“What energy you give to us, we gonna give it right back to you,” was RZA’s opening promise, as he paced The Riverstage solo (26 February): mic in one hand, champagne bottle in the other.
A cult crowd of Brisbane’s seasoned stoners, slick hipsters and hip hop purists (representing the cassette era) were eager to show their compliance at first opportunity and didn’t have to wait long.
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Four more of the group’s nine surviving members (Ghostface, GZA, Masta Killa and Raekwon) moved out on stage like army-trained wolves, wildly chanting 'Bring Da Ruckus', the opening track of their seminal 1993 debut ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'.
Image © Daniel FosterThe Riverstage acoustics rendered most verses largely inaudible, though these issues were overcome by the volume and energy of the group’s setlist, much of which was sourced from their debut classic and the cream of their copious solo work.
A few shaky moments – namely the questionable cover of The Beatle’s ‘Come Together’ and a ridiculous rendition of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ – were eclipsed by an otherwise perfect hip hop performance.
Image © Daniel FosterDJ Mathematics added to nostalgia mid-set with a display of old-school Queens’ turntablism, complete with foot (yes, foot) scratching before the home-stretch of fan favourites: ‘C.R.E.A.M’, ‘Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta Fuck Wit’ and ‘Gravel Pit’ sucker punched the crowd to ecstasy.
Image © Daniel FosterDespite calls for an encore from both audience and artist, the venue’s strict 10pm curfew prevented such, which noticeably disturbed RZA, who’d earlier voiced frustrations with Australia’s new lock-out laws.
Image © Daniel FosterOn the final night of their Australian tour, with fans calling out for more, they parted with a Wu-Tang message of hope, harmony and universal peace, but did so in a hurry, to make curfew at one of the earliest after-parties in hip hop history.
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