Public Enemy
Glasgow 02 ABC
6th September, 2011

The Public Enemy history class reconvened with a 22nd anniversary tour for Fear Of A Black Planet, and Chuck D and Flava Flav led the assault as only they can, revelling in their respective roles of sage and joker. PE’s jams packed the same numbing power as ever, with Chuck’s rhymes hitting the spot in post-riot context. With Chuck and Flav flanked by the paramilitary manoeuvres of the S1W’s and backed by DJ Lord and a three-piece rhythm section, we got Fear and a whole lot more besides, with a generous ration of classics. For all its cabaret aspects (Fla’s interludes on bass and drums, and inviting female members of the crowd on stage), first and foremost the show worked as a celebration of PE and hip-hop. In the wake of the closing bombast of Fight The Power, Flav was left alone to deliver his consciousness-raising credo of peace, togetherness and power. Take a bow PE. Still fighting the powers that be.