Wu-Tang Clan: Hip-hop legends go on tour for the last time

The Wu-Tang saga is coming to an end. At least as far as the band's live performances are concerned. The hip-hop collective from New York has just announced its final tour on Instagram .

"Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber" is the name of the farewell tour. The clan is thus alluding to two early milestones in its career. "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" was the title of the style-defining debut album from 1993, which in turn refers to the martial arts film "The 36 Chambers of Shaolin". "Wu-Tang Forever" was the name of their second LP. The double album was released in 1997, after some members had released solo albums in between.

The final tour starts on June 6, 2025 in Baltimore. It will take you through 27 cities in the USA and Canada. The trip will end on July 18, 2025 with a gig in Philadelphia. The rap duo Run the Jewels will be the opening act. Advance ticket sales start on Friday (February 28).

What does the farewell tour mean for the future of Wu-Tang?

Does the farewell tour mean that the Wu-Tang Clan will soon be a thing of the past? Not necessarily. "This could be the last time you see us all together in physical form," Wu mastermind RZA (55) told the "New York Times".

"You may see us on TV, but we won't be coming to your city anymore," the rapper and producer continued. And he invites fans: "We want you to come and break bread with us."

In a video posted on Instagram, the Wu-Tang Clan also hints that it might not be over yet. "Do you know what 'Forever' means?" it says, referring to the tour title. "It means there is no beginning and no end." A typically enigmatic announcement for the band that does not allow for any clear conclusions.

On the last tour, the Wu-Tang Clan could also present songs from a new album. "Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman: From The Wu-Tang, the Saga Continues Collection" is due to be released on April 12, 2025. In keeping with Record Store Day, which is celebrated on that day, the first LP in eight years will only be released on vinyl.

Farewell tour prepared well in advance?

According to RZA, the farewell tour has been planned for a long time. After there was a five-year plan in Wu-Tang's early days, the tour is part of two new five-year plans. The creative head of the clan revealed this to the "New York Times". The last two plans included the series "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" about the early days of the clan and the documentary series "Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men".

The Wu-Tang Clan was formed in 1992 in the New York borough of Staten Island. Founding members alongside RZA were GZA (58), Method Man (53), Raekwon (55), Ghostface Killah (54), Inspectah Deck (54), U-God (54) and Masta Killa (55). Cappadonna (56) later joined as a permanent member.

Ol' Dirty Bastard (1968-2004) was also a member of the clan until his death. His son Young Dirty Bastard (35) will represent him on the farewell tour.

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