Insane Clown Posse’s Hallowicked
Masonic Temple Theatre
Friday, Oct. 31
They are far from one of my favorite Detroit musicians, but you have to give credit to Insane Clown Posse (ICP) for putting on one of the best (locally produced) shows you can see in the city.
Known for wearing black-and-white clown make-up and a legion of loyal fans who do the same and swallow up merch like their paychecks were born to be put into the coffers of these clowns, Insane Clown Posse threw their annual Halloween celebration known as “Hallowicked.”
Be prepared to be drenched in Faygo (a local Detroit soda brand) if you’re close enough to the stage for these shows. Two liters of pop got sent flying from the stage like a waterfall of carbonation. (The group actually had to switch to diet recently because the full-sugar stuff was becoming too sticky on the venue, resulting in days of clean-up.)
If you’re not super into their brand of horror-core rap with circus-themed beats, it’s a bit of a joke around town.
For people into their violent and absurdist lyrics and love their outsider mentality, this was a massive night in the lore of Insane Clown Posse.
Most of the crowd wore face paint that matches the band. (I did, too, hoping to fit in – I feel like they could smell the cultural tourist on me).
While people might have their judgement about the group or their fanbase, these are some of the most polite, excited and into it audiences you’ll ever come across at a live concert. Bands would kill for this level of dedication. It’s Phish-like in its dedication.
I first went to this a couple years ago and was absolutely hooked. While the music isn’t for me, I respect the hustle. This duo has created a sub-culture truly from nothing, coming of age at the same time as fellow Detroit-ish acts (there’s always the “well, they actually grew up in the suburbs” debate) Kid Rock and Eminem were figuring out their identities in the mid-to-late ‘90s.
And Insane Clown Posse does not mess around when it comes to their productions. When I first went a couple years ago, the set design was very “horror movie set near a haunted barn in the middle of nowhere.” This year, it feature a bounty of color as ICP (Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope) lifted the curtain to unveil a complete recreation of Bikini Bottom, the town of Spongebob Squarepants.
That element of surprise and investment in production sets ICP apart. The fans are ravenous, and the duo sets the table to feed them.
I’ve said this before about the electronic music festival Movement, another signature Detroit event. Electronic music might not be for you, but it’s right in your backyard and it’s part of our culture.
ICP’s Hallowicked might be a harder sell, but it’s worth checking out to see what we’re known for – whether you agree with the absurdity or not.
