Method Man addressed the backlash from fans after missing Wu-Tang Clan‘s recent Australian tour dates, saying he never committed to the shows. Promoters were forced to offer refunds to ticket holders after four of the band’s members were absent from the concerts.
The shows, billed as “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber Tour,” were promoted as including the full lineup. However, Method Man, Raekwon, Cappadonna, and Young Dirty Bastard did not perform as part of the Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney dates.
“Before we even went on the overseas tour, I wasn’t going. I said I wasn’t going. I said I was booked,” Method Man said on Instagram over the weekend (via Billboard). He said the promoters marketed the shows as featuring the full lineup despite knowing he had not agreed to appear.
“I was seeing flyers saying all living members are going to be there… they know that I haven’t agreed to go on the tour yet,” he said, calling the promoters “overzealous.”
He continued, “Sometimes the promoters are privy to this information but don’t want to give out this information. They’ll wait for the ticket sales, and then they’ll make an announcement close to the date, which I don’t think is fair. The reason why I’m even giving this explanation is because I love our fans, love Australia. But again, if I’m booked, I’m booked.”
As Rolling Stone Australia reported, Wu-Tang announced via Instagram stories that Method Man was unable to appear, but the other three members’ absence was unaddressed. Following Brisbane (March 25), ahead of the two remaining shows in Melbourne (March 27) and Sydney (March 28), Ticketek issued a statement to fans.
“We want to make fans aware that due to unforeseen circumstances, a couple of members will be unable to join the remaining tour dates in Melbourne and Sydney,” the statement read. “Wu-Tang Clan will be performing and bringing everything that has made them one of the most iconic live acts in hip-hop history.”
The Austalian shows followed Wu-Tang’s European leg of their farewell tour. They hit North America last summer, and were nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last month — their first time being on the ballot. The tour will resume in Yokohama, Japan on May 24 and return to the U.S. later this year.