IF you thought life as the lead singer of an international Celtic punk band was all about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, then think again.

After 19 years on the road, Al Barr of the Dropkick Murphys says he is more of a pipe and slippers man these days.

“People think there must be some crazy stuff going on on our tour bus - well I have to tell you, there’s absolutely nothing fun happening on our bus.

“There are two buses - the old man bus and the party bus - we don’t get invited to the party bus - we’re the pipes and slippers crew.

“We’re pretty much brushing our teeth and getting ready for bed about an hour and half after being on stage!”

Al is chatting to me after a final rehearsal in Boston ahead of their European tour. The band are off to Germany in the morning and he admits he hasn’t packed yet.

“Details, details,” he laughs. “We tend to pack the day before these days. I still enjoy touring though - we always give 110 per cent.”

“It’s about your relationship with the audience. It’s 50 per cent us and 50 per cent them too.”

Al is driving back to his home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire which he shares with his wife and three children.

He admits it’s not always been easy to balance family life with life on the road.

“It’s definitely something that has taken years to reconcile. I’ve got a very close relationship with my wife - we’ve been together for nearly 30 years so I think we’re gonna make it!”

When I ask if he has any tips for a happy marriage he laughs and says: “Tour as much as possible - I’m kidding! To give credit, where credit is due, my wife has always had my back.

“One of the greatest things that this life has afforded me is being able to pay the bills through my music and to support my family. I’m just a spoke in the wheel in my family, same with the band. I do my part, but it’s a big team effort.”

Al says everything changed after he became a father.

“It sounds like such a cliche, but it opens up a part of you that you didn’t know was there.

“I was able to see more of the beauty in the world and capture that and put it into words - but the ferocity is still there!

“I still get narked off with the world at times, but I know we are very blessed and for that I’m very grateful.”

The Dropkick Murphys play at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth on Thursday, June 29.