User:Bcornish1/sandbox

(for Red Sox)

Music


The integration of music into the culture of the Red Sox dates back to the Americans era, which saw the first use of the popular 1902 showtune Tessie as a rallying cry by fans. The tune saw a resurgence in popularity when a new version by Boston area band The Dropkick Murphys was featured in the 2005 film Fever Pitch, which tells the story of an obsessive Red Sox fan. The song is frequently played after home wins and was the namesake of one of the team's mascots.

Another song associated with the team and its fanbase is Neil Diamond's 1969 single Sweet Caroline. The song was first introduced to Fenway Park in 1997. By 2002, its play had been established as a nightly occurrence. It continues to be played at every home game during the 8th inning, sung along to by those in attendance. In 2007, Diamond revealed that the song was written for Caroline Kennedy, American diplomat and daughter of Boston icon President John F. Kennedy. Caroline Kennedy's great-grandfather, John F. Fitzgerald threw Fenway Park's first ever ceremonial opening pitch on April 20, 1912.

More generally, the Celtic rock music of the Dropkick Murphys is widely associated with the Red Sox and Boston sports culture as a whole. Their song I'm Shipping Up to Boston was used to signify the entrance of Boston's closing pitcher. They have also provided music for the Boston Bruins and the 2010 film The Fighter, based on the life of Lowell native Mickey Ward. Perceptions of Boston sports culture and Boston culture in general have been greatly shaped by the Dropkick Murphys and their association with the Red Sox, which has led to their music's use in films such as The Departed and satire in popular culture.