You would’ve never thought you’d see the day, but even the most statusesqe and influential empires in the world must end. On a brisk morning in late February, just when the scents of spring are beginning to waft through city streets and backyards, the defacto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan shared news that left fans in a stagnant space between rejoice and heartbreak. On February 28, Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber tour was announced, and it marks the final trek for the Staten Island-born Hip-hop icons. The 27-date tour will include the entire original lineup, with Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son stepping in for the lost member.
Along with opener Run The Jewels, who will be at all tour stops outside of the Detroit date, Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chapter will see the group hit cities across North America. The tour starts in Baltimore on June 6 and will wrap up in Philadelphia on July 18. It will also include stops in Boston, Seattle, and Toronto and a homecoming show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Tickets are on sale now and clocking in at some pretty reasonable prices, depending on the show.
In a press release along with the tour announcement, RZA stated, “On this tour we’re playing songs we’ve never played before to our audience and me and our production team have designed a Wu-Tang show unlike anything you’ve ever seen.” Could this mean new music from Wu, or is the leader promising to unearth some deep cuts for day-one Wu fanatics? While classics like “C.R.E.A.M” and “Triumph” are expected, what else could the Hip-hop legends have in store for this upcoming tour? No need to stress yourself out with speculation; Glide has done enough head-scratching over this setlist for everyone. Check out our selections for essential tracks we want to hear Wu-Tang Clan perform on their final tour together below.
“Y’all Been Warned”
Iron Flag
“Y’all Been Warned” is a highlight from Wu-Tang’s underrated 2001 LP, Iron Flag, and has not been performed live in its twenty-plus years in the public. According to setlist.fm “Y’all Been Warned” has only made it onto one Wu-Tang setlist from 2004. The criminally overlooked song features Wu’s signature head-nodding drums that only become more colorful in a live setting.
“It’s Yourz”
Wu-Tang Forever
One of the more iconic songs from Wu’s classic double sophomore release has rarely made it onto the stage. “It’s Yourz” is the last tune on disc one of Wu-Tang Forever and features some of the most quotable verses the group ever released. Shockingly, it has only been performed 31 times since its 1997 release, with the last performance happening at Red Rocks Ampitheater in 2021.
“Cash Still Rules”
Wu-Tang Forever
While “C.R.E.A.M” is performed at almost every Wu-Tang show, its unofficial sister song is a more rare sighting. “Cash Still Rules,” from Wu’s sophomore effort, is a slow-burning track with intricate verses that can only be fully experienced with that droning vocal sample booming out of stadium speakers. It has not been performed since Wu’s 2007 tour, when they stopped in Boulder, Colorado.
“Duck Seazon”
Wu-Tang Forever
When an album is as revered as Wu-Tang Forever, calling any song on there a B-side seems disrespectful. If one song from the double-disc is willing to fall on the sword, it’s the gritty “Duck Seazon.” The dark drums stunningly accent the menacing vocals, and for such an essential-sounding Wu track, it rarely makes it on a setlist. The last time “Duck Seazon” was performed live dates back to 2018.
“Gravel Pit”
The W
While “Gravel Pit” has been a mainstay on Wu’s setlist since its initial release in 2000, watching the group bow out without hearing it live one last time would be a crime. A highlight from the group’s 2000 LP, The W, features modern danceability that could act as a nice break from the sharp sword of Wu’s breakneck instrumentals.
“Da Mystery of Chessboxin’”
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
This may seem like a no-brainer for diehard Wu fans, but this single from Wu’s legendary debut deserves all the praise and stage time. “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’” features some of the most iconic verses from the group and was performed at the group’s recent Vegas residency.
“Bring Da Ruckus”
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
For many day-one fans and modern adaptors, “Brind Da Ruckus” is the first song that genuinely separated dedicated Wu followers from casual fans. The rowdy intro to the group’s debut album has defined the band’s energy for their careers, and it is almost guaranteed to be heard on Wu-Tang’s final tour. Wu-Tang performed this song during their Vegas residency and over 130 times throughout the group’s reign over Hip-hop.
“Protect Ya Neck”
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
How does one end an illustrious career? The same way they started, of course. Wu-Tang Clan crashed into Hip-hop with their 1992 debut single “Protect Ya Neck,” and most are still recovering from the first time this song hit their ear drums. Their debut single has been performed worldwide, and as recently as last year during the group’s recent residency.
“Heaterz”
Wu-Tang Forever
This rough and jagged cut from disc two of the group’s sophomore effort is an overlooked essential for Wu-Tang. The fact that this sound-defining track is positioned toward the end of the two-hour LP makes it feel wrongfully underrated, and the numbers don’t lie. According to setlist.fm, the crew has only dusted the song off once during a London performance in 2007. A Wu track with this many memorable verses would be a proper send-off for the group’s farewell tour.
“Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit”
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
What started as an anthem for the young Wu-Tang Clan has become the soundtrack to Hip-hop heads for decades, and its visceral energy has withstood the test of time. “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit” takes on a different meaning now that Wu’s farewell tour is right around the corner. Instead of an urgent, chanting single that displays the group’s prowess, it is now a reminder for anyone thinking the group’s last tour means an end for their legacy. Wu has performed this song over 150 times and as recently as their 2024 Vegas residency, making it almost a guarantee for Wu’s 2025 excursion.
