Wu-Tang Clan turned Paris into their 37th Chamber with a massive show at Accor Arena. The full clan was present this time: RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and longtime affiliate Cappadonna. It is notable, because it hasn't always been the case. In 2019 for example, Method Man was absent, reportedly due to a financial dispute of some sort. This time the whole crew was reunited, and it felt so good...
The show opened with a run of classics from their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), immediately sending the arena into a frenzy. After that, the set leaned heavily into solo material, which has always been central to the concept: the Clan as a launchpad for the individual careers, brands and ventures of its member. Many of those solo songs have become classics in their own right and hearing tracks like “Liquid Swords,” “Ice Cream,” and “Bring the Pain” reminded everyone just how deep that catalogue runs.
As he's been doing for the better part of the decade, Young Dirty Bastard stepped in to perform his father’s tunes, including his signature anthem “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.” The man's ressemblance to the person he is standing in for made it partially eerie (and even borderline creepy!) but if anyone has the legitimacy to carry that torch it is him.
The night also brought a welcome surprise when Havoc appeared to perform a couple of Mobb Deep classics. When the opening notes of “Shook Ones” hit, the entire arena erupted.
Despite a few frustrating interruptions for advertising breaks, a trend one hopes does not become standard practice at concerts, the energy never really dipped. When the Wu-Tang Clan locked in together the show ran on pure adrenaline.
A segment paying tribute to hip-hop's fallen greats like Biz Markie, 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G. and Master P was given an added layer of poignancy with the recent passing of longtime collaborator Oliver "Power" Grant... But as a whole, the concert was a celebration of all things Wu, and a joyous one at that.
This tour is being billed as the Wu-Tang Clan’s farewell run... Should we believe them? Why stop when you can still command an arena with such power, such urgency? I'm wagering that they'll bring the ruckus back in five years, in this very venue, for the REUNITED tour.
