Dropkick Murphys were involved in a fatal crash yesterday (Nov. 16) after the band's tour bus struck a pedestrian. The Massachusetts-based Celtic punk veterans were en route to Dallas / Fort Worth airport so vocalist Al Barr could fly home to attend a friend's funeral. Before the band reached the airport, an individual suddenly ran onto the highway in what may have been an act of suicide.

Dropkick Murphys have suffered a tragic couple of days. On Nov. 13, Al Barr was told that one of his closest friends had passed away. Barr went on to perform up until the band's San Antonio, Texas gig, on Nov. 15, but the singer let fans know he would be unable to make the Murphys' Nov. 16 gig in Tulsa, Okla.

Barr wrote:

Two days ago in Albuquerque, NM I received a phone call that no one wants to get... One of my oldest & dearest friends Nathan Christy had passed away. Nathan & I had been like brothers since the 4th grade. It was only a few years ago that we buried his little brother Alex. Once again I am called home early from a tour to be part of a funeral service. I will sing two songs in his honor accompanied by @reverendtoddseely (an old bandmate) who has been kind enough to be part of this, dusting off "till the end" & "you can't put your arms around a memory" ! The same songs I sung at Alex's memorial.

I want to apologize to the fans coming to the Tulsa show. But if I don't fly tomorrow AM, I would miss the service. Joan, Nathan & Alex's mother needs me & I will be there for her ! I know you all know what kind of band we are & that family must come first!

The band will still play in Tulsa as scheduled. They will play a special set with Ken on lead vocals & it will be better than ever!

I will be back in time for Mexico City & South America.

Again I am sorry for my absence & appreciate your understanding in this very personal matter.—Al Barr.

Sadly, Dropkick Murphys never made it to Tulsa, as the fatal bus accident halted the group's plans:

Hello Tulsa fans. We have some tough news - we have to cancel tonight's show at Cain's Ballroom.

After last nights San Antonio show we were enroute to the dallas airport to drop off Al and then continue on to Tulsa (as we mentioned yesterday Al is flying home for the funeral of a life long friend)

Sadly however, just north of Austin we were involved in a tragic and fatal accident when a pedestrian suddenly ran onto the highway in front of our tour bus. Police suspect a suicide.

We were left with a driver that has been severely shaken up by the accident and a bus too damaged to continue onto Tulsa.

Throughout the early morning hours we tried every possible way to get our band and gear to Tulsa but we've simply run out of time.
As much as it pains us to miss a show and we truly apologize for it, we'd like to stop and acknowledge that a man has lost his life. Please keep him and any family he might have in your prayers.

All tickets purchased via phone or Internet will be automatically refunded. Those who bought tickets in-person can return to the Cain's box office during business hours for a refund.

Tulsa: thanks for your support and understanding. We will see you soon!

Love, DKM

Stay tuned for more developments as news continues to break about this horrific incident.

Watch a TV News Report on the Tour Bus Incident

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