Band finish gig on street outside O2 Academy after turning up late due to 'cancelled flights'

Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys played an acoustic set to crowds of fans in the street after turning up late to the show because of "cancelled flights". The Irish-American group are understood to have turned up to Liverpool's O2 Academy at around 11pm because of travel disruption from Dublin.

Ahead of last night's show, Dropkick Murphys posted on its official Facebook page: "We had multiple flights to Liverpool cancel (sic) today. We think we've found a solution and we're moving the show schedule back to give us time to get there."

The band, best known for its song "I'm shipping up to Boston" used in the Martin Scorsese film The Departed, updated the show times with doors opening at 7pm, music from 8.30pm and the show finishing at midnight.

But dozens of fans apparently waiting inside the venue responded to the social media post questioning if the band was going to arrive. One said it was "sweltering" inside the venue and claimed people were left without any updates. Another alleged there was a lack of communication from both the band and the venue.

The ECHO understands the band arrived by 11.10pm and were on stage by 11.30pm. We also understand the venue extended the curfew slightly to allow for the band to perform past the 12am cut-off.

Videos shared by fans and the band itself showed that following the closure of the venue, by the Lord Nelson Street entrance to Liverpool Lime Street, crowds gathered to listen to an acoustic set before they were dispersed.

Disappointed fans have continued to respond to the Dropkick Murphys' social media post, particularly asking if refunds will be offered given a number of the crowd had to leave to take public transport before the band had even arrived.

The ECHO has approached both Dropkick Murphys and the Academy Music Group for comment. At the time of publication we had not received a response from either.

Richard Kinsella said: "I know the band would have loved to have played a full gig last night and things happen beyond their control. However, Dropkick Murphys, an hour medley at gone 11pm doesn't constitute a concert. Especially when folks have travelled from far and wide, booking travel, accommodation and time. A refund is a reasonable request and a gesture of good will."

Responding to another fan, Alex Nolan said: "I'm more annoyed at the lack of communication. Why not give updates after both of the support acts have played. People may have been more understanding that way if we had better communication."

Amy Williams added: "The lack of information on this gig and the fact there is still no official start time or cancellation is poor treatment to fans who have paid and now waited hours."

Mark Conway wrote: "I'm sorry, the lack of communication and then the shortness of the gig was bang out of order. Understand your guitar tech saying you'd been up all day - bad day travelling. Well I did 200 miles. Not good communication and a lot of money lost."

Siobhan Chadders further said: "These things happen but no information and patronising communication. Followed you for years. Had to leave for last train...gutted."

And Liva Jukame added: "This was so disappointing. This gig was supposed to be our son's first concert but we had to leave to make it to our last train home. There should be refunds issued."

Dropkick Murphys are currently on a world tour. The band is due to play at Edinburgh's Corn Exchange tonight, Saturday, before journeying down to Crystal Palace Park on Sunday to play alongside The Offspring.