Dropkick Murphys was originally formed in 1996 in Quincy , Massachusetts , initially consisting of lead vocalist Mike McColgan , bassist/vocalist Ken Casey , guitarist Rick Barton , and drummer Jeff Erna ( who would be replaced in the next year by Matt Kelly ) .
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 .