Concert review - Wu-Tang Clan at HMV Institute, Birmingham

HMV Institute, Birmingham

Concert review by Chris Leggett

Veteran New York rap group Wu-Tang Clan rolled back the years when they performed a memorable set in Birmingham last night.

A half strength line up played a superb greatest hits show, reviving the charisma and rhyming flair which made "the Wu" one of the most exciting acts of the mid-1990s before egos and declining quality standards diminished their collective power.

After a late start, the rappers faithfully recreated some of their finest moments, getting a near sell out crowd rocking the HMV Institute for 90 minutes.

Now in their 40s, original members Method Man, GZA and Ghostface Killah were among the eight performers assembled, with the group drawing largely upon their 1993 debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

Songs like Bring Da Ruckas and Clan In Da Front showcased to full effect the hypnotic mix of beats, kung fu samples and vivid lyrics which was once the Wu trademark.

Posters outside announced that key members Raekwon, Inspektah Deck and the group's leader and producer RZA were absent due to "unforeseen circumstances", provoking groans from queueing gig goers.

But they were ultimately not missed as the energetic Method Man led the crowd through mass singsongs of old classics like Reunited and CREAM.

The rappers also drew upon their solo albums which rank among the finest rap offerings of the 1990s, the highlights including Ghostface's run through Criminology and GZA's feisty sparring with "Meth" on Duel of the Iron Mic.

Not every song has stood the test of time and there were some dips, particularly for newer songs but hits like Gravel Pit sparked mass dancing.

Other highlights included Clan DJ Mathematics showing off his dexterity by playing the turntables with his bare feet while wearing handcuffs.

The hip hop scene may have moved on but the powerful closing Can It Be That It Was All So Simple showed there may still be life in these old dogs yet.