds got up close and personal with Ken Casey, the band's only constant member, as he got sweaty in amongst the crowds during one of the tunes.

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Saturday's headliners are The Lumineers and Alanis Morrissette, and Sunday's headliners are Paramore and Queens of the Stoneage. Other well-known artists include Maren Morris, Niall Horan, The Flaming Lips, and Bleachers.

Dropkick Murphys are on a US and Europe tour until October which will see them visit Atlantic City, New Jersey, Buffalo, New York, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

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