History of The Warrior's Code in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 26, 2026

The Warrior's Code, Dropkick Murphys' fifth and bestselling studio album, released in June 2005, is dedicated to Lowell's Micky Ward, who appears on the cover and is the subject of the title track. This album marked the band's last with Hellcat Records before transitioning to their own Born & Bred Records. It also introduced new members Tim Brennan and Scruffy Wallace to the lineup.

August 2004: "Tessie" Single and Music Video Release

In August 2004, Dropkick Murphys released "Tessie" as a single with its own music video. "Tessie" is a bonus track on The Warrior's Code album.

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2004: "Your Spirit's Alive" Songwriting

In 2004, Dropkick Murphys wrote "Your Spirit's Alive" in memory of their friend Greg "Chickenman" Riley, who died in a motorcycle accident. The song also references Garnet Bailey and Mark Bavis, who died during the September 11 attacks.

2004: Red Sox Championship and "Tessie" EP Release

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won their first championship in 86 years. The same year, Dropkick Murphys released the "Tessie EP", featuring a reworking of a Red Sox rally song. The song is listed as a bonus track on the Warrior's Code album.

June 2005: The Warrior's Code Album Release

In June 2005, Dropkick Murphys released "The Warrior's Code", their fifth studio album. It became their bestselling album and featured a dedication to Micky Ward. This album marked their last with Hellcat Records before they moved to their own label. Tim Brennan and Scruffy Wallace made their debut as band members on this album.

2006: "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" Single Release

In 2006, Dropkick Murphys released "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" as a single. Although previously released on the "Fields of Athenry" single, it gained popularity after being featured in the movie The Departed.

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2010: "The Warrior's Code" in "The Fighter"

In 2010, "The Warrior's Code" by Dropkick Murphys was used in the film "The Fighter", a biopic about boxer Micky Ward.

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February 4, 2026: Release of "Citizen I.C.E."

On February 4, 2026, Dropkick Murphys, in collaboration with Haywire, launched a rewritten version of "Citizen C.I.A.", which they renamed "Citizen I.C.E.". This song is slated to be featured on the split album titled "New England Forever", a joint effort by both bands.

March 17, 2026: Release of "New England Forever" Album

On March 17, 2026, the split album "New England Forever" by Dropkick Murphys and Haywire is set to be released. It will feature their collaborative track "Citizen I.C.E."