Wu-Tang Clan at Shrine Expo Hall

July 27th, 2018 marks the first time the entire 36 Chambers album was played in California. The show was at The Shrine, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, and let’s just say Da Ruckus was brought.

Throughout all of the great openers (special shout out to the firecracker DJ Livia) the Wu-Tang’s trademark bird loomed overhead. The Shrine was packed, and just about everyone was wearing a Wu-Tang Clan shirt. Everyone was hyped and ready.

The Wu-Tang Clan rushed out in full force with the opening track of 36 Chambers, “Bring Da Ruckus,” and this level of high energy was maintained throughout the show. The guys had a blast on stage, messing around and dancing with each other. The teamwork and talent that made the Wu-Tang Clan so successful were palpable tonight. They managed to sound like 9 unique voices, yet also a single strong force of nature.

After they performed 36 Chambers, the group paid tribute to Ol’ Dirty Bastard and played several other popular songs. Along with the tribute to ODB, there was a general attitude of gratefulness that permeated the show. The group repeatedly emphasized how important their California fans were to Wu-Tang’s success, and they marveled at the trajectory their careers have taken in the past two and a half decades.

As the show was ending, there was a moment of calm as one by one, several members, including RZA, stood alone at the top of the stage and performed some original verses. Finally, there were mentions of a new collective album, many solo projects, and the impending release of a new feature film called Cut Throat City by RZA. It definitely seemed that the Wu-Tang Clan is overjoyed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their historical, groundbreaking album, but the group isn’t close to being done yet.

-- Madeleine Hamilton