Brixton Academy played host to one of the most respected bands of the last twenty years in September: The Beastie Boys.

The simple fact that it was almost ten years ago that they visited this venue made the night even more special. Now the grand veterans of the Hip Hop scene, the Beastie Boys have never rested on their laurels.

Constantly changing and performing with new ideas, their shows are always something to behold. Tonight’s show was no different. Mixing old with new in a one and a half hour show is an art in itself but the Beastie Boys manage it incredibly easily. Sure Shot, Time for Livin’ and Remote Control are rattled off in an unforgettable ten minutes.

However, the Beastie Boys strengths have always been the way they perform to an audience, by integrating the fans and serving up the hits on a platter. They recognise the merits of keeping the new instrumental albums’ highlights to a minimum and often merge snippets together in between songs.

It’s a common misconception that the musical genius behind the Beastie Boys is DJ Mix Master Mike and Keyboardist Mark Nishita but the Beastie Boys are their own architects. It’s proven here in magnificent fashion. Sabotage comes to a bass rattling conclusion and Body Movin’ is quite stunning in its visual and musical excellence.

The final volley of rap infused funk that Intergalactic brings makes sure that there’s a fitting finale to the Beastie’s triumphant return to “Ol Blighty.”

They maybe in their 40’s, major political and ecological protestors, have receding hairlines (except Mike D who’s curly mop top is mightily impressive) and be practising Buddha’s, but the Beastie Boys it seems will always fight for their right  - and your rights - to have a fantastic party.