Public Enemy

Easily one of, if not the most, important band of the last 25 years – Chuck D, Flavour Flav et al have lost none of their potency, treating a packed house to a high-powered, high-decible show that showcased exactly why they are the kings of hip hop; their revolutionary fusion of driving grooves, political lyrics and flashes of wit and turntable wizardy (via DJ Lord) enraptured all. At first, it seemed the evening might degenerate into a self-indulgent celebration of the band (who are celebrating 25 years as PE), but after a rambling intro, the band got down to business with an extended run through many their best and greatest tracks starting with their first single ‘Public Enemy No.1’ and finishing with ‘Fight The Power’, plus some new songs from their recent albums, ‘Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear On No Stamp’ and ‘The Evil Empire Of Everything’, both released this year and both featuring PE at their best – still musically looking forward and Chuck D still in no compromise mood. And live on stage they bring that energy, that incredibly raucous sound (that the Dome admirably managed to accommodate) that is largely underpinned by those magical James Brownsesque grooves, and the vocal play of Chuck D and Flavour Flav, perfectly in synch with each other. At one stage Chuck D reminded us that his and Flav’s combined ages are 105, but that they are in no mood to sacrifice their lifelong ambitions to bring the curtain down on racism, segregation and inequality.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 29 October 2012

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