The Beastie Boys formed in 1979 and released their debut album- the classic Licensed To Get Ill- over 20 years ago.

While other groups split up or fade out the three New Yorkers have been a constant helping to shape hip hop while experimenting with other genres and their videos.

Back in London for the umpteenth time- they proudly list all the years theyve played the South London venue- the trio in their forties still have more energy than most toddlers.

They bound out onto a stage enveloped in leaf-like screens wearing suits and sunglasses. Swapping between instruments and microphones- with Mixmaster Mike on the ones and twos- The Beasties run through hit after hit

No Sleep Till Brooklyn, Sure Shot and Root Down, with its sub-sonic bass, all feature. Early highlights include Body Movin and Ch-Check It Out with its apt line And no I didnt retire!

People dont always realise that the trio are also accomplished musicians playing everything from punk to jazz-funk. With Money Mark chipping in on organ, they play tracks like Off The Grid from their recent instrumental recordThe Mix-Up

On the more hip hop material Mix Master Mike cuts the well known (Apache) and the more obscure (DJ Shadows monstrous Organ Donor) into the groups own beats.

All three rappers are on top form throughout particularly Mike D-and his massive hair- and easily put rappers half their age to shame. When there is so much weak hip hop coming out of the US currently its reaffirming to see these demi-gods.

And if you can think of a better encore than Intergalactic followed by Sabotage.

All together now: AGGGHHHHH. Cant stand it, I know you planned it, imam set it straight this Watergate.

Awesome

'Tom Thorogood'