Roots Rock Rebel

Alt Folk shouter Jesse Ahern's album commenting on the modern working-class American experience, his first for Dropkick Murphys' Dummy Luck Music label.

When Jesse Ahern walks onstage, he looks like a regular guy - albeit one with a Gretsch guitar strapped across his body and an anchor tattoo under his right eye. As he tears through his set, easily rousing brand new crowds to shout his choruses back in his face, it’s clear Jesse could be everybody’s friend. Hailing from humble beginnings in Quincy, Mass., Ahern’s tunes hold high the clenched fists of the working class. Others put on full display the raw, open heart of a man who is dedicated to love, and has known enough loss to cherish what he has at home. Still others reveal the tender, protective arms of a father who misses his kids when he’s off touring the world. On tour, Ahern stands before a giant backdrop emblazoned with the words Roots Rock Rebel. Three words that proclaim the truth about his music, and about the man himself. That’s why he chose those words as the title for his new album, produced by Ted Hutt (Dropkick Murphys, Gaslight Anthem). Ahern has spent the last four years touring the world, sharing stages with Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, and Jaime Wyatt.