INSANE CLOWN POSSE
Tramshed, Cardiff
Sat 18 Jan
Juggalos assemble. Now if that means nothing to you, then move along, but to a certain group of fans, that can only mean one thing. That’s right, Insane Clown Posse are coming. Making their debut in the Welsh capital, ICP will be hitting up the Tramshed, in what promises to be a very interesting evening.
Their live shows are almost legendary for being totally chaotic. Past tours have seen naked roadies, caged attractions, showgirls, clowns and of course, lots and lots of low-grade American fizzy drink Faygo, so Cardiff will be in for quite a night. Formed as far back as 1989, the duo of Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope first came to prominence in the mid-to-late 90s with their violent take on rap. Their breakthrough album The Great Milenko perfectly blended that lurid imagery with hip-hop and the burgeoning nu-metal scene, quickly catapulting them to MTV audiences across the world and culminating in an appearance at the infamous 1999 edition of Woodstock.
Since then they’ve formed wrestling promotions, got into public spats with Eminem and been involved in several costly lawsuits. Yet their fanbase has never wanedm with the band still drawing thousands of people to their annual Gathering Of The Juggalos festivals in the States. Such is the reputation of the Juggalos that the FBI even have a dossier on them, listing them as a “loosely organised hybrid gang.”
Amidst all of this, J and Shaggy have apparently found God, but rest assured, the shows remain just as crazy as ever – as does the music. Fearless Fred Fury, released earlier this year, is the boys’ 15th studio album and finds ICP in fine form. So if you want to see what all the fuss is about, then dig out those huge 90s baggy jeans, slap on some greasepaint and get down to the Tramshed in Cardiff for what could potentially be the wildest night of your life.
words CHRIS ANDREWS
Tickets: £23.50. Info: 029 2023 5555 / www.tramshedcardiff.com