Wu-Tang Clan, highly regarded as rap royalty and bona fide hip-hop legends, gave a remarkable performance in Manchester this past week.
I was 11 years old when their debut album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)," dropped in 1993, so my true introduction came in 1997 with "Wu-Tang Forever." This album cemented them as rap icons, achieving worldwide acclaim and shaping a generation of listeners.
I made the two-hour drive with my playlist set to the 1996 compilation album, "The Best Rap Album in the World...Ever!" Arriving at the Etihad Campus, I was met by torrents of fans proudly wearing the iconic “W” logo on football jerseys and headgear outside Co-op Live.
After collecting my photo pass, I made my way to the pit. A full-height, stage-wide curtain emblazoned with the Wu-Tang logo greeted us, while backing music reminiscent of 90s street basketball video games filled the arena.
As the music gradually faded, a deep bassline crashed through the venue as the curtain dropped to reveal a supporting rock band and DJ Mathematics on the turntables. Instantly, hands rose across the crowd, forming the unmistakable “W”: a unifying symbol of loyalty.
The first set centered on the album "36 Chambers," introducing the full collective to Manchester. Visuals of the Killa Bees swarmed the backdrop as RZA opened proceedings, setting the tone for a career-spanning set. Alongside him stood core members including Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna.
This set included "Sunlight," "Bring da Ruckus," "Clan in da Front," "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'," "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit," "Method Man," and "Protect Ya Neck."
The stage design throughout reflected the group’s love of martial arts, in addition to archival footage on the screen taking the audience on a journey through the group’s legacy.
Set two explored their catalogue even further, diving into "Rainy Dayz," "Criminology," "Incarcerated Scarfaces," "Survival of the Fittest," "Eye for an Eye (Your Beef Is Mines)," "Shook Ones (Part Two)," "Quiet Storm (remix)," "Ice Cream," "Release Yo' Delf," "Grid Iron Rap," "Bring The Pain," and "All I Need."
The next set heavily featured GZA and was made up of "Liquid Swords," "Duel of the Iron Mic," "Gravel Pit," "4th Chamber," "Severe Punishment," "No Said Date," "Above the Cloudz," "Tearz," and "The Way We Were."
The six-track encore brought the night to a powerful close. They started with "Reunited" and "It's Yourz" before Young Dirty Bastard honoured his father with “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Got Your Money." The fan-favourite “C.R.E.A.M.” was next, transporting me instantly back to 1997, when I first discovered Wu-Tang. “Triumph” closed the show, delivering a fitting finale.
It was an unforgettable night—both a celebration and, perhaps, a farewell to UK audiences. The tour now continues internationally, with dates scheduled across Dubai, Japan, Australia, and the United States.
While billed as a farewell tour, it feels far from the end. With Hall of Fame recognition, Las Vegas residencies, solo ventures, film projects, collaborations, and gaming expansions, the Wu-Tang universe continues to evolve.
If you're a fan of rap and hip-hop, you missed a fantastic night; if you were born in the 80s, you missed a full hit of nostalgia.
I'll sign off there; it’s time to dig out my copy of "Wu-Tang Forever" (hope the tape is wound tight), dust off the double cassette deck, and let the sound of the 90s take over once again...
