Incubus? More like In-suck-ubus.

I went to the show with middling expectations. I vaguely remember some of the hits from their rap-rock era. They were alright. I was especially excited to see Mike Einziger, the band’s acclaimed multi-instrumentalist/lead guitarist, rock out in person.

What went down was a disappointing hour-long performance (entirely acoustic) and a single song encore. The drummer and turntablist didn’t even join in until the last two songs, standing visibly off stage sipping tea throughout most of the set. Granted, with bassist Ben Kenney out of commission in a Beijing hospital the group’s song list was whittled down a bit. The songs wouldn’t have sounded the same… but still, you have a room full of fans that have paid RMB500 a piece to see you play. You make do. That’s what professional entertainers do.

Despite Mike Einziger living up to his multi-instrumentalist moniker by playing a passable pipa on stage, I only wish I had two more hands...so I can give this show four thumbs down.