Written By: Christie Bilbo
On Friday the 13th, Dickie’s Arena opened its doors to one of hip-hop’s beloved groups, Wu-Tang Clan. Despite the humid and sticky night, the weather wasn’t deterring the fans who worshipped at the altar of Wu-Tang.
I wish there were more concerts at Dickie’s Arena in Fort Worth. Attending concerts is a gift I give to myself. It’s a shame that most concerts are held in Dallas. I understand that the venues are larger. However, with Dickie’s concert capacity at 14,000, attendance is small compared to that of the American Airlines Center (20,000), AT&T Stadium (80,000), and Dos Equis Pavilion (20,000).
If you have never been to Dickie’s Arena, you are truly missing out. First, the building’s aesthetics boast an art deco style that blends seamlessly with its neighbors: Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum, National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Museum of Science and History, Kimball Art Museum, and the Modern Art Museum. On the outside, the building resembles a venue where grand balls would have been held. Depending on which side you face, you will enjoy a spectacular view. On the east side, beautifully lit stairs resemble a wedding cake at night. Meanwhile, the north and south sides evoke imagery reminiscent of something from the book “The Great Gatsby.” On the west side, facing Montgomery Street, there is a mural of mosaic tiles that can only be described as Texas Pride.
Upon entering, the experience enhances. I feel as though I’ve traveled back in time, surrounded by an ambiance that invites an orchestra or a grand piano melody to accompany the moment. The gray and white tiled floors extend throughout, and magnificent chandeliers illuminate the pathway, creating a breathtaking atmosphere.
I’m not sure how much land Dickie’s sits on, but combined with the Will Rogers Memorial Center, I estimate it’s about 120 acres. This ensures there will be more than enough parking. The Chevrolet Garage can accommodate 2,200 cars, and the lots provide 5,228 spaces, with overflow at the Will Rogers Heritage Garage, which holds 1,100 cars.
I want to advise you that if you attend an event at Dickie’s Arena, it would be wise to check for events happening at Will Rogers. If that’s the case, parking will be limited, so be sure to plan accordingly before attending an event.
Opening the night was Run the Jewels, also known as RTJ. The superduo consists of EI-P and Killer Mike. They debuted their first album, “Run the Jewels,” in 2013. However, it was in 2014, with the release of their second album, “Run the Jewels 2,” that they began to build a massive fan base. By having songs featured on the Adult Swim Singles Program, they began receiving the recognition they deserved in the music industry. Additionally, they gained further prominence by supporting Jack White and performing at Coachella and Bonnaroo in 2015.
In 2018, they were nominated for a Grammy Award for their song “Chase Me” featuring Big Boi. Not going unnoticed worldwide, they have also received nominations and won awards for their music and videos.
When Run the Jewels took the stage, they came out swinging. With tracks like “Legend Has It,” “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry,” and the hit “Lie, Cheat, Steal,” the audience rallied behind the duo, giving them the recognition they deserved. They ensured the audience was pumped and ready for the main act.
At 9:20 p.m., the Wu-Tang Clan took the stage.
I want to highlight how respectful Dickie’s was towards the Wu-Tang members. On Instagram, Dickies showcased custom jackets featuring the Wu-Tang insignia in bright yellow alongside the Dickie’s Arena. Additionally, they presented a silver belt buckle award to acknowledge their sold-out show.
With excitement in the air, the surviving members began to emerge one by one. Gradually, RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, GZA, Cappadonna, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Raekwon made their appearances.
They divided their set into four stages. The first featured deep cuts from their first album “36 Chambers.” In the second part, they brought out Blue Raspberry to join them with her harmonies. She delivered a beautiful rendition of “The Way We Were.”
A standout aspect of their performance was the integration of solo songs into the concert. Including tracks like “Ice Cream,” “4th Chamber,” “Bring the Pain,” and “Liquid Swords” ensured that every artist who had pursued their own projects was acknowledged.
During set 4, excitement filled the air! When the beats of “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Got Your Money” dropped, Young Dirty Bastard took the stage to honor his father. The crowd erupted in cheers, showing their heartfelt respect and encouragement for him.
It was “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Triumph” that truly elevated the night, serving as an outstanding finale.
As a devoted heavy metal fan, I still enjoy a few rap artists. My interest in rap grew when heavy metal began blending with it, thanks to bands like Limp Bizkit and System of a Down. Additionally, the East Coast versus West Coast rivalry sparked my curiosity about certain music scenes.
I’m no expert on hip-hop, but don’t get me wrong… WE ALL COULD USE A LITTLE WU-TANG IN OUR LIVES.
As a side note, I found myself surrounded by people who took out rolled joints and started firing them up. There was no vaping happening near me. I didn’t think much of it; I’ve attended enough concerts to expect this. However, I didn’t anticipate the effect it would have on me. When I finally left the concert and stepped outside for some fresh air, it hit me unexpectedly hard. I felt lightheaded and incredibly relaxed. I was so relaxed that by the time I reached the Chevrolet garage; I couldn’t locate my car. I wandered around for what felt like ages searching for it. I could hear my car alarm but couldn’t see it. I was so out of it that at one point, I saw my car, heard it, but couldn’t figure out how to reach it. In the end, I made a quick stop at Taco Bell on my way home and had the best damn taco of my life…and I hate Taco Bell.
Check out Dickie’s Arena for upcoming events. There are plenty of activities happening. Nine Inch Nails will be performing there in September.
We have an exciting summer ahead with concerts happening all over Texas. (I was in Houston the following night to see Suicidal Tendencies, Pantera, and Metallica.) Get your ticket and enjoy yourselves! I’ll see y’all at the next concert.
