GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

Call of Duty XP lines up Dropkick Murphys

Modern Warfare 3 fan event schedules Boston punk act to play opening night, with Kanye West slated for convention-closing concert.

70 Comments

When Activision announced its two-day Call of Duty XP fan convention, the publisher promised the event would be headlined by "AAA live entertainment." The company has now unveiled that talent, today announcing that Boston-based punk act Dropkick Murphys will perform on the event's opening night. Earlier this week, Activision revealed rapper Kanye West as the featured performer for the second and final night of the convention.

Dropkick Murphys in their natural habitat.
Dropkick Murphys in their natural habitat.

Dropkick Murphys' latest album, Going Out in Style arrived in stores in March, and the band has since been busy touring North America and Europe in support of it. The Call of Duty XP performance will serve as a tune-up for a pair of sold-out dates at Boston's Fenway Park before the band embarks on its own Shamrock 'N Roll Festival, a Northeastern US tour with Stiff Little Fingers, The Mahones, and a boxing demonstration from The Fighter inspiration "Irish" Micky Ward.

Set to take place on a 12-acre compound in Los Angeles September 2-3, Call of Duty XP 2011 will serve as a coming-out party for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer mode. Attendees will be able to get their hands on the game's cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, as well as check out the fully functioning Elite service for the first time.

Beyond the reveals, the convention will also play host to a $1 million Call of Duty tournament, with players able to qualify on site or by competing in regional Black Ops contests leading up to XP 2011. There will also be paintball competitions on a life-sized multiplayer map and panels with Call of Duty developers. While attendance is going to be capped at a little over 6,000, Activision has promised that a "constant stream" of videos, photos, and status updates will be released through TV and online outlets for those unable to make it. It's unclear if West's performance will be part of that content.

Tickets to Call of Duty XP 2011 will cost $150 each, with all proceeds going to the Call of Duty Endowment, which was created to assist veterans in their transition back to civilian life after service. All ticket holders will receive a free copy of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Hardened Edition when the game goes on sale November 8, as well as an attendee-exclusive goodie bag.

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
This video has an invalid file format.
00:00:00
Sorry, but you can't access this content!
Please enter your date of birth to view this video

By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are 70 comments about this story