Wu-Tang Clan (Roselle Chen)

Wu-Tang’s opening act, La the Darkman, was set to perform at 8 and Wu-Tang at 8:45.

Wu-Tang didn’t come on until 11 p.m.

The group’s demographic of college kids to young professionals that were in the venue were restless.

And rightly so; it was inconsiderate of Wu-Tang to have made the audience wait so long when many had work or school the next day.

At least say you’ll be on at 11 beforehand and not make everyone think you’ll be on at 8:45.

Although, when Wu-Tang finally performed, the people came alive and cheered.

Everyone joined thumbs and pointed four fingers outwards to form the universal Wu sign and “Bring da Ruckus” brought the crowd to a frenzied but rhythmic, head bobbing mass.

These were true fans, and they loved every moment of it. They sang the lyrics to “Ice Cream,” raised their hands to “M.E.T.H.O.D. Man” and knew by heart “Liquid Swords.”

RZA was missing from the crew’s Rebirth Tour, as he is directing and starring with Russell Crowe in the martial-arts film, “The Man with the Iron Fist,” in China.

The group rapped most songs from 1993’s debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” performed singles off their individual offshoots and even sang “Family Reunion” by The O'Jays.

“Fuck the money, we do this shit from the heart,” said Raekwon.

Mathematics held the beat back while the crowd roared with pleasure at Cappadonna’s rap skills.

Wu-Tang Clan originated from Staten Island in 1993 and is made up of members RZA, GZA, (the late) Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon (the Chef), U-God, Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa, Method Man, Redman (from 2005 on) and Cappadonna (from 2007 on).

I left at midnight in the middle of “Bring the Pain” and was sad to go but more exhausted to have waited around through four opening acts and a chorus of boos from a previously unhappy crowd.

“These people paid good money to be here,” said Method Man. “Let’s give them what they came here for.”

Looking back at the throng of hands swaying in the air, Wu-Tang more than made up for lost time and won their deserved fans back.

SLIDESHOW:

Reach Roselle here.
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